Mother's Day is a celebration that transcends borders, cultures, and languages. Across the globe, people come together to honor and appreciate those who have nurtured, guided, and loved them unconditionally. Yet, the way this day is celebrated varies widely from one corner of the world to another, reflecting the diverse traditions and customs of different societies.
In the United States and Canada, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. It is a day marked by expressions of love and appreciation, often through heartfelt cards, flowers, gifts, and special meals shared with mothers and mother figures. Families may also gather for picnics or outings to make cherished memories together.
Across Europe, Mother's Day is celebrated with equal enthusiasm but on different dates. For instance, in the United Kingdom, it falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, known as Mothering Sunday. Originally a religious observance, it has evolved into a day to honor both mothers and the maternal bond. Traditionally, children would return to their hometowns and present their mothers with flowers and cakes. Today, it is common to treat mothers to a special meal or gift.
In countries like Mexico and Brazil, Mother's Day, or "Día de las Madres" and "Dia das Mães," respectively, is celebrated on May 10th. These celebrations often include festive gatherings with music, food, and dancing. Families come together to shower their mothers with affection, gifts, and acts of service to show their gratitude for everything they do.
In Japan, Mother's Day, known as "Haha no Hi," is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, similar to the United States. However, the customs differ significantly. It is customary for children to gift their mothers with red carnations, symbolizing gratitude and admiration. Families may also share a special meal together, such as a traditional Japanese breakfast or dinner at a favorite restaurant.
In Ethiopia, Mother's Day, or "Antrosht," is part of the three-day Antrosht festival that celebrates motherhood and family. It takes place in mid-fall after the end of the rainy season. Families gather to feast on traditional dishes, such as injera and wot, and sing songs praising mothers and their sacrifices.
In Thailand, Mother's Day coincides with the birthday of Queen Sirikit, the mother of the current king. Celebrated on August 12th, it is a day for expressing gratitude and respect to both mothers and the queen. Thai people often wear pink, the color associated with the queen, and present her with jasmine flowers, a symbol of maternal love.
These diverse celebrations highlight the universal importance of mothers and the unique ways in which their love and sacrifices are honored around the world. Whether it's through gifts, acts of service, or simply spending quality time together, Mother's Day serves as a reminder to cherish and appreciate the maternal figures in our lives, today and every day.
No matter where you are in the world, we want to help sons and daughters make their moms happy by sending them maps and illustrations from around the globe. Whether it's capturing the essence of the place where they currently reside, reminiscing on cherished childhood memories, or highlighting the cities where their mothers are currently living, our aim is to spread love, appreciation, and joy across borders and distances.
Find your illustrated map from: Europe, Asia, America, Africa, Oceania
