Join us for a whirlwind tour of global Mother's Day traditions! From Peruvian cemetery visits to Mexican street serenades, these customs will spice up your celebration for Mom!
It’s Mother's Day today. And it’s all about showing love to the amazing women who make our lives better. It's a chance to say 'thank you' for all the little things they do. Whether it's giving cards, flowers, or just spending time together, every culture puts its own spin on celebrating moms. Let's take a peek at how different places around the world make Mother's Day special.
In Japan, Mother’s Day closely resembles the celebration in the United States. It falls on the second Sunday in May, just like in the States. Moms are showered with gifts, often including flowers like red carnations or roses, and treated to delicious home-cooked meals. A charming tradition that emerged in the 1950s involves children drawing pictures of their moms during classroom activities. These artworks are sometimes entered into an art contest, echoing a tradition where kids used to enter their mother's portraits into a global art competition every four years.
In the UK, Mothering Sunday is a bit different from Mother's Day in the US. It falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which is the time leading up to Easter. Originally, it was a day to honor the Virgin Mary, but it evolved over time. Back in the day, it was a tradition for servants and apprentices to visit their home church, called their "mother" church, once a year. They'd bring along a simnel cake, a yummy fruit cake with marzipan layers, to share with their families. Nowadays, while simnel cakes aren't as common, people still celebrate with gifts like flowers, candy, and cards.
Credit: yinyeec
Back in 1920, France had this really touching idea for moms with big families. They started giving out medals to these incredible women as a way of saying thanks for their role in rebuilding the population after the devastation of World War I. Then, after World War II, they went even further and designated the last Sunday in May as the official Day of Mothers. And you know what they give now? A flower-shaped cake! It's a lovely little gesture to honor all the amazing moms out there.
In Mexico, Mother’s Day is a major event, always celebrated on May 10th, regardless of the day of the week. Much like in the United States, flowers play a significant role in the festivities. However, Mexico has its own distinct customs. On the eve of Mother’s Day, it’s a tradition for children to prioritize being at home with their mothers. What makes it truly unique is the morning serenade on May 10th. Mothers are often treated to the delightful tunes of a mariachi band performing the beloved song "Las Mañanitas." These special touches make Mother’s Day in Mexico truly memorable.
Credit: mariachibohemio
In Italy, there's a lovely tradition on Mother's Day: moms get a break from all the household chores and cooking duties. It's all about giving them a chance to relax and be celebrated without worrying about their usual daily responsibilities. Family members, especially children and spouses, step up to take care of the tasks that the mother usually handles, giving her a day to be pampered and appreciated. It's a sweet way to honor moms and show them just how much they're loved and appreciated.
In Peru, Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday in May, just like in the U.S. Similar to here, Peruvians love to shower their moms with flowers, cards, and gifts to mark the occasion. But here's where it gets interesting: on Mother’s Day, many Peruvian families come together in cemeteries to pay tribute to their mothers, aunts, and grandmothers who have passed away. It's not a somber affair at all—instead, it's a time for socializing, enjoying food and drinks, and sharing memories. They even go the extra mile by cleaning the gravesites and adorning them with balloons, heart-shaped signs, and lots of flowers. It's a beautiful way to remember the moms who are no longer with us and to keep their memory alive.
Mother's Day is like a global quilt, with different countries stitching their own unique patterns. Some countries sync up with the United Nations' designated second Sunday in May, while others dance to their own celebratory beat. But no matter where you are, there's one thread that ties us all together: love. And what better way to celebrate that love than by honoring the incredible mothers who give it so freely? They're like the glue that holds everything together, so let's celebrate them with all our hearts!
