Mother’s Day In France

Mother’s Day In France

Mother’s Day in France (Fête des Mères) is celebrated on the last Sunday in May, unless it falls on the same day as Whit Sunday/Pentecost.  On those years it is celebrated on the first Sunday in June.

Mother’s Day Gifts

On this day gifts are given to mothers, grandmothers and significant women in the family.  Typical gifts include flowers, chocolates, bedtime clothing and handmade items by children.  Cards are often handmade and given with presents.

Day of Observance

Mother’s Day is not an official public holiday in France but is rather a day of observance where the role of the mother figure in the family is honoured. This is why grandmothers, foster mothers, aunts and close friends are often included in the celebration.

History of Mother’s Day

The origins of Mothers’ Day in France are believed to have stemmed from the Napoleonic era.  It is said that the French emperor in 1806 declared a special day to honour the mothers of large families.  This celebration was revived after World War I for some time and in 1950 a special law was created to dedicate Mothers’ Day as an official tribute to mothers.

As families usually get together on this day, lunch or dinner is often shared either at home or by dining out at a restaurant or café.

The Médaille de la Famille is a special medal given to some parents.  It is traditionally given to parents who have raised large families or who have raised children on their own if their spouse has died.