Mother’s Day Around the World

In all the chaos of celebration, have you ever wondered how other people around the world celebrate their mothers?  Here are some examples of a few different countries.

In the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent.  It is called Mothering Sunday. Often, in the past, poor families had to send their children away to work as servants or apprentices to rich families. The only time they might be given a day off was during the Lenten season, so they could visit their home, “mother church” and their families. The children would often pick flowers and bake small cakes to give to their mothers. Today, Mother’s Day in the UK is celebrated in the same way as it is in America, with flowers, cards, gifts, and family meals.

In Brazil, Mother’s Day is one of the most commercial holidays celebrated, second only to Christmas.  This special day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May with special performances by children, church gatherings, and large meals.

Muttertag takes place on the second Sunday in May in Germany.  The giving of Mother’s Day cards, flowers, and gifts is extremely popular, as well as festive meals commemorating the day.

Mother’s Day in Ethiopia is celebrated at the end of the fall rainy season, as part of the three-day Antrosht festival, dedicated to moms. When the weather clears up and the rain stops, family members come home to celebrate with a large feast. Daughters traditionally bring vegetables, butter, spices, and cheese, while the sons bring meats of various types, including lamb or beef.  Singing and dancing are participated in by all family members.

Another country that needs three days to fully acknowledge their mothers and the spirit of family is Serbia, where Mother’s Day takes place in December and is part of a series of holidays including Children’s Day and Father’s Day. All three holidays take place on consecutive Sundays.  There is a lot of gift-giving!

In India, a westernized version of Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, when Indians reflect upon the importance of mothers in their lives and the sacrifices they have made.  Gifts are given and a large meal is provided to celebrate motherhood.

Japan celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May and is symbolized by carnations.  These beautiful flowers represent the gentle strength of mothers, who are revered in Japanese culture.

In school, children celebrate their mothers by drawing pictures of her. As in other countries, Mother’s Day is for pampering mothers.  Children help take over the household chores, have a special family meal, and give their mothers cards and red carnations or roses.

Another country that traditionally gives carnations and other flowers is Australia, where Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Chrysanthemums are also a very popular gift because mothers there are called Mum. Aunts and grandmothers are also acknowledged with gifts.

Mother’s Day in Peru is celebrated on the second Sunday of May with gifts, chocolates, and family meals. Children often give their mothers handmade items.  Unlike in most places around the world, Peruvian mothers also give gifts to their children.

Fete des Meres, in France, takes place in late May or early June, based upon Pentecost.  On this day, as in the United States, moms relax, relying on their children to cater to their needs. Children give their mothers gifts, do the chores, and provide a large meal to commemorate the day.

Here in the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May.  Mothers across the country received handmade gifts, cards, candy, and flowers.  Usually, a nice dinner is included in the day to help show mom how her kids feel about her.  Perhaps she is allowed to sleep in and get breakfast in bed.  Maybe she won’t have any chores to do all day long.  Of course, all this depends upon how old her kids are and how helpful dad is!  For most of us, the day rarely turns out to be relaxing.  It may be filled with squabbles, broken dishes, scorched food, and more messes to clean up than normal.  But, most of us wouldn’t trade those things for the world because, as we are celebrated, we realize that there are mothers who are never recognized.  Mothers that give but never receive.  Mothers who cannot acknowledge or be with their child.  Mothers whose child is no more.  Mothers who never were mothers but who long for that experience above all else.  We celebrate you, as well.

The events that we participate in to celebrate our mothers may vary throughout the world, but the love that ties families together is the same, no matter where we live. In my opinion, Mother’s Day should be celebrated every day of the year to thank our mothers for all the things they do for us.

Happy Mother’s Day!!