Here at Remitly, we’re always moved to hear about our dedicated customers living abroad who support their mothers back home, as well as those who immigrate to support their own children. With spring reminding many of us that Mother’s Day is on its way, let’s take a whistle-stop world tour to appreciate the many different ways we celebrate.
What is Mother’s Day?
Mother’s Day is a celebration that comes around once a year, all over the world. While traditions differ from one culture to the next, the sentiment is the same everywhere: giving heartfelt thanks to mothers for all they do for us.
Often rooted in ancient customs and religious traditions, in some countries the holiday has become a more secular day of appreciation over time. It unites families across continents, making it one of the most celebrated events in the world.
Does Mother’s Day fall on the same day everywhere?
Though the exact date and customs may vary, Mother’s Day is usually celebrated on a Sunday in spring or early summer across the world. In the United Kingdom, Mothering Sunday falls exactly three weeks before Easter—a nod to its religious roots—whereas countries like the United States celebrate in May, and some European countries celebrate at the same time as International Women’s Day on March 8.
How gifts for moms have evolved in Europe
In Europe, the Mother’s Day many of us know and love in 2025 looks very different from its religious roots. Of course, the way people show gratitude to their mothers also differs from one culture to the next. The common thread across the continent is showing appreciation and love for mothers with thoughtful gifts.
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The roots of Mother’s Day in the UK
Just as so many cultures enrich life in the UK, the Brits have also laid the foundations for Mother’s Day celebrations the world over. But in its early form, back in the 16th century, the Christian rite had very little to do with mothers. On Mothering Sunday, domestic servants could return to the “mother church” where they had been baptised.
This journey became the perfect opportunity for families to reunite. Over time, the celebration became more secular, but the timing remained the same—Mothering Sunday still falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, three weeks before Easter. The Roman festival Matronalia, celebrated on March 1, is generally accepted as one origin of the festivities.
Today, if you’re a British family, you’ll typically celebrate by treating your mum to breakfast in bed, preparing a Sunday roast, or gifting a bouquet of flowers—often daffodils, which are in bloom around this time of year. Fans of tradition might still give a simnel cake: a light fruitcake decorated with marzipan.
La Fête des Mères: how the French celebrate
Across the Channel in France, La Fête des Mères is usually celebrated on the last Sunday in May. The French celebration is a bit more formal, with children often giving gifts such as flowers, chocolates, and perfumes.
On the continent, the celebration’s mythological roots are closer. Around this time of year, the ancient Greeks celebrated the goddess Rhea, mother of none other than Zeus, making her the pinnacle of fertility and motherhood. But not many people know that the modern Fête des Mères was instilled in the 1900s as a way to increase declining birth rates. A national movement set about restoring the image of motherhood, inspired by UK and American celebrations, and leading to the official day still recognized now.
A popular tradition in France is for children to present their mothers with handmade gifts, from cards to small handcrafts that often become cherished keepsakes. Another popular custom in the land of gourmands is to go out for a lavish lunch, treating maman to her favorite delicacies.
Germany’s Muttertag
In Germany, Muttertag is also celebrated on the second Sunday in May, along with Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. But it hasn’t always been so simple. After the Second World War, a divide occurred when two German nations were created. In the West, Mother’s Day was observed on the second Sunday in May. In the East, Mother’s Day was ceded to International Women’s Day on March 8.
In today’s times, Germans tend to celebrate in May, with traditions focused on spending quality time with Mutti. Like the English, the day often begins with breakfast in bed, letting mothers everywhere take the morning off (at least, in theory). Carnations are a popular choice when it comes to flowers, and other gifts might include chocolates, jewellery, or special treats. Some families also host a big family dinner with traditional German dishes like strawberry cake.
Celebrating Mother’s Day in the Americas
Mother’s Day is celebrated with joy and creativity throughout the Americas, each country adding its own unique flair. From overflowing celebrations in Mexico to warm traditions in North America, Mother’s Day is a time to recognise the maternal ancestral line.
Serenade your mamasita in Mexico
In Mexico, el Día de las Madres (Mother’s Day) is always celebrated on May 10, and is effusive in its customs. Families go all out with celebrations that often begin early in the morning, with children waking up early to sing Las Mañanitas, a traditional song celebrating mothers.
Mothers are showered with flowers—especially roses—and sometimes mariachis are hired to keep the serenades going throughout the day. Gifts of all kinds are given, from jewellery to handmade cards, but it’s the time spent with family and the warm atmosphere of appreciation that make the day unforgettable.
Extended families will often gather for a big feast with music and dancing. Mexican cuisine takes centre stage, with dishes like tamales, pozole, and enchiladas gracing the table, making the festivities last well into the evening.
Peru’s unique Mother’s Day celebrations
In Peru, el Día de la Madre can last an entire week. Museums and exhibitions offer free entry to mothers, and many families spend the day together, with children offering tokens of affection.
Like many Latin Americans, Peruvians honour their ancestors as well as mamá. In fact, you can expect to find families gathering to eat together in the local cemetery, having decorated the graves of their maternal ancestors with balloons, flowers, and signs.
Popular gifts and celebrations in North America
In North America, Mother’s Day is widely observed in both the United States and Canada on the second Sunday of May. It follows a similar pattern of family gatherings, special meals, and gift-giving. In both countries, children often express their love through cards, flowers, chocolates, and sometimes even by taking their mothers out for a spa day or dinner.
In the United States, Mother’s Day has become somewhat commercialised, with many retailers offering special promotions and flowers remaining a favourite gift. Mother’s Day parades, brunches, and events also populate people’s calendars, with families taking time to pamper their mothers.
In Canada, the day has a quieter, more intimate feel. It’s not unusual to see families enjoying time together in nature, perhaps on a family hike or picnic, or relaxing in the comfort of their own homes.
Asia: honoring Mother’s Day in all its forms
Across Asia, Mother’s Day is celebrated with many unique traditions and customs, varying from one culture to the next. While some nations observe Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May, others set their own days to celebrate based on national figures.
Japan’s tribute to mothers
In Japan, Haha no Hi (literally “Mother’s Day”) falls on the second Sunday of May.
The carnation forms the bouquet of choice for symbolising love, gratitude, and endurance—a quality every mother needs! The different colours of carnations even have their own special meanings:
- Red carnations, the most popular choice, represent love and gratitude for a mother’s devotion and sacrifices.
- Pink expresses admiration and appreciation.
- White carnations honour mothers who have passed away, and are often placed on gravestones in their memory.
Flowers are often gifted alongside handwritten letters or carefully crafted presents, including bonsai trees as a nod to the special care it takes to raise a living being. Many children even sing to their mothers to show a sincere expression of love. Japan’s traditions highlight the country’s deep-rooted values of respect and family bonds.
A regal day in Thailand
In Thailand, Mother’s Day takes place later in the year, on August 12. This is the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who held the throne from 1950 to 2016 and was revered as the “mother of the nation.” The day is deeply tied to national pride, charity, and service to the country.
Thai people honour their mothers, both biological and symbolic, by offering flowers, singing songs, and participating in ceremonies. A popular gift is a garland of delicate jasmine flowers, a symbol of purity and motherhood.
Unique Mother’s Day traditions and gifts across Asia
In India, Mother’s Day is celebrated with a focus on family gatherings, where children express their gratitude with flowers or small gifts. In South Korea, as in Japan, carnations are given, with an added emphasis on showing respect to older generations.
Across Asia, while each country embraces its own customs, a shared thread of respect and family devotion runs through all the celebrations.
African and Middle Eastern Mother’s Day practices
Mother’s Day is celebrated in many parts of Africa and the Middle East. Globalisation and the influence of colonial ties have led to some shared customs with Europe, but local customs and deep-rooted cultural beliefs shape the way each country honours mothers and motherhood.
Ethiopia’s Antrosht festival
In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is celebrated with the Antrosht festival, a vibrant three-day event that usually takes place in early March to celebrate mothers’ roles in the family and community.
During Antrosht, families gather to prepare a special meal called hash for their mothers, with each member contributing to the cooking. Daughters traditionally bring the butter, cheese, and spices, while sons bring the meat. Antrosht highlights a strong sense of familial duty, shared responsibility, and communal appreciation for the work mothers do throughout the year.
Middle Eastern traditions
In several Middle Eastern countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated on March 21. The holiday coincides with the arrival of spring and the traditional Persian New Year, and is sometimes referred to as the “Spring Feast.”
Countries like Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan observe the day with great reverence, with families gathering together to express their gratitude through thoughtful gestures and presents like flowers, chocolates, and clothing.
In Egypt, Mother’s Day also holds significant weight. There is special recognition given to “Mothers of Martyrs,” those who have lost children in conflict or war. Families may also organise charity events or contribute to social causes in the name of their mothers as a sign of collective solidarity and gratitude.
The role of family in Africa’s Mother’s Day festivities
Across Africa and the Middle East, family plays a central role in celebrating Mother’s Day. Even more than in Europe, many African and Middle Eastern traditions are centred on gathering together as a family and community, whether preparing a special meal, offering flowers, or sharing time together.
In these regions, consumerism is less at the centre, with values of respect and gratitude brought to the forefront.
Sending love, no matter where mom is
Whether you are celebrating together, perhaps in the cemetery with ancestors, or you’re separated by oceans, Mother’s Day is a time to express appreciation and love. For many living abroad, getting money safely to loved ones across borders has become an essential way to show care, especially on occasions like Mother’s Day.
Why sending money is the perfect practical gift
If you’re far from home, sending money on Mother’s Day means your mom can enjoy something she truly wants. Whether it’s pampering herself at the spa, buying something special, or saving for future goals, the freedom that comes with receiving money as a gift can be empowering.
Moreover, sending money can help alleviate any financial pressures your mother may face. For many families, mothers are the backbone of families, be it caring for children or managing household expenses. This Mother’s Day, sending money can be a way to give back.
How Remitly helps you send money across borders
Remitly understands the importance of staying connected with family, no matter the distance. As a trusted platform for international money transfers, Remitly makes it easy for you to send money quickly and securely to your mother, wherever in the world she may be.
Whether you’re sending money to the United Kingdom or the Philippines, Remitly helps make sure your gift reaches mom in time for the special day.
- You can choose from different, convenient ways for your mother to receive the money, whether through bank deposits, cash pickups, or mobile wallets.
- With competitive exchange rates and low fees, Remitly allows you to send a thoughtful gift without worrying about high transfer costs.
- You can even track your transfer to ensure your money reaches mom safely.
Happy Mother’s Day!