The Hearth

A tribute to mothers and maternal figures
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Mother's Day Around the World

Every culture finds its own way to honor mothers. Here are traditions from across the globe.

🇬🇧

United Kingdom

Mothering Sunday

Fourth Sunday of Lent, originally returning to 'mother church.' Simnel cake and flowers.

🇲🇽

Mexico

Día de las Madres

May 10, always. Serenades, flowers, and mañanitas sung at dawn. The whole nation celebrates.

🇪🇹

Ethiopia

Antrosht

A three-day festival after the rainy season. Daughters bring vegetables and butter; sons bring meat.

🇯🇵

Japan

Haha no Hi

Second Sunday of May. Red carnations for living mothers; white for those who have passed.

🇫🇷

France

Fête des Mères

Last Sunday of May. Children often craft gifts at school. A national celebration since 1950.

🇮🇳

India

Mother's Day

Second Sunday of May, growing tradition. Also honors maternal goddesses in various regional festivals.

🇹🇭

Thailand

August 12

The birthday of Queen Sirikit. Jasmine flowers symbolize a mother's pure love.

🇮🇩

Indonesia

Hari Ibu

December 22. Commemorates 1928 Women's Congress. A national holiday celebrating all women.

🇷🇸

Serbia

Materice

Third Sunday before Christmas. Children 'tie up' mothers until she gives treats to 'ransom' herself.

🇳🇵

Nepal

Mata Tirtha Aunsi

New moon of Baisakh. 'Mothers Pilgrimage Fortnight' to honor mothers, living and passed.

🇦🇷

Argentina

Día de la Madre

Third Sunday of October (spring there). Breakfast in bed, family gatherings.

🇪🇬

Egypt

March 21

Spring equinox. Journalist Mustafa Amin proposed it in 1943 after a mother visited his office.

🇰🇷

South Korea

Parents' Day

May 8. Both parents honored together with carnations. Children bow in respect.

🇷🇺

Russia

International Women's Day

March 8. Combines women's and mothers' celebration. Men do housework.

🇦🇺

Australia

Second Sunday of May

Similar to US tradition. Chrysanthemums are traditional (autumn flower, 'mum').