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A new survey from WorldRemit, a leading digital remittances company within the Zepz Group, has found that nearly half of migrants wish that Mother’s Day was celebrated on the same day around the world – pointing to the cultural difficulties faced by those who live in a different country to their mother.
Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates across the world, ranging from the second Sunday of February in Norway to the 15th of October in Malawi. In Kenya, Mother’s Day is observed on the second Sunday of May, with this year’s celebrations being marked on May 14th.
The survey was conducted in February with over 1,000 participants from the United Kingdom with a focus on understanding how migrants celebrate their relationship with their mothers.
Mother’s Day Timings Across the World
The most popular dates for Mother’s Day celebrations are the fourth week of Lent in March (such as in the United Kingdom and Nigeria), and the second Sunday in May (such as in the United States of America, South Africa, and Australia).
The survey found that while 93% of respondents celebrate Mother’s Day, nearly one third (27%) agree that it is easy to forget when Mother’s Day is celebrated in their family’s country of origin.
While the majority of respondents (46%) celebrate Mother’s Day on the day their country of residence celebrates, a third (33%) of respondents noted that they celebrate Mother’s Day twice a year; recognising the celebratory date in their family’s country of origin, in addition to the country they currently reside in.
Nearly half of respondents (46%) agree that they wish that Mother’s Day was celebrated on the same day around the world.
The Impact of Mothers
WorldRemit knows that mothers and motherly figures serve as the golden thread through many of our lives, often shapeshifting as our confidante, advisor, friend, and caretaker.
WorldRemit’s survey found that 96% of respondents agree that their mother has been influential in shaping them as a person. In addition, 95% of respondents agree that their mother had helped them to get to where they are in their lives currently. Finally, 94% of respondents agree that their mother supports them in their life choices.
When asked to describe their mother in three words, responses from participants included “trustworthy”, “devoted”, “strong”, and “selfless”.
Gifting on Mother’s Day
WorldRemit’s survey revealed that the most popular way to celebrate Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom is by sending a gift, which 69% of respondents stated is how they would mark the day. Other popular celebrations included eating out and a family visit.
Flowers were revealed as the most popular gift choice, with 59% of respondents citing that they planned on giving flowers on Mother’s Day. 46% of participants noted that they would be sending their mother money on Mother’s Day.
This Mother’s Day, WorldRemit encourages you to celebrate your mother or motherly figure; perhaps by sending her a small gift, or a written note of appreciation to say “thank you”.
To all mothers across the world, WorldRemit thanks you for making a world of difference.