With Mother's Day just around the corner, we thought it would be fitting to dive into the unique and heartwarming traditions of celebrating la fête des mères, French-style.
The roots of Mother's Day in France can be traced back to the early 20th century. Thanks to the efforts of a woman named Prosper Roche, who wanted to honor the mothers who had lost their sons during the war, ceremonies started to be put in place to commemorate those mothers and families. After the war, the day was officially created to dedicate Mothers’ Day as a tribute to all mothers. The fixed date for this celebration was decided to take place on the last Sunday in May. From there on, la fête des mères became an annual affair, celebrated with fervor and love across France.
The French always put their unique spin on holidays and traditions and celebrating Mother's Day is no different. A day to pamper maman and shower her with affection and gratitude.
Flowers, particularly roses and lilies, are a popular gift choice, symbolizing love, purity, and admiration. And let's not forget about classic French pastries! Whether it's macarons, éclairs, or a decadent tarte aux fraises, treating mom to something sweet is a must.
Another charming tradition is the homemade card or handwritten letter. French children often pour their hearts out on paper, expressing their love and appreciation in heartfelt words. It's these personal touches that make Mother's Day in France truly special.
While some traditions remain unchanged, modern-day celebrations have also embraced new trends. From spa days and gourmet cooking classes to personalized gifts and weekend getaways, there's no shortage of ways to spoil maman.
