Mom's Day Explain: Why Are There So Many Mother's Days?

Mother’s Day, or as it is known in various cultures, Mom’s Day, Mothering Day, or Mom Day, is a celebration honoring the influence and significance of mothers and motherhood in society. While it might seem like a universally recognized occasion, Mother’s Day is not an international celebration observed on a single fixed date worldwide. Instead, it’s a diverse tapestry of traditions woven into the cultural fabric of different nations, each with its own unique way of expressing gratitude and love for mothers.

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The Origins of Mother’s Day

The concept of honoring mothers dates back centuries, with ancient Greek and Roman festivals dedicated to maternal goddesses. However, the modern incarnation of Mother’s Day emerged in the early 20th century, largely due to the efforts of Anna Jarvis in the United States. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day in the U.S., leading to its widespread adoption.

Cultural Variations

While the second Sunday of May became the de facto Mother’s Day in many countries, not all nations follow this tradition. Instead, they have established their own dates and customs to celebrate motherhood. This results in the proliferation of “Mother’s Days” throughout the year, contributing to the perception that there are many such occasions.

But make sure you don’t confuse between Mother’s Day and Mothering Sunday, these are indeed two different days, although they both celebrate motherhood.

Mothering Sunday is a separate observance with its origins in medieval England. It falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which varies each year but generally occurs in March. Historically, Mothering Sunday was a Christian holiday where people would return to their “mother church” and later evolved into a day to honor mothers and maternal figures. It is observed in the United Kingdom and some other countries, often with church services, family gatherings, and the giving of flowers or small gifts to mothers.

For instance, in the United Kingdom, Mothering Sunday occurs on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which typically falls in March. In France, Mothers Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in May, unless it coincides with Pentecost Sunday, in which case it moves to the first Sunday in June. In countries like Argentina and Russia, Mother’s Day is observed on entirely different dates—Argentina celebrates it on the third Sunday in October, while Russia marks the occasion on the last Sunday in November.

So while both days celebrate motherhood, they are observed on different dates and have distinct cultural and historical backgrounds.

Cultural Significance

Each variation of Mother’s Day reflects the unique cultural values and traditions of the respective countries. Despite the differences in dates and customs, the underlying sentiment remains the same: to express appreciation for the selfless love, sacrifices, and nurturing provided by mothers.

The Global Impact

In an increasingly interconnected world, the celebration of Mother’s Day has transcended borders, with people of diverse backgrounds joining in to honor mothers and mother figures. Social media platforms amplify the global conversation, leading to the widespread awareness of different Mother’s Day observances.

Countries that Celebrate Mom’s Day

Here’s a list of countries along with the exact date they celebrate Mother’s Day:

United States – Second Sunday in May (May 8th in 2022)
United Kingdom – Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 27th in 2022)
Canada – Second Sunday in May (May 8th in 2022)
Australia – Second Sunday in May (May 8th in 2022)
New Zealand – Second Sunday in May (May 8th in 2022)
India – Second Sunday in May (May 8th in 2022)
Mexico – May 10th
Brazil – Second Sunday in May (May 8th in 2022)
Japan – Second Sunday in May (May 8th in 2022)
South Africa – Second Sunday in May (May 8th in 2022)
France – Last Sunday in May (May 29th in 2022)
Germany – Second Sunday in May (May 8th in 2022)
Italy – Second Sunday in May (May 8th in 2022)
Spain – First Sunday in May (May 1st in 2022)
Argentina – Third Sunday in October (October 16th in 2022)
Chile – Second Sunday in May (May 8th in 2022)
Colombia – Second Sunday in May (May 8th in 2022)
Venezuela – Second Sunday in May (May 8th in 2022)
Peru – Second Sunday in May (May 8th in 2022)
Philippines – Second Sunday in May (May 8th in 2022)
Thailand – August 12th
Russia – Last Sunday in November (November 27th in 2022)
Egypt – March 21st
Iran – December 20th (corresponds with the birthday of Fatimah, daughter of the Islamic prophet Muhammad)
Saudi Arabia – March 21st
United Arab Emirates – March 21st

These dates may vary slightly from year to year due to differences in calendar systems or occasional changes in tradition.

Conclusion

While Mothers Day is not an international holiday with a fixed date, its celebration manifests in various forms across the globe, underscoring the universal reverence for mothers. Whether it’s called Mom’s Day, Mothering Day, or any other name, the essence of the occasion remains constant: a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable women who have shaped our lives with their unconditional love and boundless support. So, the next time you hear someone say, “Today’s Mother’s Day,” remember that it might be true in another corner of the world, showcasing the beautiful diversity of human culture and appreciation for moms everywhere.