Phnom Penh —His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni has sent a royal message to his compatriots on the occasion of Mother’s Day, observed in Cambodia on May 12. The royal message, signed on May 6, highlights the revered status of mothers and their vital role in society.

In his message, His Majesty the King pays tribute to all mothers for their unwavering dedication, strength, and selfless care in raising, nurturing, and educating their children without complaint. He praised mothers for their virtues of compassion, kindness, and service, emphasizing their invaluable contributions to family and nation.

“Mothers possess indescribable greatness. May all children honor and repay their kindness. Mothers are the ancestors of the gods,” His Majesty the King remarked. He further underscored that mothers are central to fostering cultural heritage, traditions, and customs—elements that embody the identity and soul of the nation. Their efforts ensure that these traditions are preserved and passed on sustainably through generations.

Although Mother’s Day is not an indigenous Khmer tradition, Cambodian youth increasingly celebrate the day by sharing photos and heartfelt messages of gratitude on social media platforms, expressing love and appreciation for their mothers.

This day’s significance stems from the international origin of Mother’s Day. Originating in 1908 in the United States, the day was first initiated by Anna Jarvis to honor mothers’ sacrifices. The event was held at a Methodist church in West Virginia, where white carnations were distributed to attendees as a symbol of love. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday of May a national holiday in the United States. Over the years, numerous countries adopted Mother’s Day, each with its own customs and dates—some closer to Jarvis’s original vision, others reflecting local traditions.

Today, various nations celebrate Mother’s Day on different dates: Mexico on May 10; Cambodia on August 12; Peru on the second Sunday of May; France typically on the last Sunday in May; and the United Kingdom during the last Sunday of Lent, which varies annually. The celebrations encompass a rich diversity—ranging from mariachi serenades, visits to local churches, to traditional family meals—yet all share a common purpose: to honor and appreciate women at the heart of the family and society.

His Majesty the King’s message underscores this universal sentiment: recognizing maternal virtues, sacrifices, and the enduring importance of mothers worldwide. In Cambodia, despite it not being a traditional national holiday, the day has gained significance through social media and family expressions of gratitude, aligning with the country’s respect for maternal roles and cultural values.