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Mother's Day in Asia and Europe: Warmth and Gratitude in Diverse Cultures

💖親愛的媽媽，辛苦您了，謝謝您一直以來的支持與付出。祝您母親節快樂，永遠幸福健康快樂。💖


Every May, when the gentle spring breeze sweeps across the land, a warm atmosphere permeates the globe—Mother's Day is just around the corner. This day for expressing love and gratitude to mothers showcases a rich tapestry of cultures in Asia and Europe. While a deep respect for mothers is universally felt, unique regional characteristics are evident in traditional customs, celebrations, and commercial atmospheres.

💖Asia: Filial Piety as the Foundation, Delicate Expression of Emotion💖

In Asian countries deeply influenced by Confucian culture, "孝" (xiào), or filial piety, is the core value of Mother's Day. "報答母恩" (bào dā mu ēn), repaying maternal kindness, is not only an important part of school education but is also deeply rooted in social consciousness.


Taiwan

Mother's Day in Taiwan is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Strong family cohesion means that children often express their feelings through family gatherings, outings, or returning home to visit their mothers. Gift-giving tends to be practical, such as health products, massage devices, or kitchenware, reflecting concern for the mother's well-being. The commercial atmosphere is strong, with department stores and the catering industry launching enthusiastic promotions, and slogans like "感謝媽媽" (gǎnxiè māma), thank you, Mom, and "媽媽辛苦了" (māma xīnkǔ le), Mom, you've worked hard, are seen everywhere.


Singapore

Mother's Day in Singapore is also celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Influenced by multiculturalism, Singapore's Mother's Day celebrations blend traditional Chinese concepts of filial piety with Western customs. Family gatherings are the main form of celebration, and children also give gifts, flowers, and express their gratitude to their mothers. The commercial atmosphere is equally strong, with major shopping malls and restaurants offering special Mother's Day promotions.


Malaysia

Mother's Day in Malaysia is also celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Similar to Singapore, Malaysia is influenced by multiculturalism, and celebrations are diverse. The Chinese community generally emphasizes filial piety, with family gatherings being an important part of the celebration. The Malay and Indian communities also have their own traditional ways of expressing respect for mothers. Gift-giving and flowers are common expressions, and there are many Mother's Day-focused commercial promotions.


South Korea

Although South Korea does not have a specific "Mother's Day," Parents' Day (어버이날, Eobeoinal) is celebrated every year on May 8th. On this day, gratitude is expressed to both parents. Children give carnations and gifts and have dinner with their parents, reflecting the traditional values of respect for elders and family harmony.


Japan

Mother's Day (母の日, Haha no Hi) in Japan is also celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Similar to Taiwan, schools teach children about gratitude. Giving red carnations is a classic symbol, representing love and respect for mothers. Children often make bento boxes, help with housework, or write letters to express their thanks, showcasing delicate emotions. Commercially, Japanese product designs are often very elaborate, and many brands launch marketing campaigns with the theme "ありがとう" (Arigato), thank you.


💖Europe: Emphasis on Individual Value, Simple and Heartfelt Blessings💖

Compared to Asia's emphasis on filial piety, Mother's Day in Europe tends to focus more on the individual value and emotional needs of mothers.


Germany

Mother's Day (Muttertag) in Germany is also celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Its origins were influenced by the United States, but modern German society places greater emphasis on the value and autonomous choices of mothers as independent individuals. Celebrations are relatively simple, with children traditionally preparing breakfast or helping with housework for their mothers. Giving flowers, especially carnations or tulips, is the most common way of expressing appreciation. Many families choose outdoor activities or short trips to allow their mothers to relax. The commercial atmosphere, while present, is significantly less intense than in Asian countries, leaning towards a warm and natural style.


Czech Republic

Mother's Day in the Czech Republic is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. On this day, children usually give their mothers gifts, and carnations are considered one of the most suitable flowers to present to mothers. Mother's Day is a special time in the Czech Republic to express gratitude and love for mothers. Many people give carefully prepared gifts to make their mothers feel happy and special.


United Kingdom

In the UK, Mother's Day (Mothering Sunday) is linked to Easter and usually falls on the fourth Sunday before Easter; 2025 Mothering Sunday is on March 30th. This day originated from religious tradition and later evolved into a day to honor mothers. Giving flowers, cards, and gifts is a common custom, and many families also enjoy a special lunch or afternoon tea together.


Italy

Mother's Day (Festa della Mamma) in Italy is also celebrated on the second Sunday of May. It is a warm family holiday where children give flowers, chocolates, or other gifts and have lunch with their mothers. Different regions may have their own unique traditions and special dishes.


France

Mother's Day (Fête des Mères) in France is a statutory holiday, set on the last Sunday of May, but if it coincides with Pentecost (la Pentecôte), Mother's Day is postponed to the first Sunday of June. French Mother's Day emphasizes family gatherings and emotional expression. Children make cards, poems, or artwork for their mothers, and adult children often give perfume, flowers, or invite their mothers for a refined meal. Family gatherings or restaurant celebrations are common. The government once encouraged the celebration of Mother's Day to boost the birth rate, but today, the emphasis is more on its cultural and emotional significance.


💐👩 Common Emotions in Cultural Exchange 💐

Despite the differences in cultural backgrounds, celebrations, and commercial atmospheres of Mother's Day in Asia and Europe, the core is the same: gratitude and deep love for mothers' selfless dedication. Under the influence of globalization, the exchange between different cultures is becoming increasingly frequent, and we can see some converging trends, such as carnations becoming the representative flower of Mother's Day in many countries, and family gatherings becoming a common way of celebrating.


Whether in Asia or Europe, Mother's Day is an important reminder to cherish maternal love and express gratitude. Through different customs and ways, we collectively convey our most sincere blessings to mothers, wishing every mother to feel love and warmth.


🌎 Your vision, the mission of Infinity Doorway Solutions - Asia&Europe Ltd. (無限之路啟航亞洲歐洲有限公司), we welcome collaboration to create a bright future together 🌎


 
 
 

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