Get Inspired by These Unique Mother's Day Traditions from Around the World
Every year on the second Sunday of May, we celebrate Mother's Day by showering our moms with gifts, cards, and flowers, and time together. But the U.S. is far from the only country that celebrates this special day. In fact, people all around the world observe Mother's Day, honoring the original #1 woman in their lives with longstanding traditions that reflect cultures, values, and beliefs.
Travel with us through this collection of unique Mother's Day traditions from around the world. From cemetery visits in Peru to pay tribute to mothers who are no longer with us, to street serenades in Mexico, to a festive three-day celebration in Ethiopia, these customs will inspire you as you gear up to celebrate Mom this May. We especially love the Australian tradition of gifting Mum mums for Mother's Day! Or, if the way to your mom's heart is through her stomach, take a cue from the French and bake her a cake that looks just like a bouquet of flowers. Whether you embrace a new tradition this year or stick to your tried and true customs, keep reading to learn a lot about the history of Mother's Day all around the world.
Visit Cemetaries
In Peru, it is a common tradition on Mother's Day for families to visit cemeteries to honor and remember deceased mothers. Many people bring flowers, candles, and other offerings to the gravesites to help keep the memory of their mothers alive.
Mums for Mum
In Australia, the tradition of giving chrysanthemums, or "mums," on Mother's Day is a popular and enduring practice. Chrysanthemums hold special significance as a symbol of love, appreciation, and honor for mothers. Plus, how fitting is it to give Mum mums?!
A Morning Serenade
Mother's Day in Mexico often begins with a serenade called "Las Mañanitas." Family members, and sometimes mariachi bands, gather outside the mother's window to sing and express love and appreciation.
Mothering Sunday
In the U.K., the tradition of "Mothering Sunday" involves children giving flowers and cards to honor their mothers, much like we do here in the U.S. Mothering Sunday began as a way for Christians to honor the Virgin Mary but has evolved over the years to celebrate all mothers.
Give Mom the Day Off
In Italy, it is a common tradition for mothers to be relieved of household chores and cooking duties on Mother's Day. The idea is to allow mothers to enjoy a day of relaxation and celebration without having to engage in their usual daily responsibilities. Family members, particularly children and spouses, take on the tasks that the mother would typically handle, allowing her to be pampered and appreciated.
Visit Mata Tirtha Pond
In Nepal, many people honor the deceased by visiting Mata Tirtha Pond, especially during the annual festival of Mata Tirtha Aunsi. This festival, also known as Mother's Day or Aama ko Mukh Herne Din (Day to See Mother's Face), is dedicated to showing love and respect to mothers, both living and deceased.
A Three-Day Celebration
In Ethiopia, Mother's Day is part of a three-day celebration known as "Antrosht." This celebration, which usually takes place in mid-fall, honors mothers with traditional music, dancing, bonfires, and special feasts.
Celebrate the Queen Mother
In Thailand, Mother's Day is celebrated on August 12 to mark the birthday of the beloved Queen Sirikit. On this day, people commonly present their mothers with flowers, particularly jasmine, as a symbol of purity and love. The celebrations often include ceremonies and parades to honor both the queen and mothers across the country.
Gifting Red Carnations
On Mother's Day in Japan, it is common for children to present their mothers with bouquets or single stems of red carnations. These flowers hold a special symbolism, representing a mother's selfless love and sacrifice for her children.
Bake a Cake
On French Mother's Day, or "Fête des Mères," it is a popular tradition for families to gift or bake a special cake for their mothers. These Fête des Mères cakes are often designed to look like a flower bouquet.
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