Buzz
Following her mother's death in 1905, Anna Jarvis vowed to establish a day to honor her mother and all mothers worldwide. Unbeknownst to her, and clearly to her dismay, Mother’s Day quickly transformed into a commercial sensation. Its influence expanded globally, with many Western nations adopting the second Sunday of May as their official Mother’s Day. However, not all countries followed this trend—much to the disappointment of their local florists. In reality, Mother’s Day in numerous nations bears little to no connection to Anna Jarvis’s creation and often falls outside of May. Here are some examples of these alternative Mother’s Day celebrations.
1. United Kingdom // MOTHERING SUNDAY, FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
While the name might echo the American version, the roots of Mothering Sunday are distinct. Historically, it was the Church of England that initiated Mothering Sunday to pay tribute to English mothers and later to honor the “Mother Church” for its spiritual guidance. Centuries ago, Christians were encouraged to return to their mother church at least once annually. Essentially, Mothering Sunday served as a gentle reminder to reconnect with the source of their spiritual or maternal life. The fourth Sunday of Lent was chosen for this pilgrimage and continues to be the day to celebrate mothers in the UK.
2. THAILAND // MOTHER'S DAY, AUGUST 12
Her Majesty Sirikit, the Queen of Thailand, is revered as the mother of all Thai citizens. Recognizing her royal maternal role, the Thai government designated her birthday, August 12, as the nation’s official Mother’s Day in 1976. This day is celebrated as a national holiday with grand festivities, including fireworks and candle-lighting ceremonies. Similarly, Father’s Day in Thailand is observed on the birthday of the reigning King, December 5.
3. BOLIVIA // MOTHER'S DAY, MAY 27
In the early 19th century, during Bolivia’s fight for independence from Spain, countless fathers, sons, and husbands were lost or wounded in battle. As history recounts, a group of courageous women from Cochabamba refused to remain passive. On May 27, they united to confront the Spanish Army on Coronilla Hill. Despite heavy casualties, their bravery is commemorated through a national law established in the 1920s, which declared the day of their heroic stand as Bolivia’s Mother’s Day, honoring the “Heroinas of Coronilla.”
4. INDONESIA // MOTHER'S DAY OR WOMEN'S DAY, DECEMBER 22
Established in 1953 by the president, Indonesia’s Mother’s Day coincides with the anniversary of the First Indonesian Women’s Congress (1928). This historic gathering of women in a governmental forum is regarded as a cornerstone in initiating structured women’s movements across Indonesia. The day was instituted to honor the significant role women play in Indonesian society.
5. MIDDLE EAST (VARIOUS) // MOTHER'S DAY OR SPRING EQUINOX, MARCH 21
The concept of Mother’s Day was introduced to Egypt by journalist Mustafa Amin, and it rapidly gained traction across the region. Motivated by a tale of a neglected widow and her ungrateful son, Amin and his brother Ali championed a day to honor mothers in Egypt. They chose March 21, the first day of spring, as the ideal time to celebrate life’s greatest nurturers. First observed in Egypt in 1956, the tradition continues in countries like Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq.
6. NEPAL // MOTHER PILGRIMAGE FORTNIGHT OR MATA TIRTHA SNAN, LAST DAY OF THE MAISHAKH MONTH (TYPICALLY BETWEEN LATE APRIL AND EARLY MAY)
Rooted in ancient Hindu customs, this festival dedicated to mothers remains widely celebrated in Nepal. It pays tribute to both living and deceased mothers. Those commemorating departed mothers often journey to the sacred Mata Tirtha ponds near Kathmandu. A vibrant carnival is also hosted in Mata Tirtha village, where children express gratitude to their mothers with sweets and presents.
7. ISRAEL // FAMILY DAY OR THE HOLIDAY FORMERLY KNOWN AS MOTHER'S DAY, 30TH DAY OF SHEVAT (TYPICALLY FEBRUARY)
Henrietta Szold, though childless herself, profoundly impacted the lives of countless children. As a key figure in the Youth Aliya organization, she safeguarded numerous Jewish children during the Holocaust, earning her the title of the “mother” of all children. In the 1950s, an 11-year-old named Nechama Biedermann suggested to the children’s magazine Haaretz Shelanu that Szold’s death anniversary be designated as Israel’s Mother’s Day. The proposal was embraced by the publication and the nation. Although the holiday has evolved into Family Day to promote gender inclusivity, its prominence has diminished over time.
8. ETHIOPIA // MOTHER'S DAY OR ANTROSHT, WHEN THE RAINY SEASON ENDS (OCTOBER/NOVEMBER)
Ethiopians celebrate Mother’s Day, or Antrosht, after the rainy season concludes, marking the occasion with a three-day family gathering. Unlike Western traditions, Ethiopian mothers actively participate in preparing the traditional meals for this festive event.
9. FRANCE // MOTHER'S DAY OR FÊTE DES MÈRES, LAST SUNDAY IN MAY
Celebrating Mother’s Day a few Sundays later than most of the world feels quintessentially French. Interestingly, as one blogger notes, France might have been ahead of the curve in some ways. The country has a rich history of attempts to establish a national Mother’s Day, including Napoleon’s early 19th-century effort to create a maternal holiday, which ultimately failed. Over a century later, Lyon introduced its own Mother’s Day to honor women who lost sons in World War I. It wasn’t until May 24, 1950, that Fête des Mères became an officially recognized holiday.
(The holiday is scheduled for the last Sunday in May, but if it coincides with Pentecost, Mother’s Day is moved to the first Sunday in June.)
10. NICARAGUA // MOTHER'S DAY OR DÍA DE MADRE, MAY 30
In the 1940s, President General Anastasio Somoza Garcia established Mother’s Day to coincide with his mother-in-law’s birthday. Despite its somewhat self-serving origins, the day has grown into a significant celebration in Nicaragua.
