Mother's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, although the date and traditions associated with the holiday can vary widely. Whether it’s through gifts, acts of service, or spending time together, Mother’s Day is a special day to express our love and gratitude for the women who have given us so much.
In this article, we will explore some of the different Mother's Day traditions observed in various parts of the world.
United States and Canada
In the United States and Canada, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. It is a day to honor and appreciate mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures. The most common way of celebrating Mother's Day is by giving cards, flowers, and gifts. Many families also gather for a special meal or spend quality time together.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Mother's Day is also known as Mothering Sunday. It is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, which falls in March or April. Originally, Mothering Sunday was a day for people to return to their "mother church" for a special service. Over time, it became a day to honor mothers as well. Traditionally, children would give their mothers flowers and a Simnel cake, which is a type of fruit cake with marzipan.
Mexico
In Mexico, Mother's Day is celebrated on May 10th. It is a day to honor mothers and their role in the family. On Mother's Day, many families gather for a special meal or give gifts to their mothers. In some parts of Mexico, it is also common to have a parade or other festive event.
Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, Mother's Day is known as Antrosht, and it is celebrated in the fall. The holiday is a celebration of motherhood and family, and it involves a large feast with family and friends. Daughters traditionally bring vegetables, butter, and cheese, while sons bring meat and other foods.
Japan
In Japan, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, similar to the United States and Canada. However, the tradition is to give a gift of carnations to one's mother. Red carnations are given to mothers who are still alive, while white carnations are given to those who have passed away.
Thailand
In Thailand, Mother's Day is celebrated on August 12th, which is the birthday of the current queen. The holiday is a day to honor not only mothers, but also the queen and other women who have played an important role in Thai society. The traditional gift for Mother's Day in Thailand is a jasmine flower, which symbolizes purity and motherly love.
Another interesting tradition is the “Mothering Sunday” celebrated in the United Kingdom, which originated in the 16th century. It falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent and was traditionally a day for people to return to their “mother church” for a special service. Over time, it has evolved into a day to honor mothers by giving them gifts and flowers.
In Ethiopia, “Antrosht” is celebrated in mid-fall and is a three-day festival that honors motherhood. Children bring ingredients like butter, spices, and vegetables, and the mothers use them to prepare a feast. After the meal, the mothers and children dance together.
In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12, which is the birthday of the Queen Sirikit. Thai people celebrate by giving their mothers jasmine flowers, which are believed to symbolize love, respect, and purity.
In Mexico, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10, regardless of the day of the week. Children often perform a special song called “Las Mañanitas” for their mothers, and there is a traditional dish called “tamales” that is often prepared for the occasion.
In Japan, “Haha no Hi” is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Children often give their mothers carnations, which are believed to represent the strength and love of a mother’s heart.
These are just a few examples of the many traditions and customs associated with Mother’s Day around the world. While the dates and specific practices may vary, the sentiment behind the holiday remains the same: to honor and show appreciation for the important role that mothers play in our lives.
In conclusion, while Mother's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, the traditions and customs associated with the holiday can vary greatly. However, the underlying sentiment of appreciation and gratitude for the important role that mothers play in our lives is universal.
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