Mother's and Father's Day

Mother's Day Around the World

Although some countries have adopted the U.S. Mother's Day holiday, there are existing celebrations honoring motherhood held on different dates, such as the Eastern Orthodox presentation of Jesus Christ to the temple in Greece, or Mothering Sunday in the United Kingdom. Despite being unrelated, Mothering Sunday is often referred to as "Mother's Day". In Catholic countries, the date adopted is often significant to the majority religion, such as Virgin Mary Day. Alternatively, other countries have chosen a date with historical importance, like Bolivia's fixed date to commemorate a battle in which women fought to defend their children.

Some countries, including Russia, celebrate International Women's Day instead of Mother's Day, while others, like Ukraine, observe both holidays.

Father's Day Around the World

Father's Day is a holiday that honors fatherhood and the impact of fathers in society. In Catholic countries of Europe, it has been celebrated as Saint Joseph's Day on 19 March since the Middle Ages. Different regions around the world hold the day on various dates and maintain their own customs for honoring fatherhood. Sikhs observe Father's Day on 29 December, the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh.

Lithuania and some parts of Spain recognize Father's Day as a public holiday, and Italy also regarded it as a national holiday until 1977. Estonia and Samoa celebrate it as a national holiday, while in South Korea, it is celebrated as Parents' Day.