Everything You Need to Know About Mother's Day
“With a mother’s love, life makes a promise at dawn that it never keeps.” Taken from Romain Gary’s most famous novel, this quote perfectly illustrates the power of a mother’s love, which people of all ages celebrate with tenderness every year. Origins, history, traditions, dates… The Sessile editorial team reveals all the secrets of an unmissable floral celebration: Mother’s Day!
The History of Mother's Day
The celebration of Mother's Day isn't a recent phenomenon… This tradition has deep roots, reflecting the love children have had for their mothers since time immemorial.
The Ancient and Mythological Origins of Mother's Day
Did you know? The earliest traces of Mother's Day date back to ancient Greece!
Originally, the Greeks celebrated Rhea, mother of all the gods, as part of their spring festivities. The Romans, influenced by these traditions, also honored mothers through the festival of Matronalia, dedicated to Juno, the goddess of motherhood and childbirth. These celebrations involved offerings, prayers, and gifts in honor of mothers.
The Evolution of Mother's Day Through the Centuries
With the rise of Christianity, pagan festivals were transformed into religious celebrations. In the Middle Ages, in England and Ireland, the fourth Sunday of Lent was known as“Mothering Sunday.”Originally, this day was set aside for returning to the “mother” church. Over time, it became an occasion for children to return home and spend time with their mothers, often bringing gifts and flowers.
Mother's Day: Official Establishment in France and Abroad
In France, Mother’s Day was formally established in the 20th century. In 1920, the first“Mothers’ Day” was celebrated, followed by official recognition in 1929. On May 25, 1941, during the Occupation, Marshal Pétain established Mother’s Day as a national holiday, placing special emphasis on mothers of large families. Since then, the holiday has been celebrated on the last Sunday in May, unless that date coincides with Pentecost.
In the United States, Anna Jarvis, an American activist, founded the modern Mother’s Day in the early 20th century in memory of her own mother. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as a national day to honor American mothers. Mother’s Day then spread throughout the world, with each country adopting its own traditions and dates for celebration.
I find my bouquet of flowers
Mother's Day in France
In France, Mother's Day has a rich and complex history, marked by several important milestones.
Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the first to propose the idea of a day dedicated to mothers, although this plan was never carried out during his lifetime.
In 1906, the village of Artas in Isère held its first ceremony honoring mothers of large families—this event is often considered one of the first Mother’s Day celebrations in France.
In 1918, the city of Lyon observed a Mother's Day in honor of women who had lost sons and husbands during World War I.
Under the Vichy regime, in 1941, Mother's Day was officially established with the aim of promoting the birth rate and family values. This national celebration was intended to recognize and encourage the role of mothers in the country's reconstruction.
Finally, in 1950, President Vincent Auriol officially added this day to the French calendar, making Mother’s Day an official annual celebration, most often observed on the last Sunday in May. This post-World War II recognition underscores the enduring importance of this tradition in French culture.
Date of Mother's Day in France
Procedure for Setting the Date of Mother's Day
In France, Mother's Day is celebrated each year on the last Sunday in May, unless that date falls on Pentecost. In that case, the holiday is moved to the first Sunday in June. This calculation method allows for a specific date to be set while taking into account variations in the liturgical calendar. In this way, the celebration of Mother’s Day retains a certain flexibility while remaining anchored to a specific time of year.
Mother's Day Date in 2026
In 2026, Mother's Day in France will be celebrated on May 31. This date follows the usual rule of celebrating Mother's Day on the last Sunday in May, since it does not coincide with Pentecost that year.
Mother's Day Dates in France Through 2030
To help you plan ahead for future celebrations, here are the dates for Mother's Day in France through 2030:
- Mother's Day 2026: May 31
- Mother's Day 2027: May 30
- Mother's Day 2028: May 28
- Mother's Day 2029: May 27
- Mother's Day 2030: May 26
These dates follow the established calculation rule, ensuring that Mother's Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in May, unless that date falls on Pentecost, in which case it would be moved to the following Sunday. This predictability allows families and businesses to better prepare for this special day dedicated to mothers.
Mother's Day: Traditions Around the World
While Mother’s Day is a universal celebration, traditions and dates vary significantly from one country to another. Although the essence of the holiday remains the same, each culture adds its own unique touch to this day dedicated to a mother’s love.
Mother's Day in the United States
In the United States, Mother’s Day is traditionally celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Children often give their mothers gifts and flowers—preferably white carnations. Family meals are common, including sweet and savory brunches or hearty dinners prepared especially in honor of mothers.
Mother's Day in the United Kingdom
"Mothering Sunday" in the United Kingdom is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Although it was originally a religious holiday, it has evolved into a day when children give flowers and gifts to their mothers. Families gather for a Sunday meal while the children enjoy baking.
Mother's Day in Spain
In Spain, Mother's Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in May. Children give their mothers flowers, cards, and gifts. As is the case in France, schools get involved by organizing events and helping children make handmade gifts.
Mother's Day in Mexico
In Mexico, Mother’s Day is celebrated every May 10. It is one of the most important celebrations of the year. While families gather around a delicious meal, mariachis sing serenades in honor of the mothers. As devout Catholics, Mexicans gladly attend a special Mass to thank mothers for their eternal and unconditional love!
Mother's Day in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, Mother's Day is celebrated during the Antrosht festival, which takes place after the rainy season. Here, too, families gather for a grand feast. The daughters bring vegetables, cheese, and butter, while the sons are responsible for providing the meat. The celebration features traditional songs and dances that honor family ties and motherhood.
Mother's Day in Japan
In Japan, Mother's Day, known as "Haha no Hi," is also celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Children give red carnations, which symbolize purity and gentleness. They also help out at home by preparing special meals or doing household chores as a sign of respect and gratitude toward their mothers.
Mother's Day in Thailand
In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12, in honor of Queen Sirikit’s birthday; she is considered the mother of all Thais. This holiday is marked by official ceremonies, fireworks, and community activities. Children present their mothers with floral tributes, often white jasmine , which symbolizes purity and maternal love.
Mother's Day in India
In India, Mother's Day is a relatively recent celebration, observed on the second Sunday in May. Children show their love for their mothers by giving them gifts and flowers and by preparing special meals for them. The day is often spent with family, filled with outings or shared activities—all of which serve as expressions of the bond that unites children with their mothers.
How to Celebrate Mother's Day
There are a thousand and one ways to show our moms our unconditional love, starting with a hug, a personalized message, or even a cute pasta necklace!
At Sessile, we’ll help you find some great ideas to celebrate Mother’s Day in the most beautiful way possible:
- A beautiful bouquet of flowers
- A Personalized Poem
- A touching message
Sessile.fr's take on Mother's Day
At Sessile.fr, we can’t deny the power of a bouquet of fresh flowers to express our love for our parents. Peonies, roses, gerberas, lisianthus… By the end of May, the displays of artisan florists are adorned with pastel-colored flowers to fill our dear mothers’ hearts with joy and love. Carefully selected by passionate artisan florists, these Mother’s Day bouquets fill mothers’ tender hearts with childlike joy!
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and enables flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.