NEW YORK — While globally recognized as a heartfelt tribute to maternal figures, Mother’s Day transcends a single celebration, evolving into diverse cultural expressions across Asia and Europe. Observed predominantly on the second Sunday of May, the holiday blends ancient traditions with modern customs, reflecting profound differences in familial respect, gift-giving practices, and historical context across continents.
The common thread uniting these observances is the gesture of gratitude, often symbolized by flowers, particularly the enduring popularity of carnations. However, the focus shifts markedly between Western commercial practices and deeply rooted Asian filial piety.
Asian Traditions Stress Thoughtfulness Over Extravagance
In Asia, Mother’s Day often emphasizes personal effort and respect, frequently integrating the celebration of mothers with broader family appreciation.
In Japan (Haha no Hi), the focus remains steadfastly on respect and deep gratitude. Children traditionally offer carnations—symbolizing purity and love—alongside homemade gifts and family meals. The holiday, popularized after World War II under Western influence, primarily values personal thoughtfulness over expensive material displays.
South Korea broadens the focus by integrating the celebration into Parents’ Day on May 8. This blend underscores the Confucian tradition of honoring parents through filial duty, expressed via carnations and emotional gestures such as heartfelt letters and school performances.
The holiday has seen recent, rapid growth in China following the 1980s, largely driven by globalization. While modern celebrations include flowers, chocolates, and social media tributes, the occasion taps into China’s traditional respect for generational devotion. Similarly, in India and the Philippines, the Western-originated holiday resonates strongly with existing cultural emphases on robust family structures, marked by special meals, collective gatherings, and public acknowledgment of maternal roles. Filipinos, in particular, often extend honors well beyond biological mothers to include grandmothers and other significant figures.
European Observances Rooted in History
European observances frequently possess historical or religious foundations, combining ancient customs with modern consumer trends.
The United Kingdom celebrates Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday of Lent, a tradition historically linked to visits to one’s “mother church.” While modern celebrations focus on cards, flowers, and gifts like spa vouchers, the day seamlessly blends this deeply historical custom with contemporary family gatherings.
In continental Europe, intimate connection remains key. France (Fête des Mères), observed since the early 20th century, prioritizes personal expression, with highly valued handmade gifts and heartfelt letters alongside traditional flowers and shared meals. This emphasis on personalized appreciation is echoed in Italy (Festa della Mamma), where communal family dining forms the core of the celebration, often accompanied by roses and carnations.
Germany (Muttertag), celebrated on the second Sunday of May, includes flowers and chocolates, but often sees children preparing breakfast in bed or homemade gifts, highlighting warmth and personal expression. The Nordic countries—including Sweden, Norway, and Denmark—maintain an intimate approach, favoring small gifts, baked goods, and quiet family time.
Eastern European nations, such as Poland and the Czech Republic, successfully blend Western influence with local traditions, featuring family gatherings, public performances, and gifts of flowers and sweets that reinforce filial respect.
Across both continents, the method of celebration serves as a cultural mirror. While Asian observances often underscore a blend of emotional expression and deep-seated filial obedience, European practices link back to historical lineage, often incorporating contemporary commercialized gift-giving within a family-centric framework. Though the global Mother’s Day landscape is varied, the fundamental act of acknowledging maternal love remains an essential cultural cornerstone.