MILAN, Italy — International observances of Mother’s Day reveal a rich tapestry of cultural customs, where the universal recognition of maternal figures is filtered through distinct regional traditions, historical contexts, and local values, according to a recent global analysis.
While the second Sunday of May serves as the primary date for honoring mothers in numerous countries, the methods of celebration vary significantly, ranging from personalized handmade gifts in East Asia to historically rooted religious services in Europe. Across both continents, the common threads are heartfelt appreciation, filial piety, and the use of floral tributes, specifically the ubiquitous carnation.
Asia: Harmonizing Filial Piety and Modernity
In Asian nations, Mother’s Day often incorporates traditional values of respect with modern, often commercially influenced, secular celebrations.
In Japan, Haha no Hi emphasizes sincere gratitude over extravagance. Celebrated on the second Sunday in May, the day sees children frequently presenting mothers with carnations, symbolizing purity and loving devotion. The focus remains on personalized efforts, such as homemade gifts or family-prepared meals—a reflection of cultural value placed on thoughtfulness. The holiday’s contemporary popularity in Japan expanded significantly after World War II, influenced by Western customs promoting family cohesion.
South Korea uniquely integrates the celebration of mothers with Parents’ Day on May 8. This observance underscores both modern emotional expression and traditional Confucian principles of honoring one’s elders. Customary gifts include flowers, typically carnations, alongside sincere written letters of appreciation. Educational institutions often facilitate this expression through school programs featuring recitations and songs dedicated to parents.
The commemoration has rapidly gained traction in China since the 1980s, driven largely by global media influence. While family gatherings and special meals are common, the exchange of flowers, chocolates, or small tokens of regard also demonstrates a growing adoption of international customs within the established structure of Chinese family life. Similarly, in the Philippines, the observance maintains deep familial importance, often blending public recognition, special religious masses, and significant family celebrations to honor biological mothers, grandmothers, and other key maternal figures.
Europe: From Historical Roots to Contemporary Celebrations
European celebrations of Mother’s Day are often tethered to deep historical or religious foundations, which have evolved to include modern commercial elements.
The United Kingdom’s Mother’s Day traces its lineage back to Mothering Sunday, traditionally observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Originally a day for children to visit their primary parish church, bringing small offerings, it has transformed into a modern celebration focused on family reunions, floral gifts, and mass-produced cards, alongside traditional handmade gestures by schoolchildren.
In countries like Italy and Germany, the observance on the second Sunday of May centers around shared family meals and the presentation of flowers, notably roses and carnations. Italian Festa della Mamma emphasizes togetherness through food, whereas German Muttertag often includes the tradition of children preparing breakfast in bed.
France celebrates Fête des Mères with an emphasis on personalized appreciation and thoughtful gestures, such as handwritten letters and homemade gifts, preserving an intimate tone despite occasional public promotions.
Furthermore, across the Nordic countries and various nations in Eastern Europe, the celebrations maintain a warm, personal scale. Events frequently involve children undertaking craft activities or reciting poems, reinforcing cultural values of personal connection and filial piety through intimate, small-scale family gatherings.
Ultimately, whether celebrated through the symbolic carnations of Asia or the historically rooted customs of Europe, the underlying purpose remains consistent: a global recognition of the enduring power of maternal love and the bonds that define family life across diverse cultures.