We Won’t Keep Mum: Check Out These Mom-umental Mother’s Day Food Traditions Across the World
- erikasiesennop
- Apr 29
- 4 min read
May 1, 2025
Mother’s Day is around the corner and it has become one of the biggest restaurant holidays in the United States, according to The National Restaurant Association. Gifting our moms, motherly figures, and any/all caregivers that support us quality time with loved ones and sharing favorite foods is a staple in many Mother’s Day celebrations. In the US, brunch is a very common part of the holiday, with many restaurants welcoming high volumes of customers to enjoy various and delicious food offerings. Of course, there are many kinds of “moms” and the person who takes on a “mother-like” role or serves as a motherly figure for someone can be diverse and vary depending on the household, family, etc.. This also means the way different countries and cultures celebrate their caregivers (down to the food!) can be unique. With this in mind, we got curious about Mother’s Day food traditions across the world, so we thought we’d take a look at several countries to find out!
Mexico: El Dia de las Madres falls on May 10th and has been celebrated in Mexico since 1922. It was created as a way to promote motherhood at a time when gender roles were changing and expanding beyond the household. Along with giving flowers, cards, and gifts, traditional Mexican music and foods such as pozole, enchiladas, sopes, and mole are included in the celebration.
Italy: Here, La Festa della Mamma falls on the second Sunday in May. Family time and presenting thoughtful gifts are features of the day, along with enjoying pastries, frittata, and coffee for breakfast, and a family lunch complete with cake. Dinner dishes might include carbonara, risotto, and roasted meats. Sweets such as tiramisu (a symbol of maternal love), budino, and heart-shaped cakes are popular. Moms or caregivers are not to cook or engage in other household upkeep tasks, and instead focus on being appreciated and relaxing.
India: Motherhood is celebrated more than once per year in India. The Hindu goddess Durga, revered as the Divine Mother, is honored during a multi-day religious and cultural event (Druga Puja) that dates back to the 16th century. During this festival, traditional Bengali foods are prepared such as Bhoger Khichuri, Labra, Aloo Posto, Cholar Dal, Mishti Pulao, Beguni, and Sandesh. Mothers are also celebrated in a more secular fashion on the second Sunday in May with a day of family time, eating together, and relaxation.
United Kingdom: The holiday originated during the Middle Ages as Mothering Sunday, when those in domestic service were able to return home and spend time with family and attend church. Today it is known as both Mothering Sunday and Mother’s Day, and always occurs on the fourth Sunday of Lent. A Sunday Roast of beef, chicken, or turkey accompanied by roasted vegetables and stuffing is common. Simnel cake, a light fruitcake made with marzipan, is one example of a traditional Mothering Sunday food, although might not be as common today. Other desserts might be Victoria sponge cake (named after Queen Victoria) or fruit crumble. Afternoon tea with sandwiches and sweets like scones or cakes is another leisurely way to celebrate.
Japan: Mother’s Day was first celebrated in March of 1931 in honor of the birthday of Empress Kojun, but this holiday was banned as a Western influence during World War II. The holiday reemerged in May 1949, and continues to be celebrated the second Sunday of May each year. Families celebrate in various ways, including giving gifts, cards, flowers (red carnations that symbolize a mother’s love and sacrifices), and eating traditional Japanese egg dishes (eggs are a symbolic representation of mothers). Some favorite egg dishes for the holiday include: oyakodon, chawanmushi, and tamagoyaki. Wagashi (Japanese sweets) such as sakura mochi and castella are also enjoyed.
Ethiopia: Mother’s Day is recognized sometime between October and November during a three-day celebration called Antrosht, which is held whenever the rainy season ends. There is traditional singing, dancing, and a feast inclusive of a hash made by the mother in collaboration with their children. The children take part in the meal preparation by bringing lamb or bull meat, vegetables, spices, and dairy. Preparing and sharing the meal is intended to support and celebrate family bonds.
Thailand: Originally celebrated in 1950 on April 15 (close to the Thai new year), Mother’s Day (Wan Mae)has taken place on August 12 since 1976. This is to honor the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who is considered the mother of Thailand. Jasmine is a symbol of Mother’s Day, representing purity and love. Children give garlands of jasmine and jasmine tea is often savored. Meals that reflect the flavors and traditions of Thai cuisines often show up on special restaurant menus for the holiday, such as Thai curries, Pad Thai, and khao niew durian for dessert.
France: Mother’s Day is held on the last Sunday in May, unless this coincides with Pentecost, in which case it is moved to the first Sunday in June. The holiday has been nationally celebrated since the 1920s, but not until 1950 did it get a set date. A common gift is a flower or bouquet-shaped cake. Meal experiences include breakfast in bed; picnics with cheese, charcuterie, fruit, and wine; dining out for dinner; and desserts such as tarte aux fraises, eclairs, or macarons. Some popular meal choices include coq au vin, quiche, and tarte tatin.
United States: Mother’s Day was solidified as an annual holiday in the 1920s, years after an activist named Anna Jarvis (inspired by her own mother) began calling for an official day to recognize mothers. In the US, the holiday continues to be celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year. Brunch is a popular food tradition, and families and loved ones can gather for a late morning/early afternoon meal offering favorite breakfast and lunch foods. Some might enjoy breakfast in bed with homemade pancakes or French toast, and others might partake in a dinner out or cook at home (likely whipping up some of the honoree’s favorites!).
No matter how you mark the holiday and with whom you celebrate, we wish a very Happy Mother’s Day to all! Thank you to all moms, motherly figures, and caregivers who support us each and every day.
Additional resources:
Sarita Aguirre, MS, RDN, LDN, CEDS-C
