How the World Celebrates Mother’s Day: Love, Gifts, and Remittances
Across the globe, Mother's Day is one of the most emotionally significant holidays, offering people the chance to express gratitude for the women who raised, supported, and inspired them. Although the traditions and dates vary by country, the essence remains universal: honoring mothers with love, time, and thoughtful gestures.
For millions of people living abroad, distance doesn’t diminish this sentiment. Thanks to modern technology and services like sendvalu, sending a heartfelt gift or much-needed financial support is easier than ever. Whether it's a financial transfer, a mobile top-up, or a digital gift card, the ability to make mothers feel cherished across borders has never been more accessible. In this blog, we explore how Mother's Day 2025 is celebrated around the world, what gifts are popular across cultures, and how remittances help bridge the emotional and physical gaps between families.
A Global Calendar: When Is Mother's Day Celebrated?
Mother's Day isn't marked by a single date worldwide. Here's a glimpse at how different countries schedule this beloved occasion:
- United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, India, and the Philippines: Second Sunday of May. In 2025, that’s May 11.
- United Kingdom and Ireland: Fourth Sunday in Lent, which in 2025 falls on March 30.
- Mexico: Always celebrated on May 10, regardless of the day of the week.
- Thailand: Celebrated on August 12, the birthday of Queen Sirikit.
- Ethiopia: Celebrated in early fall during the Antrosht festival.
- Arab Countries like Egypt, Lebanon, and UAE: March 21, coinciding with the Spring Equinox.
- France and Sweden: Celebrated on the last Sunday in May.
- Indonesia: Celebrates Mother's Day on December 22, commemorating the first Women's Congress in 1928.
This diversity of dates reflects the richness of culture and tradition, reinforcing the idea that mothers are cherished universally, regardless of calendar differences. It also opens the door to celebrating more than once for those with international families or multicultural backgrounds.
Cultural Expressions of Love: Unique Traditions Around the World
Every country has its own way of saying Happy Mother’s Day. Here are some beautiful examples that reflect unique cultural values and customs:
Mexico: Serenades and Flowers
In Mexico, Mother's Day is a grand affair. Children often wake their mothers with music, especially the traditional "Las Mañanitas". Families gather for meals and present their mothers with elaborate floral arrangements and gifts. Churches hold special Masses, and mariachi bands may perform in public spaces to honor all mothers.
United Kingdom: A Religious Origin
Known as Mothering Sunday, the UK tradition began as a day when Christians returned to their "mother church." Today, it has evolved into a celebration of motherhood, featuring cards, small gifts, and family dinners. It's also common to give Simnel cakes, a traditional fruit cake topped with marzipan.
Ethiopia: Antrosht Festival
Ethiopia marks Mother’s Day during Antrosht, a multi-day celebration involving feasting, singing, and storytelling. Daughters typically bring dairy products, while sons provide meat. The festival is a heartfelt occasion to honor matriarchs and reflect on family history.
Thailand: A Royal Tribute
In Thailand, the holiday is tied to the birthday of Queen Sirikit. Communities organize ceremonies, students perform dances, and many wear light blue, the Queen’s color, to show their respect. Children kneel before their mothers to express deep gratitude, often presenting jasmine garlands.
India and the Philippines: Growing Modern Traditions
Urban centers in India and the Philippines have embraced Mother’s Day in recent years. Children surprise their mothers with handmade crafts, spa treatments, or messages on social media. Schools organize activities, while media and brands run awareness campaigns, making the occasion more prominent each year.
Indonesia: National Empowerment
Mother's Day in Indonesia, on December 22, also celebrates women's empowerment. It is a day for family appreciation, but also a reminder of the role women play in nation-building. Events include public performances, discussions, and honoring women in leadership.
Gifting from Afar: The Rise of Digital and Cross-Border Giving
For people living abroad, Mother’s Day 2025 is an opportunity to show appreciation, even when thousands of miles apart. Digital tools and financial services now make that possible in a matter of minutes, allowing senders to express their affection without delay.
Digital Gift Cards
From online stores to streaming platforms, digital gift cards have become a popular way to give mothers the freedom to choose their gifts. These options are instant, secure, and personalized. Some platforms even allow you to include a photo or a voice message for a more emotional touch.
Mobile Top-Ups
In many countries, topping up a mother’s phone is a small but powerful gesture, keeping her connected and cared for. Mobile top-ups are a thoughtful and practical way to show love and support, especially in regions where mobile communication is essential for daily life.
Money Transfers and Remittances
Sending money home remains one of the most meaningful gifts. It gives mothers financial freedom to pay bills, invest in health, buy something special, or even treat the family. It also symbolizes trust and recognition of the role mothers play in managing household responsibilities.
Platforms like sendvalu simplify this process. You can send money online securely, choose from various delivery methods including cash pickup or mobile wallet, and ensure timely arrivals, all while avoiding unnecessary delays or high fees. sendvalu also offers transparent exchange rates and multilingual support for ease of use.
How Remittances Empower Mothers
Remittances aren’t just transactions; they are lifelines. According to the World Bank, global remittances to low- and middle-income countries reached over $650 billion in 2023. A significant portion of these funds is sent to mothers or grandmothers who manage household finances and make critical decisions for the wellbeing of their families.
Here's how remittances empower them:
Economic Stability: Regular support enables better planning and budgeting. Mothers can rely on consistent help to manage their household expenses without compromising on essentials.
Healthcare Access: Mothers can afford checkups, medication, and insurance. Preventive care becomes more accessible, and chronic conditions are easier to manage.
Education for Children: Money often goes toward school fees and materials for younger family members, ensuring that future generations thrive.
Entrepreneurship: Some use funds to start small businesses, such as tailoring, farming, or local shops, and become financially independent.
Community Leadership: Financial stability enables women to take on leadership roles in their communities, supporting others and advocating for local development.
In many ways, sending money is a tribute to their strength, resilience, and wisdom. It acknowledges their role as financial managers, emotional anchors, and pillars of intergenerational support.
A Message to All Mothers: You Are Loved
Regardless of location, income, or background, every mother deserves to feel appreciated. A simple "Happy Mother's Day", a short video call, or a financial gift can speak volumes. These actions don’t just celebrate a date on the calendar; they celebrate a lifetime of unconditional love and selfless dedication.
This year, let your message be loud and clear: "You matter." In a time when families are spread across continents, these small gestures become monumental. They carry not just affection, but reassurance and pride.
As you prepare for Mother’s Day 2025, think of how you can make your mom feel closer, no matter the distance. Whether it's a bouquet of her favorite flowers, a handwritten letter, or a remittance via sendvalu, every gesture carries profound meaning.
Turning Distance into Devotion
Mother’s Day is more than tradition, it’s a global reminder of the strength, love, and sacrifice of women everywhere. And in a world where families are increasingly separated by geography, technology and remittance services offer new ways to stay connected. When love is supported by action, distance becomes insignificant.
With sendvalu, you can celebrate Mother's Day 2025 by delivering more than money. You deliver recognition. You deliver love. You deliver presence in the form of financial care, digital convenience, and personal attention. And above all, you deliver the message that no matter where you are, Mom is always close to your heart.
Let’s make this year unforgettable. Say Happy Mother’s Day the way it matters most: with love that travels, kindness that resonates, and support that empowers.
Customer reviews
Why do they trust us? Read what our customers say about sendvalu.
Rated Best Over 5174 Reviews