Celebrate Mother’s Day 2025 (Around the World)

Mother’s Day, also known in some places as Mothering Sunday, is a special time each year to honour and appreciate mothers and those who play a motherly role in our lives. These figures can include grandmothers, aunties, older sisters, carers, guardians, and others who provide love, care, and support. Celebrated in more than 40 countries, Mother’s Day brings families together through a wide variety of customs and heartfelt traditions from all over the world.

Here are 10 different ways Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world, highlighting the diversity of traditions across cultures:

• China

  • When: Second Sunday in May (same as many Western countries)

  • Tradition:
    Mother’s Day (母亲节) is not a traditional Chinese festival, but it has grown in popularity, especially in urban areas. Children often give flowers (especially carnations or lilies), write heartfelt messages, or treat their mothers to meals or gifts.

  In recent years, there has also been a growing cultural blend — for example:

  • Schools may organize Mother’s Day card-making or writing activities.

  • Online and in-store promotions boom around this time, with special sales targeting Mother’s Day gifts.

  • Some people connect it with traditional values of filial piety (孝顺), emphasizing respect and gratitude toward parents.

• Middle Eastern Countries (e.g., Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia)

  • When: March 21 (the first day of spring)

  • Tradition:
    Mother’s Day in much of the Arab world was introduced by Egyptian journalist Mustafa Amin in the 1950s and has since become widely adopted across the region.

    Common customs include:

    • Giving mothers flowers, heartfelt cards, and thoughtful gifts

    • Children (young and adult) expressing appreciation through poetry, songs, or visits

    • Radio and TV programs often feature special Mother’s Day segments

    • Schools and communities may host celebrations to honour mothers

    • Public and commercial spaces promote the day with special offers and tributes

  Though it’s a modern holiday, it aligns well with Islamic and cultural values of honouring one’s parents, particularly mothers — which is emphasized in the Quran and Hadith.

• Japan

  • When: Second Sunday in May

  • Tradition: Children often draw pictures of their mothers and give red or pink carnations as symbols of love and gratitude. Homemade gifts and food are common too.

• Ethiopia

  • When: During the Antrosht festival (usually in autumn, after the rainy season)

  • Tradition: Families gather for a multi-day feast. Daughters bring vegetables and cheese; sons bring meat. Singing, dancing, and storytelling are key parts of the celebration.

• Mexico

  • When: May 10 (fixed date)

  • Tradition: Known as Día de las Madres, it includes music, church services, and family meals. Children often serenade their mothers with the song “Las Mañanitas” early in the morning.

• Thailand

  • When: August 12 (the birthday of Queen Sirikit)

  • Tradition: Celebrations include ceremonies, candlelight processions, and giving jasmine flowers, a symbol of maternal love and purity.

• India

  • When: Second Sunday in May (Western-style observance)

  • Tradition: While modern Mother’s Day is gaining popularity in urban areas, many Indian families also honour mothers during Hindu festivals like Durga Puja, which celebrates divine motherhood.

• France

  • When: Last Sunday of May (or first Sunday of June if Pentecost falls on the same day)

  • Tradition: Children often give their mothers handmade gifts, flowers, and recite poems. Family meals are a central part of the day.

• Nigeria

  • When: Fourth Sunday in Lent (similar to UK’s Mothering Sunday)

  • Tradition: In Christian communities, special church services are held. Gifts, food, and heartfelt messages are shared among families.

The Story of Mother’s Day in Australia

Australia’s first official Mother’s Day was marked in 1924, thanks to Janet Heyden, a compassionate woman from Sydney. While visiting a friend at Newington State Hospital, she noticed many older women who were lonely and without family. Some had lost loved ones during World War I, while others never had the chance to build families of their own. Moved by their stories, Janet organised for schools and local businesses to donate small gifts to these women.

This thoughtful gesture grew into an annual tradition. Over time, giving cards, flowers, and gifts became part of how Australians show gratitude to mums and mother figures. Today, Mother’s Day is not just about biological mothers—it’s about appreciating anyone who has nurtured, supported, or guided us like a mother would.

Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in 2025

There are many meaningful ways to show your appreciation to the maternal figures in your life. Here are some simple and thoughtful ideas:

Bring your mum or mother figure breakfast in bed.

Craft handmade paper daffodils to brighten her day.

Organise a meal or picnic with her favourite foods.

Make or buy a heartfelt card and a small gift.

Spend quality time together—bake, watch a movie, or enjoy a game.

Remember, Mother’s Day is also a wonderful time to honour stepmums, mothers-in-law, grandmothers, and any caring individual who has offered motherly support. Whether through small acts of kindness or heartfelt conversations, it’s a chance to say “thank you” to those who make a difference in our lives.