When Is Mother’s Day 2025? History, Traditions & Celebration Ideas for All Moms

Mother’s Day is celebrated all over the world to show gratitude and love for our mothers who have made untold sacrifices for us. From giving birth to handling the tantrums and then caring for you in innumerable ways! We all know that even if we have outgrown her lap, her love has always been constant for us! Nobody else will ever stand for us the way mothers are, and that is why here will deep dive into this beautiful day where we celebrate the most precious gifts “mothers” given by the Universe to all of us. 

Table of Content:

• When is Mother’s Day in 2025?
• Meaning & History of Mother’s Day
• Mother’s Day Celebration for Every Type of Mom
• FAQS about Mother’s Day

When is Mother’s Day in 2025?

1. Date of Mother’s Day 2025 (May 11, 2025)

This year, the world will celebrate Mother's Day on 11th May, 2025.

2. How is the date determined each year?

Every year, the 2nd Sunday of May is marked as the day to celebrate Mother's Day. Given that it is always a Sunday, you get to spend time and make beautiful memories with your mother without worrying about work commitments.

3. Quick list of Mother’s Day dates for the next five years.

Given that every 2nd Sunday of each year is celebrated as Mother's Day, let's take a look at the dates of the next five years, in case you wish to pre-plan Mother's Day with an extra special surprise for your mother:

• Mother's Day 2026 - 10th May, 2026
• Mother's Day 2027 - 09th May, 2027
• Mother's Day 2028 - 14th May, 2028
• Mother's Day 2029 - 13th May, 2029
• Mother's Day 2030 - 12th May, 2030

Meaning & History of Mother’s Day

Origins of Mother’s Day: From Ancient Traditions to Modern Times

It is believed that the very origin of Mother's Day dates back to the 1600s, when Greek and Roman European Christians used to honour two of their goddesses with communal gatherings, prayers and celebrations. The 'Mother of Gods', Rhea, and the 'Great Mother', Cybele, were celebrated, honouring motherhood and maternal figures. In Medieval times, British Christians started observing the fourth Sunday of Lent as a celebration of mothers. Traditionally, they would visit their 'mother church', but with evolving times, people started visiting their mothers on this day.

The Role of Anna Jarvis in Founding Mother’s Day

The first modern foundation of Mother's Day, as we celebrate it now, was laid by Anna Jarvis of the United States. Considered the founder of Mother's Day in America, Anna was inspired by her mother's living desire to see a day marked as a celebration of mothers all over. And when Anna's mother passed away, she led the movement to get Mother's Day commemorated into existence.  May 10, 1908, is considered to have been celebrated as the first official Mother's Day in the world. In those times, the floral industry saw an instant boom, as Mother's Day every year meant a huge demand for carnations. Red carnations were bought to gift living mothers, while the white carnations were purchased to honour deceased mothers.

The Evolution of Mother's Day in The 21st Century

With time, even the Mother's Day honouring has evolved, adding diverse spectrums to its celebratory rule book. While earlier, Mother's Day was limited to just celebrating the mothers and motherly figures, it is now a celebration of mother-in-laws, adopted mothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and basically any female who has a maternal significance in your life. Not to forget the commercialisation that has come with it. The whole ritual of curating Mother's Day gifts, purchasing a bouquet with greeting cards scribbled with Mother's Day quotes, and spending the day with the mother(s), with outings for meals and other activities.  And in the world of digitalisation, now one doesn't need to travel miles to meet the mother for celebrations. Many who cannot travel also take up virtual meets and celebrations with their mother to celebrate the day. The honouring part of Mother's Day has also found meaning as today, mother's also celebrated and honoured for all that she does for their children and the family. It is a celebration of expressing gratitude for whatever sacrifices she's made in raising her kids and taking care of the family.

How is Mother’s Day Celebrated Around the World?

Different parts of the world have a touch of their cultural practices that make Mother's Day special and geographically unique. Here are some of the interesting ways that countries celebrate the day:

• Mexico: The traditional Mariachi music finds its way into Mother's Day celebrations with dance accompanied by traditional Mexican delicacies for the day.
• Peru: Apart from celebrating the mothers who are alive, Peruvians also visit the cemetery on this day to honour the ones who have passed away.
• United States: Children and father make breakfast in bed for the mother, followed by showering with gifts like handmade greeting cards, flowers, gifts and a day out making memories together.
• Australia: Apart from the regular U.S.-style celebrations, Australians also gift their mothers a bouquet of Chrysanthemums because it ends with 'mums', similar to how many address their mothers as 'mums'.
• United Kingdom: Not flowers, but here, the tradition is to bring your mom a simnel cake, which is a fruity cake slathered with marzipan, as a gift.

Mother’s Day Celebration for Every Type of Mom

While gifting your mothers cards, flowers, and photo frames is a universal,easy-to-arrange trend, it is always more intimate when you think about finding her gifts that speak volumes about her personal preferences and style. Let’s take a look at some of the gifts that different types of mothers will adore!

1. For the New Mom: A new mom wants nothing more than lots of rest, good sleep and relaxation. Fathers can book a home-salon appointment for the new mother so that she can feel pampered. Cook or order her favourite foods, put on an OTT series or a movie for her to watch while she enjoys her meal and take over baby care for the day while she rests and maybe catch up with her friends and family. And while the father’s or children are at it, gift her some skincare products, a bouquet, a display of balloons celebrating her first Mother’s Day and so on.

2. For the Working Mom: Thank god that Mother’s Day is celebrated on a Sunday! Because that’s when your working mom can take a breather. Surprise her with breakfast in bed, take her out for a spa day, have a meal at that restaurant you’ve always talked about, or even catch up on a movie you’d been wanting to see with her. And for gifts, there are plenty of working mom gift ideas that you can select from.

3. For the Homemaker Mom: The biggest gift you can give her this Mother’s Day is the gift of giving her a day off from home chores. You take charge of laundry, all meals, cleaning, and whatever your mom’s daily chores are, and you let her just take a chill pill. Adding to that, make a beautiful greeting card for her to thank her for all that she does for you and gift her meaningful gifts along with it.

4. For the Adventure-Loving Mom: Get out of the house and go wild with adventures! That should be your motto for Mother’s Day. Take your mom out for sporty activities like trekking, long walks, or day trips around your city. You can even take her for indoor sports like a game or more, such as bowling, golfing, rock climbing, and even karting. As for gifts, anything with the theme of travel or adventure will be most loved by her.

5. For the Long-Distance Mom: Being far away from your mom can be a bummer. But being in touch with her over video calls can be a great way to start the celebrations. Thanks to easy home deliveries, you can pre-book a gift hamper for her. Get a bouquet from a florist’s shop near you delivered early morning to her doorstep. You can even surprise her with tickets to come meet you!

FAQS about Mother’s Day

Here’s looking at some of the most asked questions around Mother’s Day, along with more details on how it is celebrated in more countries. Take a look! 

1. Why is Mother’s Day celebrated on different dates in some countries?

Since it is in the United States that the second Sunday of every May is celebrated as Mother's Day, it is not a traditional, definite rule that is automatically followed by other countries. A lot of countries celebrate Mother's Day in their way, on a different date. Check out how and when some other countries celebrate the occasion:

• Thailand: With the natives worshipping and respecting the royal family like gods, a lot of their festivals have also been designed keeping the important family in mind. Which is why Mother's Day in Thailand is celebrated on the 12th of August each year, which is the Queen Mother's birthday.
• Nigeria: Mother's Day comes early in this country, as the celebrations take place in March. The natives gather in churches, singing 'Sweet Mother' song and many others, combined with dancing and praying.
• Haiti: With celebrations lined up for the last Sunday of May, Mother's Day celebrations among Haitians take place with church services. As per tradition, everyone wears a flower to honour their mother. For mothers who are alive, children wear a red flower. For mothers who have passed away recently, the children wear a white flower. And for mothers who passed away many years ago, the children wear a lavender flower.
• Russia: With a mix of government holiday rules and tradition, Russians celebrate Mother's Day on the last Sunday of November each year. For years since the 90s, mothers have been honoured with awards in this country, with Mother Heroine and Order of Mother Heroine as being the top awards for mothers. These awards are given to gratify mothers who have given birth and raised ten or more Russian children, or mothers who have taken care of large families.
• France: In 1950, the French government declared the fourth Sunday of May as Mother's Day and a countrywide holiday. These days, many children take over house chores for their mom and pamper her with gifts and gratification.

2. What are some traditional Mother’s Day flowers?

In many countries across the globe, red flowers are considered to honour mothers who are still alive. White flowers symbolise honouring mothers who have passed away. And in some places, Lavender coloured flowers are taken to honour mothers who passed away a long time ago. Although in countries like Australia, particular flowers like Chrysanthemums are gifted to mothers.

3. Is Mother’s Day a public holiday?

Yes! Whether it is celebrated on the second Sunday of May or any other day in a country, Mother’s Day is considered a public holiday. Many governments encourage people to honour and thank their mothers for raising them by spending time with them and making them feel special. 

4. How can I make Mother’s Day special on a budget?

D.I.Y. is the best way to make Mother’s Day special on a budget. Here’s how you can do that:

• Gifts: Take out your craft supplies and make your mom a Mother’s Day greeting card. It doesn’t have to be fancy or by artists like Picasso. A simple painting is still a grand gesture that a mother would always love receiving. Pluck local flowers and create a bouquet for your mommy dearest. Purchase a budget-friendly DIY kit that teaches you to crochet, paint or create artistic gifts and present your mom something handmade by you!
• Food: Check out some easy-to-follow recipes online and cook up a simple storm for her in the kitchen. If not a whole day’s meals, you can either do breakfast in bed, or a lunch or dinner menu for you.  You can even buy snacks like cookies and wafers, and arrange a high tea for her, in the British style.
• Additional Things: Make a thank you video for her or do a live singing session for her as a gift.

5. Can I celebrate Mother’s Day even if I’ve lost my mom?

Absolutely, yes! You can honour her with a bouquet of white flowers. Pray for her departed soul, think about all the beautiful memories you created with her and spend some time cherishing those memories. Additionally, you can even visit an old-age home and sponsor a meal or more for all the parents there in your mother’s loving memory. Spend time with them, help them with their chores, sit down for conversations and laughter and make beautiful memories for life.

Aren't these Mother's Day traditions and history so fascinating? Honestly, we believe that every day should be a celebration of our mothers. But with norms, marking one day of the year to honour her is also special. Do let us know how you celebrated this special day with your mother.

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