The Different Dates and Stories of Mother's Day in ASEAN and Around the World

Mother's Day, a global occasion to honor and appreciate the love, care, and sacrifices of mothers, holds a special place in the hearts of millions. The celebration spans across various countries and cultures, each with their unique customs and traditions.

A universally recognized way to express our love and gratitude on this day is by presenting our mothers with thoughtful gifts. These gifts, be it a bouquet of flowers, a handmade card, or a specially curated gift from our Phuang Malai online store, serve as tangible tokens of our love and appreciation.

In this article, we delve into the rich tapestry of customs, stories, and dates associated with Mother's Day in various countries. Specifically, we focus on the countries within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and then expand our journey to other parts of the globe.

Let's embark on this global journey of love, gratitude, and respect for mothers.

Mother’s Day Celebration in ASEAN

Thailand

Mother's Day in Thailand is celebrated on August 12th, the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who has been regarded as the mother of all Thai people. The day is marked with ceremonies and parades, and children often gift their mothers with jasmine, a flower symbolizing motherhood in Thai culture.

Myanmar

In Myanmar, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, following the U.S. tradition. On this day, children often show their appreciation for their mothers through acts of service, such as helping with household chores and preparing special meals.

Laos

In Laos, Mother's Day, known as "Boun Mea," is celebrated on the first full moon of the rainy season (typically in July). It's a Buddhist tradition that honors all mothers, living and deceased. Children often offer alms to monks, dedicate prayers to their mothers, and gift their mothers with flowers.

Cambodia

Cambodia does not have a specific date set for Mother's Day. However, International Women's Day on March 8th is a significant occasion when Cambodians honor women, including mothers. The day often involves public speeches on women's rights and family gatherings to appreciate the women in the family.

Singapore

In Singapore, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, following the U.S tradition. It's a day for Singaporeans to express their love and gratitude to their mothers through gifts, cards, and special meals.

Indonesia

Indonesia celebrates Mother's Day on December 22nd. It was first declared by President Soekarno in 1953 as a tribute to the spirit of Indonesian women and their participation in the national revolution.

Timor Leste

In Timor Leste, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, aligning with the U.S. tradition. On this day, children often present their mothers with gifts and flowers to express their love and gratitude.

Vietnam

In Vietnam, while there is no official Mother's Day, Vietnamese Women's Day on October 20th serves a similar purpose. It's a day when children show their love and respect to their mothers and other women in their lives with gifts, flowers, and special meals.

Philippines

In the Philippines, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, mirroring the American tradition. It's a day when Filipino children honor their mothers with handmade cards, gifts, and acts of service such as cooking a special meal or doing household chores. 

Mother’s Day Celebration in the Rest of the World

Japan

In Japan, Mother's Day, or "Haha-no-Hi," is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, mirroring the American tradition. Initially, it was associated with the birthday of Empress Kojun on March 6th. However, following World War II, it was changed to align with the Western practice.

India India celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May, like the U.S. and Japan. However, the concept of honoring mothers aligns with an age-old tradition in Hindu culture, which reveres the mother goddess in a 10-day festival called Durga Puja.

China

Although China has a traditional day to honor parents known as "Double Ninth Festival," it has begun to embrace the Western concept of Mother's Day, observed on the second Sunday of May. On this day, Chinese children often express their love for their mothers with cards and gifts.

Nepal

In Nepal, Mother's Day, known as "Mata Tirtha Aunshi," falls on a new moon day in the month of Baishakh (April/May). It's not just a day for living mothers; people also pay respects at the pilgrimage site Mata Tirtha ponds, remembering mothers who have passed away.

United Kingdom

Across the pond in the United Kingdom, Mother's Day, or Mothering Sunday, falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Its roots trace back to the 16th century when individuals would return to their 'mother church' for a special service. Over time, it became a day when domestic servants were given a day off to visit their mother church and spend time with their families.

United States

In the United States, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, a tradition started by Anna Jarvis in 1908. Jarvis's goal was to dedicate a day to honor all mothers, following the death of her own mother. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially recognized Mother's Day as a national holiday.

Canada

Canada celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, in line with the U.S. The tradition was introduced by Adelaide Hoodless, a Canadian woman who played a key role in the establishment of the Women's Institute. Today, it's a day for Canadians to appreciate their mothers and mother figures with gifts, flowers, and special meals.

Australia

Mother's Day in Australia falls on the second Sunday in May. The tradition was started by Janet Heyden in 1924 to provide gifts to lonely or forgotten mothers.

Mexico

Mother's Day in Mexico is a deeply revered occasion celebrated annually on May 10th, regardless of the day of the week. The tradition started in 1922 when journalist Rafael Alducin advocated for the day in a newspaper article. Today, it's common for children to serenade their mothers with the song "Las Mañanitas" on this special day.

Brazil

In Brazil, Dia das Mães is one of the most commercial holidays celebrated on the second Sunday of May. The tradition was supposedly introduced in 1932 by the government as a means to strengthen family values.

Argentina

Unlike many countries, Argentina celebrates Mother's Day on the third Sunday in October. The date was chosen to coincide with the Feast of the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which originally fell on October 11th.

Spain

In Spain, Mother's Day, or "Día de la Madre," is celebrated on the first Sunday of May. The tradition likely stems from the influence of the Catholic Church, as it coincides with the presentation of the Virgin Mary in the temple. It's a day when children express their gratitude to their mothers with gifts, flowers, and often handmade cards.

Portugal

Portugal celebrates Mother's Day on the first Sunday of May. The date was chosen to coincide with the Feast of the Virgin Mary, reflecting the nation's deep Catholic roots. It's a day for Portuguese children to show their appreciation for their mothers with gifts, flowers, and special meals.

France

In France, Mother's Day, or "Fête des Mères," is typically celebrated on the last Sunday in May, unless it coincides with Pentecost day, in which case it is moved to the first Sunday in June. It began in 1920 as a day to recognize mothers of large families for their sacrifices during World War I. Today, it's a day to honor all mothers.

Germany

Mother's Day in Germany, known as "Muttertag," falls on the second Sunday of May, unless it coincides with Pentecost. Initially, in the 1920s, medals were awarded to mothers of large families in gold, silver, and bronze, as part of encouraging population growth. This practice was discontinued, and today, it's a day for children to honor their mothers with gifts and special attention.

Sweden

In Sweden, Mother's Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in May and was first observed in 1919. The Swedish Red Cross sells small plastic flowers on the days leading up to Mother's Day, and the proceeds are used to support mothers in need.

Greece

In Greece, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, aligning with the U.S. tradition. The day has strong ties to Eastern Orthodox Christianity, where the Theotokos (Mother of God) is venerated.

Italy

Italy celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May, similar to many Western countries. The celebration often involves children presenting their mothers with gifts and a Mimosa blossom, which is the traditional flower for Italian Mother’s Day.

Poland

In Poland, Mother's Day, known as "Dzień Matki," is celebrated on May 26th. It began in the 1920s and became a national holiday in 1956. On this day, children often present their mothers with handmade cards and carnations, which are the traditional flower for Polish Mother’s Day.

South Africa

South Africa celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May. It's a day for children to show their gratitude towards their mothers with homemade cards, gifts, and breakfast in bed, echoing the American tradition.

Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries

In Egypt and several other Middle Eastern countries, Mother's Day is celebrated on March 21st, coinciding with the start of spring. The idea was introduced by journalist Mustafa Amin in his book "Smiling America" (1943). The concept was later adopted by other Arab countries.

Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, mothers are celebrated with a multi-day celebration called "Antrosht," which takes place at the end of the rainy season (usually in October or November). It's a time for singing, dancing, and feasting in honor of mothers.

Nigeria

Mother's Day in Nigeria is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent, following the British tradition due to its colonial past. It's a time when children appreciate their mothers with gifts, cards, and special meals.

Russia

In Russia, Mother's Day was officially recognized in 1998 and is celebrated on the last Sunday of November. However, International Women's Day on March 8th, a public holiday, is more widely celebrated and often encompasses the recognition of mothers as well.

 

As we have journeyed through various countries and cultures, we see that despite the varied dates and unique traditions, the underlying theme of Mother's Day remains the same: honoring and expressing gratitude to mothers for their unwavering love, care, and sacrifices.

Whether it's the second Sunday of May, a specific date in December, or the end of the rainy season, mothers are cherished and celebrated in their own special ways across the globe. This global tapestry of the day of our Mom celebrations underscores the universal recognition of a mother's role in family and society. No matter where we are, the love for mothers transcends cultural boundaries, testifying to the timeless and borderless nature of a mother's love.