Mother’s Day, as we think of it, was founded in the United States in the early 1900s by Anna Jarvis, the daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis, a community organizer and social activist during the Civil War era. After her mother’s death, Jarvis created Mother’s Day as a way to pay tribute to mothers who make sacrifices for their children.
In 1908, the first official Mother’s Day celebration was held in West Virginia, led by Jarvis. She eventually wanted Mother’s Day to become a national holiday and wrote a campaign to newspapers and politicians, arguing that the majority of American holidays were created to celebrate male achievement. Jarvis ended up getting her wish in 1914, two years after many places had already adopted the holiday. President Woodrow Wilson put pen to paper, signing off on a measure that made it so Mother’s Day is always the second Sunday in May.
Now, over a century later, Mother’s Day is globally recognized. We’ve investigated the traditions of countries from various corners of the globe (Brazil, Greece, Japan, Mexico, and Morocco) to see how they commemorate Mother’s Day and learn the differences from how the U.S. celebrates.
BRAZIL
In Brazil, Mother’s Day is considered by some to be the second-largest holiday after Christmas. The celebrations aren’t solely for mothers, but also honor aunts and grandmothers. Gatherings such as barbeques, lunches, and picnics are held throughout the country. Dessert is a major priority in Brazil, with a popular dish being mousse de maracujá, which is a mixture of passion fruit, condensed milk, and “media crema.” These hangouts are laden with gorgeous flowers, and Brazil has a great native selection! From begonias and freesias to hibiscus and their national flower, the Cattleya Orchid, the rich and vivid colors of these bouquets represent the boldness and beauty of Brazil itself.
GREECE
Now, let’s go all the way to Europe, to the spectacular blue-and-white country of Greece. As opposed to Brazil’s Mother’s Day hype, Mother’s Day is not considered a public holiday in Greece. Most businesses are open as usual, although an abundance of gifts and flowers are given to mothers, similar to how the U.S. celebrates Mother’s Day. However, Gaia, or Mother Earth, was worshipped as a primary being in Ancient Greece. Gaia was the “ancestral mother”, as she birthed the Titans and was the mother to Pontus (the ocean) and Uranus (the sky). The commemorations were later passed down to her daughter Rhea, who was praised as being the “Mother of the Gods.”
JAPAN
Mother’s Day in Japan, translated to Haha no Hi, began being celebrated in the early 1900s in Japan. Some say it was originally observed on March 6, the birthday of the 20th-century Empress Kojun. After WWII, during which the holiday was banned, the date was changed to the second Sunday in May to align with the global calendar. Nowadays, Mothers are often greeted in the mornings with bouquets of red carnations from their children. Red carnations are known to show a mother’s endurance, care, sweetness, and purity. Pink carnations are also common and are used as decorations in homes and businesses. Gifts such as chocolates, sweets, handmade cards and crafts, calligraphy, and food are in abundance, oftentimes in beautiful packaging.
MEXICO
As we all know, Mexico knows how to have fun. From the Day of the Dead to colorful festivals honoring indigenous Mexican traditions, each festivity is intentional and brings communities together. In this country, similar to Brazil, Mother’s Day is one of the principal holidays, and is incredibly family-oriented. Not only are children bringing their mothers gifts such as chocolates and flowers, but Mexican tradition honors all women who are mothers. Grandchildren and children gather to honor their mothers, step-mothers, mothers-in-law, and grandmothers. This day is filled with lots of music, laughter, and great food. This is one of the busiest days for mariachi bands all year! The celebration begins in the morning and goes all day. Traditional foods are whipped up, from enchiladas and mole to pozole, a soup made with meat, seafood, or vegetables.
MOROCCO
Morocco is the second country on this list, besides Mexico, that commemorates Mother’s Day on a different day. So far, most countries listed have celebrated on the second Sunday in May, but in the past, Morocco’s Mother’s Day has been celebrated at the end of the month. Morocco views motherhood and the bonds between mother and child as the solid ground upon which the rest of society sits.
Also in Africa, Ethiopia celebrates Mother’s Day through Antrosht, a three-day festival in spring that attracts many, with food, dancing, and festival activities. Malawi observes Mother’s Day on Oct. 15, and in Nigeria, decorating churches and picking flowers became the ritual. The sheer diversity of how countries in Africa extol the women in their lives showcases the beautiful diversity of the continent.
Photograph by Shelby Payne Photography
