2025
MOTHER´S DAY
Although Mother’s Day has already passed, we’d like to take advantage of the fact that it’s still May to talk about this beautiful celebration. So, let’s raise a toast to the moms who embody strength, patience, and unconditional love — today and every day.
Celebrating Mother’s Day: A Beautiful Tradition Across Borders
Mother’s Day is a time to honour the incredible women who give us life, love, and endless support. While the sentiment is universal, the traditions vary around the world, shaped by culture, history, and values.
The Origins of Mother’s Day
Modern Mother’s Day traces its roots back to the early 20th century in the United States. After the American Civil War, social activist Julia Ward Howe campaigned for a “Mother’s Day for Peace,” but it wasn’t until Anna Jarvis took up the cause that the holiday truly gained traction.
Jarvis sought to honour her mother, a peace activist who cared for wounded soldiers. In 1908, she organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration in the U.S., symbolizing peace, gratitude, and maternal love. The tradition spread quickly, and by 1914, Mother’s Day was nationally recognized.
Mother’s Day in Canada
Canada adopted the holiday soon after the United States. The first Mother’s Day in Canada was celebrated on May 9, 1914, marked by church services and the wearing of white carnations in remembrance. The day quickly became popular, and by the 1920s, it had become commercialized — with greeting cards, flowers, and special gifts becoming part of the tradition.
Today, Canadians celebrate on the second Sunday of May. It’s a day for brunches, heartfelt messages, spa days, and quiet time with loved ones. Though less extravagant than in some cultures, the appreciation is just as sincere.
Mother’s Day in Mexico
In Mexico, El Día de las Madres is celebrated every May 10th, no matter the day of the week. It’s a deeply emotional and festive occasion, marked by music, flowers, and family gatherings. Children often sing “Las Mañanitas” to their mothers in the morning and present them with handmade gifts or flowers. Schools hold performances, and families either dine out or cook special meals to honor the maternal figure at home.
The reverence for motherhood in Mexico has ancient roots. Mesoamerican cultures worshipped goddesses of fertility and motherhood, and after the arrival of Europeans, these beliefs merged with Catholic devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe. This blend of cultural and spiritual reverence gave rise to the enduring tradition we see today.
The official promotion of Mother’s Day in Mexico began in 1922, led by Excélsior newspaper editor Rafael Alducin. Supported by José Vasconcelos, then Secretary of Public Education, the initiative coincided with social debates. In Yucatán that same year, feminist leader Esperanza Velázquez advocated for birth control and family planning. In contrast, the Catholic Church emphasized the woman’s role as mother and caregiver, reinforcing Mother’s Day as a tribute to that ideal.
Global Celebrations of Motherhood
Celebrating mothers transcends borders and time. In ancient Egypt, flowers and fruits were offered to Isis, the mother goddess. The Greeks honored Rhea, and the Romans, Cybele. These rituals all celebrated fertility, care, and life.
Mother’s Day is now observed in many countries, though the dates differ:
• May 10: México, Belice, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Malaysia
• March 21: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Morocco (aligned with spring)
• March 8: Albania, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria (International Women’s Day)
• First Sunday in May: Spain, Portugal, Hungary, South Africa
• Second Sunday in May: Canada, United States, Australia, many others
The Catholic Church’s celebration of the Virgin Mary in May, stemming from Pope Pius IX’s 1854 declaration of the Immaculate Conception, has also influenced the timing of Mother’s Day in many predominantly Catholic countries.
Reflections on Motherhood and Gender Roles
Despite progress in gender equality, traditional expectations still prevail. Women are often seen not only as caregivers and moral guides but also as the cohesive force within families — all while contributing to the workforce. Breaking away from these stereotypes remains a challenge, and meaningful change continues to require collective effort.
In Any Language, It’s Love 💐
Whether it’s a quiet brunch in Canada or a serenade in Mexico, Mother’s Day reminds us of the strength, resilience, and boundless love that mothers bring to our lives.
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