Happy Mother’s Day, or should we say, “Feliz Día de la Madre,” “母亲节快乐,” and “Bonne Fête des Mères”? Once a year, countries around the world spend a whole day dedicated to celebrating the most important women of our lives, who raised us, taught us, and loved us unconditionally. But did you know that Mother’s Day isn’t celebrated the same way in different countries? That’s right! Mother’s Day traditions vary widely across the globe, reflecting the diverse cultures that honor motherhood in their unique ways.
So, sit up and join us on a heartwarming journey around the world as we explore the fascinating and diverse traditions of Mother’s Day. You’re in for a treat – perhaps you’ll even find new traditions to incorporate into your celebration!
Japan: Carnation Flowers
On Mother’s Day in Japan, you’ll see carnation flowers presented everywhere. Back in the days when World War II just ended, a version of Mother’s Day grew popular in the Rising Sun country, as a way to comfort mothers who had lost sons to the war. Carnation flower symbolizes familial love, the virtues and endurance of motherhood in Japanese culture. Originally, children gave a red carnation to a living mother and displayed white ones to their late mothers. Nowadays, white carnations have become traditional but pink ones are the most popular.
Brazil: Mousse de Maracujá
Mother’s Day – Dia das Mães – is a very important holiday in Brazil, coming second to Christmas. It’s often a multi-generational celebration including grandmas and aunts. On this day, children at school would make craft gifts for their mothers, sing special songs at church, then families of multi-generation would all gather for barbecues. After the meal, Mother’s Day desserts are a must. The signature dessert of this day is the sweet and pretty Mousse de Maracujá, aka Passionfruit Mousse, and it’s the classic way to finish the day.
Ethiopia: Sing Along!
The Mother’s Day of Ethiopia is called the Antrosht festival, occurs at the end of the rainy season in early fall, and is dedicated to moms. After the rainy weather ends, all family members flock to their homes for a huge celebration with food, drinking and singing. Traditionally, daughters bring vegetables and cheese, while sons bring meat. Together, they prepare a meat hash and sing and perform dances that tell stories of family heroes.
India: 10-Day Festival
Every October in India, the Hindus would honor Durga – the goddess of mothers during a 10-day festival called Durga Puja. It is reported that the celebration dates back to the 16th century and is considered both a religious ceremony and a time for family reunions. One tale tells how Durga visited her parents’ house to proudly present her children. In anticipation of the festival, families dedicate weeks to cooking, assembling gifts, and adorning their homes.
Italy: Chores-Free Day
In Italy, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. It is known as “La Festa della Mamma”. On this day, all mothers are encouraged to leave all the chores and cooking for their husbands and children. Not all, they are offered special homemade Mothers Day gifts and fresh pastries.
United Kingdom: A Church Custom
In the UK, Mothering Sunday pops up on the fourth Sunday during Lent (which is about 40 days before Easter). Way back in the 1700s, it was all about young house servants getting a day off to return home and unite with their moms. This whole thing started from the tradition of people used to go back to their hometown church for a visit. Nowadays, it’s still got a bit of a religious vibe, with lots of churches giving out daffodils for kids to give to their mothers. It’s traditional for girls to whip up a fruitcake for their moms.
France: Medals For Mom
Back in 1920, the French government started handing out medals – Médaille de la Famille – to moms who gave birth to more babies in gratitude for helping boost the population after World War I that took so many lives. After World War II, they decided the last Sunday in May would be Mother’s Day in France. Nowadays, the go-to gift is a cake that’s shaped like a flower.
US: Small Surprises
Mother’s Day was first celebrated in the United States in 1914. On this day, children would cook breakfast for their moms, buy them flowers and shower them with small surprises. Kids in the US prefer traditional yet thoughtful Mothers day gifts like cards, flowers and candy. In fact, each year Americans send over 133 million cards to their mothers just for Mother’s Day alone! Many would break their mothers off from her daily chores, including meal prep, by taking her out to eat.
Conclusion
While the traditions of Mother’s Day may vary in different countries, the meaning remains the same: a deep, universal appreciation for mothers and all they do. Perhaps after this article, you’d get inspired to adopt a new tradition from another country or simply gain a deeper appreciation for your own. Let’s take this new knowledge as an inspiration to make your own Mother’s Day even more special for your mom. Here’s to mothers around the world – may they always feel cherished, not just on Mother’s Day, but every day.
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