Once a year, we get the chance to celebrate the incredible women who raised us. From comforting us as kids to guiding us through life’s ups and downs, mums deserve all the love we can give them.
While flowers and heartfelt cards are common in many places, different cultures have their own special ways of honouring mothers. Let’s take a trip around the world to see how Mother’s Day is celebrated—from Sunday roasts in the UK to grand feasts in Brazil.
Mother’s Day traditions around the world
Giving thanks to our wonderful mothers is a tradition that dates back millennia.
But how we celebrate mothers varies quite a lot around the world. Check out these fun ways to say thanks to moms everywhere.
Mothering Sunday: The UK’s Own Mother’s Day
In the UK, Mother’s Day—known as Mothering Sunday—falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, making the date different each year.
Unlike the American version, which began in the early 20th century, Mothering Sunday dates back centuries. Originally, it was a religious tradition where people returned to their “mother church” for a special service. Over time, it transformed into a day for celebrating mothers, with children picking wildflowers on their way to church and giving them to their mums.
Modern UK Mother’s Day Traditions
Today, Mothering Sunday is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, with families booking Sunday lunch well in advance. Many mums enjoy a classic Sunday roast, afternoon tea, or a box of chocolates and a cosy day at home.
Florists sell out fast, especially of daffodils and tulips, which have become traditional Mother’s Day flowers in the UK.
Dia das Mães in Brazil
In Brazil, Mother’s Day (Dia das Mães) is the second most important celebration after Christmas!
It’s a day of family, food, and music, where kids make handmade gifts at school, families attend special church services, and then everyone gathers for a big barbecue feast.
And what’s for dessert? A tangy, sweet Passionfruit Mousse (Mousse de Maracujá)—a Mother’s Day staple across Brazil.
Muttertag in Germany
Germany’s Muttertag has been celebrated since the Middle Ages and is usually held on the second Sunday in May.
Today, it’s a heartfelt occasion where mothers receive flowers, chocolates, and breakfast in bed, similar to UK traditions. But Germany also has a touching tradition for those whose mothers have passed—many lay white flowers on their mother’s grave to honour their memory.
India goddess festival
India doesn’t have a single Mother’s Day, but mothers are celebrated in a grand way during Durga Puja, a nine-day Hindu festival held in September or October.
Durga is considered the goddess of mothers, and during this festival, people decorate their homes, visit family, and enjoy lavish feasts. The highlight? Huge parades featuring statues of Durga, often shown riding a lion, are carried through villages and cities.
Fete des Meres in France
Poetry runs through the veins of the French people, and Mother’s Day here is no exception. Usually held on the last Sunday in May, creative French children often compose poetry for their mothers on this day— ooh la la! They also take care of the chores so she can relax – now that sounds good to us.
Serbian family days
In Serbia, Mother’s Day forms part of a series of December family-focused celebrations, including Children’s Day and Father’s Day. Mother’s Day – or Materice – comes with an unusual twist.
Children sneak into their parents’ bedroom and ‘tie’ up their mother with a piece of rope or ribbon. She is released when she has given them a gift or homemade treats. It might sound scary, but the kids also do it to fathers, and parents to their children, on their respective days, too. The tradition is meant to show that the family is ‘bound’ to each other with love and charity through the generations.
Japan: A Symbol of Love and Gratitude
Mother’s Day in Japan (Haha no Hi) falls on the second Sunday in May and is filled with thoughtful gifts and traditional foods.
Children give their mothers red carnations, a symbol of love, strength, and admiration. Many families also cook Tamago Kake Gohan, a comforting rice dish with egg and soy sauce, as a simple but meaningful way to show appreciation.
Ethiopia: A Three-Day Mother’s Celebration
In Ethiopia, mothers aren’t celebrated for just one day—it’s a three-day affair!
Antrosht, the Ethiopian Mother’s Day, takes place after the rainy season in early autumn. Families come together for a huge feast, music, and storytelling. Children bring ingredients for a special meat stew, which is cooked over an open fire while everyone sings traditional songs about mothers.
Mexico: A Serenade for Mum
Mother’s Day in Mexico (Día de las Madres) is one of the most festive in the world.
The celebrations start early—at dawn, children hire mariachi bands to serenade their mothers with songs like “Las Mañanitas.” Families gather for special meals, church services, and lots of dancing and music.
Mother’s Day cards and gifts from TouchNote
The simplest way to send Mother’s Day cards and gifts to mothers, no matter where they live, is with TouchNote.
You can choose from a selection of ready-made cards, or add your own photos for a more personalised Mother’s Day card that she’ll be proud to display.
All TouchNote cards include free delivery anywhere in the world, so no matter where you roam or how you celebrate, you can still send love back home to mom.
