The Most Popular Mother’s Day Flowers Around the World
Mother’s Day is an annual event where maternal figures are presented with gifts that show them how much they are appreciated. It’s a celebration that’s enjoyed around the world, but not every country celebrates on the same day or has the same history behind the tradition.
Mothering Sunday in the UK falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent. This stems from the Middle Ages, when it became customary for people who had moved away from their hometowns to visit their ‘mother’ churches and, in turn, their mothers.
Flowers have always been a symbol of emotion and beauty, and therefore a popular way to say thank you. As with the timing of Mother’s Day, flower preferences also differ between countries.
Carnations
Carnations are the traditional Mother’s Day flowers in Britain, the USA and Canada. It’s a flower that has long been associated with maternal love. It was what activist and founder of the US Mother’s Day, Anna Jarvis, handed out when it was first officially celebrated in 1914.
The colour of your carnation is important. White carnations are a symbol for mothers who have passed away and can be placed on a grave in memory. Pink and red carnations are given to living mothers, representing affection and respect.
Jasmine
In Thailand, Jasmine flowers, known as ‘dok mali’ in Thai, are the favoured bloom for Mother’s Day. Jasmine is used in worship and presented as an offering to Buddha, and it has a strong symbolic meaning of gentleness, maternal love, and purity. Children often choose to present the flowers in garlands so the sweet, perfumed fragrance can be fully appreciated.
Tulips
Being the national flower of the Netherlands, it seems only fitting that the tulip is the flower of choice for the Dutch to show their gratitude. Each tulip colour has a different meaning, but popular selections are pink and red. Pink tulips are said to represent affection, and red ones, true love.
If this is your mum’s favourite bloom, consider a trip to the Keukenhof Gardens near Amsterdam during spring to experience the famous tulip fields in all their glory.
Roses
Roses are popular additions to Mother’s Day bouquets in Britain and the USA. Red roses have strong ties with Valentine’s Day and romance, so you’re forgiven for thinking they might not be a suitable choice for a parent.
However, roses come in many colours, each having a different sentiment. Yellow roses are synonymous with friendship, pink petals show appreciation, and peach ones say, “I’m thinking of you” – a popular choice if you’re unable to spend Mother’s Day together.
