Mother's Day 2025 in Finland

Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May and is recognized as an official flag day. Families honor mothers with flowers, breakfast in bed, and heartfelt gatherings, often including handmade gifts from children.

Mother's Day: A Public Holiday?

Mother's Day (Äitienpäivä) in Finland is not a public holiday, but it is an official flag day. Families mark the day with flowers, breakfast in bed, and warm celebrations, while businesses operate as usual on a normal Sunday.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day, also known as Äitienpäivä, was officially recognized in Finland in 1918, soon after the country gained independence. The idea was inspired by the international movement to honor mothers, particularly the celebrations in the United States. The day was seen as a way to value the role of mothers in rebuilding the nation after the hardships of war and political change. The Union of Finnish Women played a key role in promoting the observance, and by 1927, schools had started to organize special programs and activities for the occasion.

In 1947, Mother's Day was declared an official flag day in Finland, giving it a respected place in the national calendar. It symbolizes the importance of motherhood in Finnish culture, emphasizing love, care, and family unity. Over the decades, the day has grown into a cherished tradition, observed in homes, schools, and community events. While it is not a public holiday, its cultural and emotional significance remains strong across generations.

Observance of Mother's Day in Finland

Mother's Day is celebrated across Finland on the second Sunday of May. It is a day of warmth and appreciation, often beginning with children preparing breakfast and serving it to their mothers in bed. Many children also give handmade cards or small gifts, and families may present flowers—often white wood anemones, which are symbolic of spring and purity. The day is centered around togetherness, with families gathering for a home-cooked meal or a quiet outing in nature.

The Finnish flag is flown from morning to evening, reflecting the national recognition of the day. Schools sometimes organize special performances or events in the days leading up to it, encouraging students to think about the role of mothers in their lives. The President of Finland also honors a few selected mothers each year with medals of merit, recognizing their contributions to society and family life.

Though it is not a public holiday, Mother's Day holds deep emotional value. It is a moment for families to pause and express gratitude through gifts, time, words, and gestures. The day serves as a gentle reminder of the nurturing role mothers play in shaping both individual lives and the wider community.

Mother's Day Observances