Sacred duty and eternal love: how the world celebrates Mother's Day

Mother's Day is one of the warmest and most personal holidays in the calendar, which unites millions of people around the world to express endless gratitude to those closest to them. In Russia, it is celebrated on the last Sunday of November, while in other countries dates and traditions may vary significantly, reflecting cultural and historical features. This day is dedicated not only to biological mothers, but also to all women who raise, care for and give their love to children. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

The history of the holiday in a global context

The origins of Mother's Day celebrations go back to ancient times. In ancient Greece and Rome, there were cults of mother goddesses such as Rhea and Cybele, who were worshipped as the progenitors of all living things. The modern history of the holiday begins in the 17th century in England, where the so-called "Mother's Sunday" appeared. It fell on the fourth Sunday of Lent and was the day when servants and workers got a day off to visit their mothers and present them with symbolic gifts.

In the form in which the holiday is known today, it was formed in the USA. The initiator of its establishment was Anna Jarvis from West Virginia, who in 1908 organized a memorial ceremony in memory of her deceased mother. Her persistence led to President Woodrow Wilson officially declaring the second Sunday of May National Mother's Day in 1914. Over time, the tradition spread around the world, although many countries have set their own dates related to local historical or religious events.

Establishment and date of Mother's Day in Russia

In the Russian Federation, Mother's Day is a relatively young official holiday. It was established by Decree of President Boris Yeltsin No. 120 "On Mother's Day" dated January 30, 1998. The initiative came from the State Duma Committee on Women, Family and Youth Affairs, and the purpose of setting a new date was to emphasize the great importance of motherhood in the life of society and the state. Since then, the holiday has been celebrated annually on the last Sunday of November.

This date was chosen as neutral, not related to any historical or political events, which allows us to focus exclusively on family values. In 2025, Mother's Day falls on November 30th. The holiday is not an additional day off, but this does not prevent it from occupying an important place in the cultural life of the country, becoming an occasion for many social and family events.

Traditions of celebrating Mother's Day in different countries

The traditions of celebrating Mother's Day vary greatly from country to country, creating a unique cultural mosaic. In the United States and Canada, where the holiday is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, it is customary to give mothers postcards, flowers, most often carnations, and sweets. Family breakfasts or dinners are an integral part of the day. In the UK, the historical tradition of "Mother's Sunday" has been preserved, and many people still present mothers with a "family pie" — a special fruit pie symbolizing prosperity.

In Mexico, May 10 is celebrated on a special scale and is accompanied by music, dancing and lavish feasts in restaurants where children invite their mothers. In Japan, which also celebrates the second Sunday in May, carnations and red roses are popular gifts, symbolizing love and respect. In Ethiopia, multi-day celebrations are timed to coincide with the end of the rainy season and include a large family treat with traditional songs and dances.

How to celebrate Mother's Day in modern Russia

In Russia, Mother's Day is gradually becoming overgrown with its own traditions, combining both state and purely family rituals. On the official level, award ceremonies for mothers with many children are held on this day, state awards such as the Order of Parental Glory are presented, and charity concerts and events are organized. Educational institutions — kindergartens and schools — prepare matinees for mothers with songs, poems and handicrafts made by children's hands.

In families, the holiday is celebrated more intimately. The main tradition has become the expression of gratitude and attention. Children, even adults, give their mothers flowers, postcards, often homemade, and small gifts. Special workshops have become popular, where children can create something with their own hands for their mother. Many restaurants offer special menus on this day, and thematic programs and concerts dedicated to motherhood are broadcast on television and at various venues.

The symbolism and significance of the holiday in society

The main symbol of Mother's Day in Russia is the forget-me-not. This flower was not chosen by chance: according to popular beliefs, it has the property of restoring memory to those who have forgotten their loved ones, and symbolizes the constant bond between mother and child. Some social campaigns use the image of a teddy bear with a forget—me-not, a symbol of caring and tenderness.

The social significance of the holiday goes far beyond a simple greeting. It aims to raise the prestige of motherhood, draw public attention to the problems of large and single mothers, and support family values. Charity flash mobs and actions aimed at helping mothers in difficult situations and orphanages are traditionally held on this day, which emphasizes not only the personal, but also the humanistic nature of this day.

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