Why Is Mother's Day Celebrated On Different Dates Around The Globe? (Updated, July 2024)

As Mother's Day is around the corner, we were wondering why there are over 10 different days when Mother's Day is celebrated instead of just one date around the globe. I thought you might have the same questions too and did a little digging and a little writing to help solve this mystery!

Throughout history, cultures and societies have developed their own traditions and customs, shaping the way they commemorate and honour motherhood. From the bustling streets of New York City to the serene villages of rural France, each country has its own unique Mother's Day celebrations.

In this blog, I not only explored the origins of Mother's Day in different countries but also tried to find the cultural, historical, and religious factors that have influenced the choice of dates. Whether it's the second Sunday of May in the United States, the fourth Sunday of Lent in the United Kingdom, or the last Sunday of May in France, each date holds significance and symbolism tied to its respective country.

So, here we go!

USA 🇺🇸 (Second Sunday of May):
Let's kick things off with the good ol' US of A! Picture this: it's the early 20th century, and a spunky lady named Anna Jarvis is feeling all warm and fuzzy about her mom. So, in 1908, she decides to honor her mother, who was a peace activist during the Civil War, by organizing the first official Mother's Day celebration. Word spread like wildfire, and by 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday of May as Mother's Day. And thus, a tradition was born! Now, it's all about showering our moms with love, brunches, and maybe a few too many "World's Best Mom" mugs.

A little trivia about Anna-Jarvis for those who might want to read on. Jarvis spent her life popularizing the holiday and then railing against its overt commercialization. She even went so far as to scold First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt for using Mother’s Day to raise funds for charities.

UK 🇬🇧 ( Fourth Sunday of Lent):
Back in the day, Mother's Day in the UK had a more religious flavor. It was tied to the Christian festival of Lent, and folks would flock to their "mother church" – the main church or cathedral in their area – for a special service. It was a time for reflection, gratitude, and, of course, honoring dear old mum.

But as times changed, so did the way we celebrate. Nowadays, Mother's Day in the UK has taken on a more secular vibe. It's less about the religious aspect and more about showing appreciation for all the amazing mums out there. 

Sure, they might have borrowed a few ideas from our friends across the pond. I mean, who can resist the allure of brunches, flowers, and heartfelt cards? But hey, why mess with a winning formula? Spoiling our mums rotten has become a beloved tradition, and we're not about to change that anytime soon.

France 🇫🇷 (Last Sunday of May or First Sunday of June):
Ah, bonjour! Over in France, they do things a little differently. Instead of sticking to the second Sunday of May like their American counterparts, the French celebrate Mother's Day, or "Fête des Mères," on the last Sunday of May or the first Sunday of June. Ooh la la! This tradition gained official recognition in 1950 when the French government designated it as a national holiday to honor mothers and their role in society. Talk about giving mom the VIP treatment! But why the last Sunday of May or the first Sunday of June, you ask?

Unlike the Americans, who stick to the second Sunday of May, the French like to keep things interesting by switching up the date. It's like a little surprise gift for all the mamas out there – you never know exactly when the celebrations will begin!

So, to all the mères out there – whether you're celebrating on the last Sunday of May, the first Sunday of June, or any day in between, merci beaucoup for all that you do, and here's to you.

Indonesia 🇮🇩 (December 22nd):
In the roaring '20s – specifically, 1928, Indonesia was all about the change and excitement, especially among women who were eager to carve out their place in society. In a historic move, a group of visionary Indonesian women came together for the Indonesian Women's Congress. This wasn't just any gathering – it was a groundbreaking event where these trailblazing women discussed women's rights, education, and empowerment.

Now, here's where it gets really interesting. Among the many topics on the agenda, these forward-thinking ladies decided to designate December 22nd as the official day to celebrate mothers and the remarkable women who hold families together and thus fast forward to today, and December 22nd has become synonymous with love and celebration across Indonesia. It's a day when families come together to honor their moms in the most special ways possible!

Russia and Ukraine 🇷🇺🇺🇦 (March 8th):
But wait, there's more! In some countries like Russia and Ukraine, they celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th. Now, you might be scratching your head and wondering, "What does Women's Day have to do with Mother's Day?" Well, it's like a two-for-one deal! International Women's Day celebrates women's achievements and contributions to society, including their roles as mothers. It's a day to recognize and appreciate the women who rock our world – both as moms and as fierce leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

Conclusion:
So, why all the differences? Well, every culture has its own unique traditions, history, and reasons for celebrating. But at the heart of it all, whether it's in May, March, or whenever, the message is the same: moms are superheroes, and they deserve all the love and appreciation we can muster!

If you are ever struggling while deciding what to buy for your Mom for Mother's Day, fret not! We have you covered!

Our heartwarming collection of personalized books are sure to make this Mother's Day extra special.

First up, we have "All About Mom" – an adorably cute, personalized, picture-perfect gift for the bestest, greatest mother in the whole wide world. With the PhotoStory version, you can upload and add your own photos directly into the book, creating a truly unique and cherished keepsake that your mom will treasure forever.

And if you're looking to tug at those heartstrings even more, "Your Baby's Story" is the perfect choice. This heartwarming, gentle, and loving story takes you on a wonderful trip down memory lane, reliving the beautiful experience of giving birth to your first child. It's a touching tribute to the journey of motherhood and the special bond between mother and child.

Our newest addition to our Mom collection is Mommy and Us. A great gift for Mother's day - or any day to tell Mom how much you all love her. It's a read-aloud book for up to four kids kids to tell Mom how much they love her, with beautiful illustrations and text that's highly personalized!

So why settle for ordinary when you can give your mom something extraordinary? Our personalized books are not just gifts – they're tokens of love!

So here's to all the moms out there, no matter where you are or when you celebrate – you're incredible, and we love you to the moon and back!