The Origin of Mother’s Day and Why It’s Celebrated on Different Dates Around the World
Mother’s Day is one of the most heartfelt global observances, a time to honor the women, the mother figures who raised us, supported us, and shaped our lives. But while the idea of honoring mothers is nearly universal, the date and traditions vary widely depending on culture and country.
This post explores the history of Mother’s Day how it took shape around the world, and why its date isn’t the same everywhere. Plus, we’ll highlight how different cultures express their appreciation including through traditional textiles celebrated by Coo-Mon, a brand that honors global heritage through fabric and fashion.
Ancient Roots: Early Traditions of Honoring Mothers
Long before Mother's Day became a modern celebration, ancient cultures were already paying tribute to mother figures:
• Ancient Greece: Worshipped Rhea, mother of the gods, with spring festivals.
• Ancient Rome: Held festivals for Cybele, the Roman mother goddess.
• India: Reveres divine mothers like Durga and Parvati, honored in religious festivals to this day.
While not called “Mother’s Day,” these traditions reflect how deeply maternal roles have been valued across time and civilizations.
From Religion to Recognition: The Evolution of Mothering Sunday
In medieval Europe, the fourth Sunday of Lent became known as Mothering Sunday, particularly in the UK and Ireland.
• Initially a Christian custom tied to visiting one’s “mother church,” it gradually evolved into a day to celebrate one’s own mother.
• By the 1600s, giving small gifts and flowers became part of the tradition.
It remains distinct from the American-style Mother’s Day and is still observed in the UK and Ireland today.
The Birth of Modern Mother’s Day: Anna Jarvis and the U.S. Legacy
The modern Mother’s Day celebrated in much of the world today began in the United States in the early 20th century.
• Anna Jarvis, inspired by her late mother’s community work, advocated for a day to honor all mothers.
• In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day.
Ironically, Jarvis later disavowed the holiday due to its commercialization, but her influence set the standard for a growing international movement.
How Different Countries Celebrate Mother’s Day
Here’s how Mother’s Day is observed around the world, including some unique customs and local dates:
United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, China
• Date: Second Sunday in May
• Brazil: One of the country’s most celebrated holidays: family lunches are big, and school performances are common.
• South Africa: Gift-giving, church services, and community events are common.
• China: A growing holiday, marked with red carnations and family celebrations, tied to traditional values like filial piety.
United Kingdom & Ireland
• Date: Fourth Sunday of Lent (March)
• Traditions: Known as Mothering Sunday; families celebrate with flowers, cards, and Sunday lunch.
Mexico
• Date: May 10 (fixed)
• Traditions: Morning serenades, elaborate school celebrations, and family meals
France, Guadeloupe, Benin
• Date: Last Sunday of May, or first Sunday of June if it coincides with Pentecost
• France: Known as Fête des Mères, children recite poems and give gifts.
• Guadeloupe: Shares France’s celebration and often integrates local traditions, including the use of Madras fabric in gifts or attire.
• Benin: Follows France’s date; mothers are honored with music, family gatherings, and gifts, often incorporating African prints symbolic of cultural identity.
Thailand
• Date: August 12
• Reason: Coincides with Queen Sirikit’s birthday
• Traditions: White jasmine flowers are given to mothers; public ceremonies honor the Queen and motherhood.
Ethiopia
• Date: After the rainy season, during the Antrosht Festival (October or November)
• Traditions: Multi-day celebration with singing, dancing, and traditional meals
Celebrating Culture Through Fabric: Coo-Mon and Global Mother’s Day Textiles
At Coo-Mon, we believe honoring mothers goes beyond words, it’s also about celebrating heritage, identity, and tradition. That’s why we incorporate culturally significant fabrics into our creations, representing the diverse origins of Mother’s Day traditions:
• African Print from Benin – bold, expressive, and rooted in West African storytelling
• Shweshwe Fabric from South Africa – rich in history, commonly worn during special ceremonies and family celebrations
• Chita from Brazil – bright, floral patterns associated with festivity and warmth
• Madras from Guadeloupe – a vibrant plaid fabric symbolizing Caribbean heritage and resilience
• Chinese Brocade – intricately woven silk with symbolic patterns, often used for traditional garments and gifting
These fabrics are more than material—they’re a way to connect generations and pay tribute to the mothers who carry culture forward.
Why the Date Differs
Mother’s Day varies globally due to:
• Religious calendars (e.g., Lent in the UK)
• National observances (e.g., Thailand’s Queen’s birthday)
• Colonial or cultural influence (e.g., Benin and Guadeloupe adopting French customs)
Despite the differing dates, the essence of the holiday remains the same: love, appreciation, and respect.
One Idea, Many Expressions
From flower shops in New York to fabric markets in Cotonou, from jasmine garlands in Bangkok to Madras dresses in Guadeloupe, Mother’s Day expresses a shared human experience. The languages, foods, and dates may change. But the message is universal.
Final Thoughts
Mother’s Day isn’t a single event—it’s a global expression of love. And through the lens of culture, fabric, and tradition, we find even deeper ways to say “thank you.”
Wherever and however you celebrate, take a moment to reflect on what your mother or the mother figures in your life have passed down. At Coo-Mon, we’re proud to celebrate that legacy through every stitch and every story.