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Mother's Day Around the World: The Flowers, Colours & Traditions Different Cultures Celebrate With

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At Interflora Australia, Mother's Day is one of the biggest gifting occasions of the year — but no two families celebrate it quite the same way.

Across Australia, we see families honouring traditions connected to their cultural backgrounds, whether that's gifting chrysanthemums in Australia, jasmine flowers in Thailand, red carnations in Japan, or gathering for large family feasts in Greece and Italy.

And while flowers remain one of the most popular Mother's Day gifts worldwide, different countries often associate specific flowers, colours, and gifting traditions with the occasion.

Here's how Mother's Day is celebrated around the world — and the flowers, plants, colours, and hampers commonly gifted in each culture.

Australia & New Zealand

Mother's Day in Australia and New Zealand is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

In Australia, chrysanthemums are one of the most traditional Mother's Day flowers because they naturally bloom in May and are affectionately nicknamed "mums".

Popular gifts include:

Soft pinks, whites, lilacs, and pastel tones remain some of the most popular Mother's Day colour palettes across Australia.

At Interflora Australia, searches for "same day flower delivery" and "Mother's Day flowers Australia" surge every year in the lead-up to Mother's Day.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, Mother's Day is known as Mothering Sunday and is celebrated during Lent, usually in March.

Traditional gifts often include:

Yellow daffodils are especially popular as they symbolise spring, warmth, and renewal.

Many British families living in Australia continue celebrating Mothering Sunday traditions alongside Australian Mother's Day.

United States & Canada

Mother's Day in the United States and Canada is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

Carnations are one of the most traditional Mother's Day flowers in North America.

Traditionally:

Other popular gifts include:

Soft pink, blush, and cream colour palettes are commonly associated with Mother's Day gifting across North America.

Italy

Italy celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, with family at the centre of the occasion.

Popular gifts include:

Elegant floral arrangements in soft pinks, whites, and deep reds are commonly gifted throughout Italy.

Italian celebrations are often centred around:

Many Italian-Australian families continue these traditions in Australia today.

Greece

Mother's Day in Greece combines modern celebrations with Greek Orthodox traditions honouring motherhood.

Popular gifts often include:

Blue and white tones — inspired by the Greek islands and national colours — are commonly associated with gifting and celebrations.

Large family lunches and gatherings remain central to Greek Mother's Day traditions both in Greece and within Greek-Australian households.

Germany

Germany celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, with flowers remaining one of the most traditional gifts.

Popular blooms include:

Bright spring colours such as yellow, pink, orange, and white are commonly associated with German Mother's Day celebrations.

Chocolate hampers and coffee gifts are also popular additions.

Netherlands

The Netherlands celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May.

Known for its flower culture, tulips are one of the country's most iconic Mother's Day gifts.

Popular gifts include:

Bright spring colours and fresh floral arrangements are strongly tied to Dutch celebrations.

France

Mother's Day in France, known as Fête des Mères, is usually celebrated in late May or early June.

French gifting often leans elegant and luxurious, with popular gifts including:

Soft neutrals, blush tones, creams, and whites are commonly associated with French-inspired Mother's Day gifting.

South Africa

South Africa celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May.

Flowers and outdoor family gatherings remain central to celebrations.

Popular gifts include:

Bright colours such as orange, yellow, pink, and red are commonly used in floral gifting.

Many South African families living in Australia continue celebrating with braais, family lunches, and vibrant floral arrangements.

Thailand

Thailand celebrates Mother's Day on 12 August, the birthday of the late Queen Sirikit, who is regarded as the mother of the nation.

Jasmine flowers are the traditional Mother's Day flower in Thailand, symbolising maternal love and purity.

Traditional gifts include:

Blue is the symbolic colour of Mother's Day in Thailand and is commonly worn during celebrations.

Mexico

Mexico celebrates Mother's Day every year on 10 May and it remains one of the country's largest family celebrations.

Popular gifts include:

Vibrant colours such as red, yellow, orange, and hot pink are commonly associated with Mexican Mother's Day celebrations.

Family gatherings, music, and large shared meals are central to the occasion.

Japan

Japan celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, with a strong focus on gratitude and respect.

Red carnations are traditionally gifted as they symbolise love, admiration, and purity.

Other popular gifts include:

Red and white remain the most symbolic colours associated with Mother's Day gifting in Japan.

India

Mother's Day continues growing in popularity across India, particularly in major cities.

Popular gifts include:

Bright colours such as gold, red, pink, and orange are often associated with celebrations and gifting.

Online flower delivery has also grown significantly in popularity across India in recent years.

Why Flowers Remain One of the Most Popular Mother's Day Gifts Worldwide

No matter where it's celebrated, flowers remain one of the most universal ways to say thank you on Mother's Day.

Different flowers carry different meanings:

At Interflora Australia, Mother's Day continues to be one of the biggest occasions for flower delivery, helping Australians celebrate loved ones both near and far. For mums living overseas, our international delivery service reaches more than 145 countries worldwide.

Celebrating Mums Around the World

Whether it's chrysanthemums in Australia, jasmine in Thailand, tulips in the Netherlands, carnations in Japan, or vibrant bouquets in Mexico, Mother's Day traditions around the world all share one thing in common — showing appreciation for the mums and mother figures who mean the most. 💐

Browse our full flower range to find the perfect Mother's Day gift, no matter where in the world she lives.

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