On May 11, 2025, Mother's Day was celebrated across the globe, with heartfelt messages and various festivities dedicated to honoring mothers. In Hong Kong, Chief Executive Lee Ka-chiu took the opportunity to express his gratitude by sending festive blessings to mothers everywhere. Ahead of his trip to the Middle East, he prepared carnation bouquets for his mother and wife, thanking them for their unwavering support and care. Additionally, he sent bouquets prepared by the Chief Executive's Office to his female colleagues, acknowledging their hard work and dedication both at the office and at home.
Mother's Day is a time of reflection for many, as illustrated by a heartfelt piece from Liu Shujuan, a support teacher from Hsinchu County. She shared her personal struggles, balancing the expectations of both her mother and mother-in-law while also managing her own family. Liu poignantly acknowledged the challenges faced by younger generations who often work or study far from home, making it difficult to celebrate this special day with their mothers. "I understand, but I feel helpless," she wrote, capturing the emotional weight many feel during this time.
Historically, Mother's Day originated in the United States, with Anna Jarvis organizing the first event in 1908 to honor her deceased mother. By 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day. However, Jarvis later expressed her discontent with the commercialization of the holiday, criticizing florists and card companies for profiting from what she believed should be a personal and meaningful celebration.
Today, Mother's Day has evolved into a significant commercial event, with various businesses offering promotions and special deals. In Hong Kong, many restaurants and cafes catered to the occasion with enticing offers. For instance, Cafe de Coral launched a special $99 dinner for two, while other establishments provided discounts and unique menus to attract families celebrating together. The Platter at Cordis and Eaton HK hotels, as well as Yamm at The Mira Hong Kong, also offered special dining experiences for families.
As families gathered to celebrate, celebrities took to social media and local publications to share their gratitude towards their mothers. Renowned actor Andy Lau, known for his filial piety, expressed his love publicly, stating, "I love you, Mom!" He highlighted the importance of spending quality time with his mother on this special day. Similarly, singer Stephanie Cheng reflected on her mother's sacrifices and unconditional support, wishing that she could be her daughter in future lives.
Kelly Chen, another celebrated figure, shared her simple wish for Mother's Day: to receive small tokens of appreciation from her sons. With her upcoming concert series in July, she planned to spend the day at home, hoping for thoughtful gestures from her children. Meanwhile, Alex Fong candidly admitted feeling like an "unfilial son" after forgetting to hug his mother before she left for a month-long trip. He fondly reminisced about his mother's dedication in preparing meals for him and his brother after swimming lessons, emphasizing the sacrifices mothers make for their children.
Other celebrities, such as Sheren Tang, highlighted the importance of technology in keeping in touch with mothers who might be far away. She encouraged children to send messages or make calls, reinforcing the idea that a simple gesture can bring immense joy to mothers. Eliza Sam humorously thanked her mother for her "taste" in giving birth to her, while Luo Xiaohao expressed gratitude for his mother's unwavering support in pursuing his dreams.
For many, Mother's Day is also a time for family gatherings. Young singer Yao Zhuofei planned to have dinner with her mother and grandmother, embodying the spirit of togetherness that the holiday represents. Similarly, Zhong Roumei acknowledged the challenges of motherhood, wishing all mothers health and happiness.
In light of the celebrations, a recent auction held by the Transport Department in Hong Kong featured 320 vehicle registration numbers, including the notable "MAMA" plate, which fetched a staggering 100,000 yuan. This auction, coinciding with Mother's Day, raised over 2.11 million yuan for charitable causes, showcasing the community's spirit of giving.
As the day unfolded, the cast of the popular television series "Happy Home Express" celebrated Mother's Day early with the public, distributing flowers and engaging in fun activities. Actor Lau Dan expressed his excitement about being able to spend time with his family, while others shared similar sentiments about the joy of being with loved ones.
As the sun sets on this Mother's Day, the messages of love and gratitude resonate deeply within families. Whether through simple gestures or extravagant celebrations, the essence of the day remains the same: honoring the sacrifices and love that mothers provide. From heartfelt messages to cherished moments spent together, Mother's Day serves as a reminder of the invaluable role mothers play in our lives, encouraging us all to express our love and appreciation not just today, but every day.
