New York, N.Y. – Across the globe, Mothers’ Day stands as a heartfelt tribute to the women who nurture, guide, and shape families and communities. This cherished holiday, observed in over 40 countries, reflects a rich tapestry of traditions, histories, and cultural expressions of gratitude. From ancient festivals to modern celebrations, the ways societies honor mothers reveal both universal love and unique cultural identities.
Roots in Ancient Traditions
The origins of Mothers’ Day trace back to ancient civilizations. In Greece, festivals honoring Rhea, the mother of gods, included offerings and feasts. Similarly, Rome celebrated Cybele, the great mother goddess, with springtime rituals. These early practices laid the groundwork for modern observances, emphasizing fertility, nurturing, and familial bonds. While not directly tied to today’s holiday, they highlight humanity’s long-standing reverence for motherhood.
In the 17th century, England introduced Mothering Sunday, initially a religious event during Lent where families reunited at their “mother” church. Over time, it evolved into a day to honor mothers with gifts and visits, a precursor to contemporary celebrations. This tradition influenced early U.S. observances, blending religious and familial elements.
The Modern Mothers’ Day Movement
The U.S. formalized Mothers’ Day in 1914, largely due to Anna Jarvis, who campaigned for a day to honor mothers’ sacrifices.
Inspired by her own mother’s activism, Jarvis envisioned a day of personal appreciation, marked by handwritten letters and simple gestures.
However, she later criticized the holiday’s commercialization, a tension still felt today as florists and retailers thrive on the second Sunday in May.
Globally, Mothers’ Day varies in timing and customs. Mexico celebrates on May 10 with lively serenades and family feasts, often featuring tamales and mole.
In Japan, the holiday aligns with the second Sunday in May, where children gift carnations—red for living mothers, white for those deceased.
Ethiopia marks the occasion during the rainy season’s end, with multi-day feasts called Antrosht, where daughters bring vegetables and sons contribute meat for communal meals.
Cultural Expressions of Gratitude
In Thailand, Mothers’ Day coincides with Queen Sirikit’s birthday on August 12, blending royal and maternal homage. Families offer jasmine flowers, symbolizing purity, and participate in community almsgiving to honor mothers’ selflessness. Similarly, India celebrates in May, with children expressing gratitude through gifts, cards, and acts of service, reflecting the country’s emphasis on familial duty.
France observes Fête des Mères on the last Sunday in May, with a focus on large family gatherings and homemade gifts from children. In contrast, Russia’s Mothers’ Day, held in November, emphasizes national pride in motherhood, often featuring public ceremonies alongside private celebrations. These diverse practices underscore how cultural values shape the holiday’s expression.
Challenges and Modern Evolution
While Mothers’ Day unites people in gratitude, it also faces challenges. Commercialization, as Jarvis feared, often overshadows personal gestures, with global spending on gifts and cards reaching billions annually.
In some regions, the holiday excludes non-traditional families or those estranged from mothers, prompting calls for inclusivity. Activists advocate for recognizing all caregivers, including foster mothers and grandmothers, to broaden the holiday’s scope.
Modern technology has also transformed celebrations. Virtual cards, video calls, and social media tributes allow families separated by distance to connect.
In 2024, platforms like Instagram and X saw millions of Mothers’ Day posts, with hashtags like #MothersDay and #ThankYouMom trending globally. These digital expressions complement traditional gestures, ensuring the holiday evolves with the times.
Honoring Maternal Bonds in Diverse Cultures Worldwide (May 11, 2025)
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Celebrating Mothers Globally: Mothers’ Day reflects universal appreciation for maternal contributions, driving cultural and economic activity worldwide. From Anna Jarvis’s activism to Thailand’s royal tributes, this holiday fosters community engagement and family bonds, with businesses benefiting from gift-giving traditions. Explore its global impact. #MothersDay #CulturalImpact #FamilyValues https://www.stewardshipreport.org/mothers-day-traditions
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Celebrating Mothers Globally: Mothers’ Day blends ancient roots and modern customs, from Japan’s carnations to Thailand’s jasmine. How does your culture celebrate? Share your traditions! #MothersDay #GlobalTraditions https://www.stewardshipreport.org/mothers-day-traditions
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Mothers Day, global traditions, maternal love, cultural celebrations, Anna Jarvis
