When is Mother's Day in 2025?
Don't forget to buy a card and a bunch of flowers! Mother's Day is on the way but how much do you know about why we celebrate the day in the first place?
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Motherhood has been celebrated for centuries, deeply rooted in human history. From ancient times, creation was marvelled at, but today, Mother’s Day focuses on something closer to home — the women who love, nurture, and shape our lives.
While the essence of Mother’s Day remains universal, traditions vary across countries. The dates, customs, and ways of honouring mothers differ worldwide, creating a rich variety of celebrations.
Here’s everything you need to know about Mother’s Day in the UK and how it’s uniquely observed around the globe.
What is the origin of Mother’s Day?
The tradition of Mothering Sunday started in 16th-century Britain, but had less to do with mothers and more to do with celebrating the Christian faith. Mothering Sunday was the day when families would all come together to visit their ‘mother church’. For some, this was considered to be the church where they were christened, while others would visit their local cathedral. This meant that some families would take quite a journey.
For many, returning to their mother church meant visiting family that they might have moved away from for work or marriage and would be part of a more significant homecoming celebration. Over time, tradition evolved, and people started making the journey more of a familial focus than a religious one. Eventually, the habit became focused on the matriarchs themselves and bloomed into the day of motherly appreciation that we know now.
When is Mother’s Day 2025 in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, Mother's Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent and usually involves children spoiling a special woman in their life.
They might make cards, pick flowers, or even bake them a cake to show their love and appreciation. Nowadays, Mother’s Day isn’t just about celebrating mothers as such, but mother-life figures or people who’ve had an impact on your life.
This year we are celebrating an early Easter which means that Mother’s Day is earlier than usual as well. Mother’s Day will be on Sunday, 30th March 2025. Remember to save the date!
How is Mother’s Day celebrated around the world?
United States and Canada
Mother’s Day in the United States is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. The tradition began in the early 20th century, thanks to the efforts of Anna Jarvis, who wanted to create a day to honour mothers. Over the years, the day became commercialised, with children giving gifts, flowers, and cards to their mothers. A popular gift is the carnation, which symbolises a mother’s love. Many families also celebrate by having a special meal together.
In Canada, the tradition is similar, with families gathering to celebrate their mothers with flowers, gifts, and festive meals on the second Sunday in May.
Mexico
In Mexico, Mother’s Day, or Día de las Madres, is one of the most important holidays of the year, celebrated on 10th May. This date is not tied to a particular day of the week but is always observed on the 10th.
Children often wake up early to serenade their mothers with traditional songs, including the famous Las Mañanitas. Afterwards, families gather for a big meal, which often includes dishes such as tacos, tamales, and other local delicacies. It’s a day filled with music, dancing, and love.
Japan
In Japan, Mother's Day, known as Haha no Hi, is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, similar to the United States. One of the key symbols of Japanese Mother's Day is the carnation, which is associated with motherly love and respect.
Children often give their mothers red carnations, and families may take part in activities like picnics or cooking a special meal. The day is also marked by expressions of gratitude and affection, with children often writing letters to their mothers, expressing their thanks for their care and love.
Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is celebrated as part of the Antrosht festival, which is observed in the fall. This celebration, which varies by region, is a vibrant and unique tradition where families come together to celebrate mothers and the harvest season.
The Antrosht festival involves a communal meal where daughters prepare food for their mothers, and the community gathers to honour the matriarchs. This festival is also a time for women to come together to sing, dance, and share stories, marking an important cultural event that goes beyond just the honouring of mothers to encompass communal bonds.
Thailand
In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on 12th August, the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who is considered the Mother of all Thai people. The day is marked by patriotic celebrations, and the royal family’s image is prominently displayed in homes and public spaces.
Children often give their mothers jasmine flowers, which are a symbol of purity and respect. The celebrations involve a mix of honouring mothers and showing respect for the royal family, and many people also take part in public ceremonies and prayers for their mothers' health and happiness.
France
In France, Mother's Day, or Fête des Mères, is celebrated on the last Sunday of May, unless it coincides with Pentecost, in which case it is moved to the first Sunday of June. Traditionally, French families celebrate with a meal at home, often including a cake or pastry in the shape of a bouquet.
In addition to gifts and flowers, French children might present their mothers with handmade cards, and families take time to reflect on the role of mothers in the household and society. The French government also sometimes honours mothers who have raised large families with awards.
Brazil
Mother’s Day in Brazil, celebrated on the second Sunday of May, is one of the most important holidays in the country. Families come together to celebrate their mothers with a variety of gifts, flowers, and heartfelt expressions of gratitude. It is also a day marked by large family meals, often featuring traditional Brazilian foods like feijoada (a stew made with beans and meat) or barbecue. Many Brazilians attend church services, reflecting the strong Catholic influence on the holiday.
Why do we celebrate Mother’s Day?
Mother's Day traditions around the world reflect the diversity of cultures, but the underlying theme remains the same — celebrating mothers and the invaluable role they play in families and society.
Whether through vibrant festivals, heartfelt gifts, or special meals, Mother’s Day is a time to express gratitude, love, and respect for the women who have shaped our lives.
