Happy Mother’s Day In French

Do you want to learn how to say “Happy Mother’s Day” in French?

Mother’s Day is not a recognized national holiday in France. It is a special day that’s observed every last Sunday in May and is called La Fête des Mères in French.

However, if Pentecost (a Christian holiday that follows Easter) happens on the same last Sunday, the observance of Mother’s Day is then moved to the first Sunday of June.

A Brief History

La Fête des Mères, or Mother’s Day, dates back to the 19th century when the French government was worried about the country’s low birth rates and declining population.

They came up with the idea of assigning a day that’s solely dedicated to honoring mothers who have large families. This was a way to support mothers with already large families, as well as encourage others to have more children.

Napoleon Bonaparte was widely credited for inventing Mother’s Day in France in 1806, but it wasn’t until the 1890s that observing the special day was properly established.

The Paternal Union expanded to include mothers in 1904. Thereafter in 1908, the French government established the “Popular League of Father and Mother of Large Families”, where parents were given equal recognition.

The outbreak of World War I soon followed, leaving many French mothers to care for their children alone. While their husbands were serving in the military, several of these wives worked outside the home.

On May 20, 1920, the French government established La Fête des Mères a day wherein they gave out an award to mothers for successfully raising many children.

This was the earliest observance of Mother’s Day in France, which evolved into the simpler but still meaningful celebration that we know today. 

These days, instead of an award, flowers, cakes, and chocolates, as well as homemade gifts and handwritten poetry, are popular Mother’s Day gifts. To commemorate the occasion, some families host special dinners at home or in a restaurant.

Happy Mother’s Day In French

How to Say Mother In French

There are various ways to say “mother” in French. Even if she’s already familiar (being a family member), there is still a formal and informal way of saying the word, similar to “mother” and “mom” among English speakers.

Apart from the ways to say “mother” in French, this list also includes how you should address the other women in your life who deserve to be celebrated on Mother’s Day.

• Maman – mom (you could call your mom “mère” but it is quite distant and not very used nowadays)

• une maman – this term refers to a mom in French (informal)

• une mère – this term refers to a mother in French (more formal)

• une daronne – In modern French slang, this translates to mom. However, most French speakers don’t recommend using it because the term can be derogatory.

• grand-mère – this is the French word for grandmother. If you prefer to be. less formal or more familiar, you may also address your grandma as grand-maman or gra-mère. The shorter mémé or mamé can also be used and is widely accepted.

• une belle-mère – this is what you say to refer to both mother-in-law and step-mother.

READ MORE: Family In French Vocabulary

How To Say ‘Happy Mother’s Day In French

There are various ways to say “Happy Mother’s Day” in French to celebrate that wonderful woman in your life. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, here’s how you can greet your mother on her special day.

• Joyeuse fête des mères – This is the slightly formal but most common way to say “Happy Mother’s Day” in French. You can say this to every mother in your life, whether it’s your real mom, a stepmom, your grandmother, your aunt, or even friends and colleagues that are already mothers.

• Bonne fête Maman – this is what you usually say to directly address your mother as you greet her a “Happy Mother’s Day”.

• Bonne Fête des Mères – this is how you say ‘Happy Mother’s Day when addressing a group or several mothers.

• Joyeuse fête maman – another way to directly address your mother as you greet her with a “Happy Mother’s Day”, and a variation of Bonne fête Maman

More Mother’s Day Messages in French

Apart from the usual “bonne fête Maman,” the French add other messages to show their appreciation and love for their mothers. The following can be said after the standard Mother’s Day greeting, written in a card attached to a gift, or sent via text or messenger.

• j’ai un cadeau pour toi – I have a present for you

• je t’aime Maman – I love you Mom 

• je t’aime de tout mon coeur – I love you with all my heart

• Tu es la meilleure des mamans – you are the best mom

Want to learn more French phrases? Check out our language guides below

• Most Common French Terms of Endearment
• 6 Ways To Say Merry Christmas In French
• Happy New Year In French
• Happy Valentines Day In French