When is Mother's Day in 2025? Guide to Dates and Celebrations

Mother's Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays worldwide, honoring maternal figures and their contributions to family and society. While the date varies around the world, millions of people mark this special occasion with gifts, meals, and expressions of gratitude. This comprehensive guide provides the most up-to-date information on when Mother's Day falls in 2025 across the globe, with special focus on celebrations in the United States.

When is Mother's Day 2025 in the United States?

In the United States, Mother's Day 2025 will be celebrated on Sunday, May 11.

The U.S. always observes Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, making it a movable holiday that falls between May 8 and May 14 each year. This tradition was officially established in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as a national holiday to honor mothers.

Mother's Day 2025 Dates Around the World

While many countries follow the U.S. custom of celebrating Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, others have their own unique dates and traditions. Here's a comprehensive list of Mother's Day dates for all countries in 2025:

May 2025 Celebrations (Second Sunday - May 11, 2025)

The majority of countries worldwide celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, including:

• United States
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• China
• Colombia
• Croatia
• Cuba
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Ecuador
• Estonia
• Finland
• Germany
• Greece
• Honduras
• Hong Kong
• Iceland
• India
• Italy
• Japan
• Latvia
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Peru
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• South Africa
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• Turkey
• Ukraine
• Uruguay
• Venezuela
• Vietnam
• Zimbabwe

Other May Celebrations in 2025

First Sunday in May (May 4, 2025):

• Angola
• Cape Verde
• Hungary
• Lithuania
• Mozambique
• Portugal
• Romania
• Spain

May 8, 2025:

• South Korea (Parents' Day)

May 10, 2025:

• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Mexico

May 14, 2025:

• Benin

May 15, 2025:

• Paraguay

Last Sunday in May (May 25, 2025):

• Algeria
• Cameroon
• Dominican Republic
• France (unless it coincides with Pentecost)
• Haiti
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mauritius
• Morocco
• Niger
• Senegal
• Sweden
• Tunisia

May 26, 2025:

• Poland

May 27, 2025:

• Bolivia

May 30, 2025:

• Nicaragua

March 2025 Celebrations

March 3, 2025:

• Georgia

March 8, 2025 (International Women's Day):

• Albania
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Kazakhstan
• Laos
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• North Macedonia
• Russia (observed on this date until officially moved to November)
• Serbia
• Tajikistan
• Uzbekistan

March 21, 2025:

• Bahrain
• Comoros
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Iraq
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Libya
• Mauritania
• Oman
• Palestine
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• Somalia
• Sudan
• Syria
• United Arab Emirates
• Yemen

March 25, 2025:

• Slovenia

March 30, 2025 (Fourth Sunday in Lent/Mothering Sunday):

• Guernsey
• Ireland
• Isle of Man
• Jersey
• Nigeria
• United Kingdom

Celebrations in Other Months of 2025

February 9, 2025 (Second Sunday in February):

• Norway

June 1, 2025:

• Mongolia

June 8, 2025 (Second Sunday in June):

• Luxembourg

June 14, 2025:

• Afghanistan

July 7, 2025 (First Monday in July):

• South Sudan

August 12, 2025:

• Thailand (coincides with Queen Sirikit's birthday)

August 15, 2025:

• Costa Rica

October 15, 2025:

• Malawi

October 19, 2025 (Third Sunday in October):

• Argentina

November 3, 2025:

• Timor-Leste

November 16, 2025:

• North Korea

November 30, 2025 (Last Sunday in November):

• Russia

December 8, 2025:

• Panama

December 22, 2025:

• Indonesia

The History of Mother's Day in the United States

The American Mother's Day has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, though its roots extend much further. Understanding this history helps explain why Mother's Day falls on the second Sunday in May in the U.S. and many other countries.

Anna Jarvis: The Founder of Modern Mother's Day

The modern American Mother's Day was created by Anna Jarvis in the early 1900s. After her mother Ann Reeves Jarvis died on May 9, 1905, Anna was inspired to honor her mother's memory and the sacrifices made by all mothers.

On May 12, 1907, Anna held the first Mother's Day service at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. She chose the second Sunday in May because it was close to the anniversary of her mother's death. The idea quickly gained popularity, and by 1911, all U.S. states were observing the holiday in some form.

Anna's campaign culminated on May 8, 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation establishing Mother's Day as a national holiday to be celebrated on the second Sunday in May. The proclamation called for Americans to display the flag "as a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country."

Earlier Influences: Julia Ward Howe and Ann Reeves Jarvis

Before Anna Jarvis established Mother's Day, other women had promoted similar observances:

Ann Reeves Jarvis (Anna's mother) organized "Mothers' Day Work Clubs" in the 1850s to improve sanitation and health conditions in West Virginia. After the Civil War, she established "Mothers' Friendship Day" to promote reconciliation between former Union and Confederate soldiers.

Julia Ward Howe, who wrote "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," promoted a "Mother's Day for Peace" in 1870. She called for women to unite against war and issued a "Mother's Day Proclamation" urging disarmament and peace. For several years, she held an annual Mother's Day meeting in Boston on June 2.

Commercialization and Anna Jarvis's Later Opposition

Ironically, Anna Jarvis eventually became disillusioned with the holiday she had created. As Mother's Day became increasingly commercialized in the 1920s, she actively campaigned against the holiday's transformation into a gift-buying occasion.

Jarvis argued that Mother's Day should be about sentiment, not profit, and protested the sale of flowers, cards, and candies. She even filed lawsuits to stop Mother's Day events and was once arrested for disturbing the peace at a carnation sale for war mothers.

Despite her efforts, the commercial aspects of Mother's Day continued to grow, and today it represents one of the largest consumer spending holidays in the United States.

Mother's Day 2025 in the United States: Trends and Statistics

Mother's Day has evolved into a major cultural and economic event in the United States. The National Retail Federation projects that Mother's Day spending will reach $34.1 billion in 2025, continuing a pattern of robust consumer engagement despite economic fluctuations.

Gift-Giving Trends for 2025

For Mother's Day 2025 in the United States, the most popular gift categories are expected to be:

1. Flowers (74% of consumers) - A tradition dating back to Anna Jarvis, who used white carnations to symbolize the purity of a mother's love.
2. Greeting cards (73%) - Despite the digital age, physical cards remain central to Mother's Day traditions.
3. Special outings (61%) - Experiences such as brunch, dinner, or other activities continue to grow in popularity.

In terms of spending categories:

• Jewelry: $6.8 billion
• Special outings: $6.3 billion
• Gift cards: $3.5 billion
• Flowers: $3.2 billion
• Greeting cards: $1.1 billion

Americans celebrating Mother's Day 2025 are expected to spend an average of $259.04 per person, slightly higher than in previous years.

Shopping Patterns

Mother's Day shopping in the U.S. shows distinct patterns:

• 36% of shoppers plan to make purchases online
• 32% will shop at department stores
• 29% prefer specialty stores
• 25% will support local small businesses

Interestingly, 48% of consumers say finding a unique or different gift is their top priority, while 42% focus on creating special memories rather than purchasing physical items.

Who Americans Shop For

Mother's Day celebrations in the U.S. have expanded to honor various maternal figures:

• 57% of shoppers buy gifts specifically for mothers or stepmothers
• 23% purchase for wives
• 12% shop for daughters
• Others buy for grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and friends who are mothers

How Mother's Day is Celebrated Around the World

While gift-giving is common across most countries, many nations have developed their own unique traditions for honoring mothers.

North America

United States: Beyond the traditional gifts and cards, many families attend church services (Mother's Day is one of the highest church attendance days after Christmas and Easter). The white carnation, Anna Jarvis's symbol for mothers, remains significant - colored carnations represent living mothers while white honors those who have passed away.

Mexico: Celebrated on May 10 regardless of the day of the week, Mother's Day (Día de las Madres) typically begins with a morning serenade of "Las Mañanitas" by children to their mothers, followed by a special meal. Churches hold special masses, and the day is considered one of the most important celebrations in Mexican culture.

Canada: Canadian celebrations closely mirror those in the United States, with family gatherings, gifts, and cards being central to the day.

Europe

United Kingdom: Known as "Mothering Sunday," the UK celebration falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent (March 30, 2025). Originally a religious observance when people would return to their "mother church," it evolved to include honoring actual mothers. Today's celebrations include flowers, cards, and family meals.

France: "Fête des Mères" takes place on the last Sunday in May (May 25, 2025) unless it coincides with Pentecost, in which case it moves to the first Sunday in June. The day typically includes a family meal and gifts, with the government officially honoring mothers of large families.

Russia: Since 1998, Mother's Day has been celebrated on the last Sunday of November (November 30, 2025), distinguishing it from International Women's Day on March 8, which was the traditional day to honor women during the Soviet era.

Asia

Japan: Following the American date, Mother's Day in Japan centers around white carnations, which symbolize the sweetness and endurance of motherhood. Children often prepare home-cooked meals and give thoughtful presents.

China: Mother's Day follows the American date but blends it with traditional Confucian values of filial piety. While relatively new as an official celebration, respect for mothers has deep cultural roots in Chinese society.

Thailand: Celebrated on August 12, Mother's Day coincides with the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who is regarded as the mother of the nation. The day includes parades, ceremonies, and the giving of jasmine flowers, a symbol of maternal love.

India: While following the American date (second Sunday in May), Mother's Day in India incorporates elements from various religious and cultural traditions, often blending with existing festivals that honor divine feminine energy.

Middle East and Africa

Egypt and Arab countries: Mother's Day on March 21 was introduced by journalist Mustafa Amin in 1956. The celebration coincides with the beginning of spring, symbolizing new life and growth.

Ethiopia: The Antrosht festival honors mothers after the rainy season ends, typically in fall. Families celebrate with a large meal where children bring ingredients for traditional dishes.

South Africa: Following the American date, South African celebrations often incorporate indigenous traditions alongside contemporary practices, with family gatherings being central to the day.

South America

Argentina: Uniquely celebrates on the third Sunday in October (October 19, 2025), a date that was originally tied to Catholic celebrations of maternity.

Brazil: Following the American date, Mother's Day is Brazil's second most commercial holiday after Christmas, featuring school performances, family gatherings, and extensive gift-giving.

The Global Significance of Mother's Day in 2025

Across cultures and continents, Mother's Day serves as a reminder of the universal value placed on maternal care and nurturing. While commercial aspects of the holiday continue to grow, many families focus on creating meaningful experiences and expressing authentic gratitude.

The holiday's persistence and growth across diverse cultures demonstrate its resonance with fundamental human values. Whether celebrated with elaborate gifts or simple expressions of thanks, Mother's Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the profound influence of mothers on individual lives and society at large.

As we approach Mother's Day 2025, the celebration continues to evolve, reflecting changing family structures, technological advances, and cultural shifts. Yet its core purpose remains constant: honoring the irreplaceable role of mothers and maternal figures in nurturing, guiding, and shaping future generations.

Mark Your Calendar for Mother's Day 2025

Whether you're in the United States celebrating on May 11, 2025, the United Kingdom observing Mothering Sunday on March 30, 2025, or any of the numerous countries with their own special dates, Mother's Day provides a valuable opportunity to honor the maternal figures who have shaped our lives.

For those in the United States, remember that Mother's Day 2025 falls on Sunday, May 11. As the holiday approaches, consider how you might express appreciation in ways that are meaningful to the mothers in your life, whether through traditional gifts, quality time, acts of service, or simply heartfelt words of gratitude.

Regardless of when or how you celebrate, the essence of Mother's Day transcends commercial trappings and cultural differences. At its heart, the day is about acknowledging the impact of maternal love and care—a universal value worth celebrating in every corner of the world.