Mother's Day in Austria 2026
Mother's Day in Austria 2026
History, dates around the world, the best flowers & gift ideas for Mom
On the second Sunday in May, the spotlight belongs entirely to moms. In Austria, Mother's Day has an especially lovely story — and flowers play the leading role. Here you'll find everything you need to know: from its origins to the perfect bouquet.
Mother's Day 2026 at a glance
Date Austria: May 10, 2026 (2nd Sunday in May)
Date Germany: May 10, 2026 (same)
Date USA: May 10, 2026 (same)
Not a public holiday: Sunday, shops closed
Tradition: flowers, breakfast, family time
Most popular flower: rose, peony, tulip
The history of Mother's Day
Anna Jarvis and the very first Mother's Day
The idea of a modern Mother's Day goes back to American activist Anna Jarvis. After her mother died in 1905, she campaigned to create a day of remembrance for all mothers. On May 10, 1908, Mother's Day was officially celebrated for the first time in Grafton, West Virginia — in the church where her mother had taught Sunday school.
At the time, Anna Jarvis handed out white carnations — her mother's favorite flower. To this day, the carnation remains a classic Mother's Day symbol in the USA: white carnations for mothers who have passed away, red or pink ones for mothers who are living.
In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May the official Mother's Day in the USA. From there, the idea quickly spread across Europe.
How Austria embraced Mother's Day
In the 1920s, the idea of Mother's Day made its way from England through Switzerland and Scandinavia to Austria. 1924 marked the first official Mother's Day celebration here — largely thanks to Marianne Hainisch, a pioneer of the Austrian women's movement.
Marianne Hainisch was honorary president and followed both Anna Jarvis’s idea and a suggestion from the Scout movement. The Vienna Scouts actively supported its spread — in 1926, more than 850 Scouts marched along Vienna’s Ringstrasse to raise awareness of Mother’s Day.
Since then, Mother’s Day in Austria has been celebrated on the second Sunday in May — a date that has also become established internationally.
Florist’s tip: Mother’s Day is the highest-revenue day in the flower trade. If you want to be sure, it’s best to order your bouquet a few days in advance — or use our same-day delivery when ordering by 12 noon.
Mother’s Day around the world — dates for 2026
Not every country celebrates Mother’s Day on the same day. Here is a selection:
| Country | Date 2026 | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇹 Austria | 10 May | 2nd Sunday in May |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 10 May | 2nd Sunday in May |
| 🇺🇸 USA | 10 May | 2nd Sunday in May |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 15 March | Mothering Sunday (4th Sunday of Lent) |
| 🇫🇷 France | 31 May | Last Sunday in May |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 3 May | 1st Sunday in May |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 10 May | 2nd Sunday in May |
| 🇷🇺 Russia | 29 November | Last Sunday in November |
| 🇹🇭 Thailand | 12 August | The Queen’s Birthday |
| 🇪🇬 Egypt | 21 March | Beginning of spring |
The most popular Mother’s Day flowers
Flowers are the most popular Mother’s Day gift in Austria. But which flowers are the best fit?
Peonies — the queen of Mother’s Day flowers
In China, the peony is considered the “queen of flowers” and symbolizes beauty, femininity, and sensuality. Its lush, fragrant blooms make it the perfect Mother’s Day gift. The season begins in early May — ideal for Mother’s Day. Peonies come in white, soft pink, bright pink, and red.
Roses — the timeless classic
Roses are always a beautiful choice. For Mother’s Day, pink and peach roses are especially fitting — they stand for gratitude and appreciation. Red roses work as well, but they tend to express deeper love. A mixed bouquet of roses in pastel shades feels especially elegant.
Tulips — cheerful and full of color
Tulips are still available in May and bring all the feelings of spring. Especially popular: pink and deep pink tulips, which symbolize affection and care.
More popular Mother’s Day flowers
- Carnations: The classic Mother’s Day flower — a tradition since Anna Jarvis.
- Hydrangeas: Lush and romantic. In blue, pink, or white, they’re a real eye-catcher.
- Lilies: Elegant and fragrant — for mums who love something special.
- Ranunculus: Delicate, playful, and beautiful in a spring bouquet.
- Sunflowers: For optimistic mums who love warmth and joie de vivre.
Mother’s Day bouquet — hand-tied in Vienna
Surprise Mum with fresh flowers. Same-day delivery to all 23 districts of Vienna.
Mother’s Day gift ideas
Flowers + extras — the perfect combination
A bouquet on its own is already wonderful. But paired with a little extra, it becomes unforgettable:
- Flowers + chocolate: A classic that’s always appreciated.
- Flowers + candle: For cosy hours at home.
- Flowers + handwritten card: The most personal gesture of all.
- Flowers + houseplant: The bouquet brings joy right away, and the plant lasts for months.
Experiences instead of things
Spending time together is the most precious gift of all. A few ideas:
- Breakfast in bed — with fresh flowers on the tray.
- Brunch at a café — many Viennese cafés offer Mother’s Day specials.
- Walk in the Augarten — with a bouquet as a surprise.
- Cook together — a favourite dish for Mum.
- Wellness voucher — for well-deserved relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mother’s Day
On 10 May 2026. In Austria, Mother’s Day always falls on the second Sunday in May — just like in Germany, the USA, and many other countries.
The most popular choices are peonies, roses, tulips, and carnations. Peonies are in season in May and symbolize beauty and femininity. Pink and peach roses express gratitude. At MO BLUMEN, we also create custom bouquets to your wishes.
Mother’s Day falls on a Sunday — and many flower shops are closed. But ordering online is still possible: at MO BLUMEN, you can order until Saturday for Sunday delivery, or place your order on Saturday with same-day delivery. It’s best to order a few days in advance.
American Anna Jarvis launched the first Mother’s Day in 1908 — in memory of her late mother. It became official in the USA in 1914. In Austria, Marianne Hainisch introduced Mother’s Day in 1924, supported by the Scout movement.
Because Anna Jarvis handed out white carnations on the first Mother’s Day in 1908 — her mother’s favorite flower. Since then, carnations have been considered the traditional Mother’s Day flower, especially in the USA. In Austria today, roses and peonies are more popular.
Surprise Mom — flowers from MO BLUMEN Vienna
Hand-tied bouquets, a personal greeting card, and delivery throughout Vienna.
Mother’s Day 2025 falls on 11 May 2025. The idea of a holiday in honor of mothers goes back to Anna Marie Jarvis (also known as Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis), who organized the first Mother's Day Meetings in the United States. In May 1914, Mother’s Day was declared a national holiday in the USA. In Austria, it is not a public holiday, but it has been lovingly celebrated since the introduction of the official holiday by the Association of German Florists. Every year, millions of euros are spent on flowers and gifts.