Mother’s Day is a modern celebration that emerged in the early 20th century. It is observed in some countries to honor mothers, motherhood, the bond between mothers and their children, and the influence of mothers on society. The date of Mother’s Day varies from one country to another. For example, in the Arab world it is celebrated on the first day of spring, March 21. In Norway, it is celebrated on February 2, in Argentina on October 3, in South Africa on May 1, and in the United States on the second Sunday of May each year.

Egypt was the first Arab country to celebrate Mother’s Day, followed by the rest of the Arab world. The idea was proposed by the late Egyptian journalist Ali Amin, founder of the newspaper Akhbar El-Yom, who suggested celebrating a day dedicated to mothers. Amin shared the idea in his daily column with his brother Mustafa Amin. Together, they wrote about designating a special day to honor mothers.

Their idea was warmly received by readers, who chose March 21—the first day of spring—as Mother’s Day, symbolizing generosity, purity, and goodness. The first official celebration of Mother’s Day took place on March 21, 1956. From Egypt, the idea spread to other countries across the Middle East.