Though its often thought of as a “Hallmark holiday,” the tradition of honoring mothers with their very own day actually dates back decades before Hallmark, and spans the globe. In honor of mothers everywhere, we decided to investigate what Mother’s Day means around the globe. To every mom around the globe: Happy Mother’s Day from Explorica!
Mexico
Like in the U.S., Mother’s Day (Día de la Madre) in Mexico is often the busiest day of the year for restaurants. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate Mom with a delicious, authentic meal? After being treated to a hearty breakfast, Mexican mothers are usually given flowers and serenaded by a mariachi band. Some families who opt to eat in even hire a band to serenade mom at home!
United Kingdom
How do Brits celebrate Mother’s Day? For hundreds of years, the fourth Sunday of Lent has been known as Mothering Sunday in honor of motherhood and the Virgin Mary. On this day, families head to church and then spend time with family at home. Today, Mothering Sunday has merged with Mother’s Day to create a holiday with traditions new and old.
Japan
Japan is known for celebrating mothers by gifting them flowers, especially red carnations. The symbolism of a light red carnation means admiration, and dark red notes deep love and affection. It’s easy to see why the Japanese chose this symbolic flower! While the second Sunday of May was selected as the official Mother’s Day date in Japan in 1949, previously there were two other days celebrating mothers: the first ordained on March 6th, 1931 on the birthday of Empress Kōjun (mother of Emperor Akihito), and the second as a “Praise Mothers” day on May 8th in 1937.
India
The American version of Mother’s Day has been imported to India, but long before that began, Hindus in the country celebrated the ten-day-long Durga Puja festival in October to praise the Divine Mother. Throughout this fall festival, families eat, fast, pray, dance, and give gifts to commemorate the victory of good over evil.
Poland
If you’re in Poland, be sure to tell the mothers in your life “Dzień Matki” (Happy Mother’s Day). But don’t expect to celebrate on a Sunday! Poland is one of the only countries to celebrate on a fixed date, May 26. Many businesses close, and families traditionally celebrate at home. Children make “laurki,” paper cards decorated with flowers and written wishes for their mothers.
Australia
While Mother’s Day isn’t an official holiday down under, it is widely celebrated throughout the country. The tradition started in 1924 after WWI to honor mother’s who had lost sons in battle. A woman in Sydney named Janet Heyden was concerned for lonely, older mothers at Newington State Hospital, so she campaigned for local shops and schools to provide presents to these women. A beautiful tradition was born!
France
Did you know that mothers in France were celebrated as early as 1806? The French emperor declared that mothers of large families should be commemorated. That tradition was revived after WWII, and today mothers can even get medals from their local government known as “Médaille de la Famille” (Family Medal). Gold medals go to mothers with eight or more children, silver medals to mothers with six or seven, and bronze to those with four or five. But don’t worry—all mothers are showered with love as their children present them with gifts of perfume, jewelry, and other trinkets.