Mother's Day: the history of the holiday and its main traditions

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show your love and care. Find out about the history of the holiday and discover some original gift ideas for your mum

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One of the warmest and most heart-warming spring celebrations is dedicated to the most important women in our lives — our mums. This day offers a wonderful opportunity to express our love, gratitude and respect to those who gave us life and have looked after us from the very beginning. Every year, this holiday brings families together, encouraging us to put aside our daily chores to spend time with our loved ones.

When is Mother’s Day in Ukraine in 2026: the exact date

Many people wonder every year on which date this holiday falls, as it has a variable date. According to the official decree, in Ukraine this joyous holiday is traditionally celebrated on the second Sunday in May. In 2026, Mother’s Day falls on 10 May. It is on this spring weekend that Ukrainians will be celebrating their mothers, grandmothers and women preparing for motherhood. The choice of May is no coincidence: this month is considered a time of nature’s rebirth and is traditionally associated with the Virgin Mary, to whom people have long turned for intercession and protection for their families and children.

The history of Mother’s Day: how it came about

The idea of honouring mothers on an international level originated in the USA. At the beginning of the 20th century, the American Anna Jarvis launched an initiative to dedicate one day a year to mothers in memory of her own deceased mother. Her efforts were successful, and in 1914 the holiday was granted official status. Soon, dozens of other countries adopted the tradition.

In Ukraine, the history of the holiday has deep roots. The Ukrainian diaspora began celebrating it as early as the late 1920s in Canada, and the tradition subsequently spread to the western regions of Ukraine. In the modern history of our country, Mother’s Day was officially established by a state decree in 1999, after which it became one of the most beloved and widely celebrated family holidays across all regions.

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How Mother’s Day is celebrated in Ukraine: the main traditions

Unlike many other public holidays, this celebration is free from excessive formality and is observed in a warm, intimate family atmosphere. The main tradition of this day is to give mum as much attention as possible, relieve her of household chores and shower her with care. Children try to visit their parents, and if they are far away, they always ring to say the most important words of love and gratitude.

It is customary for families to organise festive lunches or dinners, gathering around one large table. Young children usually prepare heart-warming surprises with their own hands: they draw cards, learn poems or songs. Older children try to fulfil their mothers’ long-held dreams or simply give them the chance to relax fully on this day.

There is also a lovely tradition of bringing flowers and lighting candles at the graves of mothers who are no longer with us, paying tribute to their memory.

Despite cultural differences, the essence of the holiday remains the same across the globe — it is a day when mothers are relieved of their household chores and showered with the utmost attention. In the US and Australia, there is a lovely tradition of pinning a carnation to one’s clothing. A coloured carnation signifies that the person’s mother is alive, whilst a white one serves as a symbol of fond remembrance for mothers who have passed away.

In European countries, it is customary for large families to gather for a festive dinner, where the place of honour at the head of the table is reserved for mum. Children prepare touching poems, drawings and homemade cards. In Ukraine, the tradition of celebrating is also closely linked to family warmth: adult children always visit their parents, bring fresh spring flowers and spend the day in a warm family circle, expressing gratitude for their upbringing and life wisdom.

What to give your mum for Mother’s Day: ideas and tips

The choice of gift depends entirely on your mum’s preferences, as the most important thing on this day is the thought that goes into it. Fresh flowers and experiences remain an absolute classic: a trip to the theatre together, a voucher for a relaxing treatment, or concert tickets.

However, if you’re looking for a truly special, stylish and useful gift that will emphasise your love and your stance, take a look at the official merchandise from Visit Ukraine. Enough of giving banal souvenirs and boring mass-market items — we’ve created clothing with character and deep meaning.

High-quality hoodies with the perfect oversized fit, which will keep mum warm and cosy on chilly evenings, T-shirts made from thick premium cotton, and practical city tote bags will form the ideal wardrobe essentials. By giving a gift from our collection, you’re not only ensuring your loved one’s everyday comfort, but also supporting the country’s information front. You can choose the perfect gift with fast worldwide delivery right now in our online shop.

Don’t forget that whatever the material gift may be, the most precious gift is always your sincere attention, a warm hug and time spent together.

A reminder! Europe Day is a symbol of unity, peace and shared values that shape the continent’s future. Find out the history of the holiday, its significance for Ukraine and how European support is reflected in contemporary initiatives and symbols of solidarity.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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