Mother's Day is the perfect occasion to let your mother know how much you love her. It is a mother's unconditional love, support, and sense of sacrifice that makes her venerable. It is the day to celebrate motherhood and to thank her for all small and big things she has done for her children. However, did you know that Mother's Day celebration is no recent thing? It is believed that ancient Greeks celebrated Mother's Day in spring by honoring Rhea, 'mother of the gods' by offering honey-cakes, flowers and drinks. Mother's Day is the day to acknowledge a mother's unconditional love, support, and the efforts in raising her kid. This day is celebrated across the globe, though on different dates. Similarly, the modes of celebrations also vary from country to country. It's interesting to know how different culture and traditions capture the spirit of this special day. To know about traditions followed in different countries, go through the following lines.
Mother's Day Tradition Across The World
Mother's Day Tradition In United States
In United States, Mother's Day is a national holiday and celebrated on the second Sunday of May with a lot of fanfare and enthusiasm. History of Mother's Day is not more than hundred years old in U.S. It was after a long struggle by a loving daughter Anna Jarvis that Mother's Day was declared a national holiday by U.S. government. On this day, children offer beautiful flowers and gifts to their mothers. Carnations are considered traditional Mother's Day flowers. Red carnations are symbol of love and affection. White carnations are worn on this day in memory of those mothers who are no longer living. As a part of mother's day custom in U.S, kids give their mothers a break from daily household chores and take them out for a festive dinner. So, why not plan to do something special on this day!
Mother's Day Tradition In UK
In U.K, Mother's Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent. It was in 17th century that the mother's day celebrations began in U.K. The traditional festival was known as Mothering Sunday but today it is popularly known as mother's day. It's the day to thank mothers for all the love and care they bestow upon their children. On this day, flowers like roses, carnations and chrysanthemums are the most popular of the gifts. In U.K, on this day there is a tradition of making almond cake called 'Simnel Cake'. So, this Mother's Day treat your mother with delicious Simnel Cakes.
Mother's Day Tradition In France
French celebrate Mother's Day on the last Sunday in the month of May. Traditionally, a French mother is honored with a cake, which resembles a bouquet of flowers. This is followed by a traditional family dinner. So, celebrate Mother's Day like French people and surprise your mother with a flower bouquet and a cake.
Mother's Day Tradition In Spain
Unlike France and United States, Mother's Day is celebrated on December 8 in Spain. The mother's day in Spain has more of a religious significance and associated with paying tribute to Mother Mary. To make this day special to their mothers, children buy chocolates, flowers, and cards for them. Why not celebrate Mother's Day this December 8 in Spain and be part of religious celebrations across the country.
Mother's Day Tradition In Thailand
In Thailand, 12th August is celebrated as the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and with it the nation immerses in celebrations. As the Queen is also regarded as mother to all Thai people, this day is also celebrated as 'Mother's Day.' Mother's Day morning in Thailand starts by giving alms to the monks. Following the Thai tradition, kids kneel down before their mother to show their love and gratitude. They present her with white jasmine flowers or garlands, in return mother shower her blessings on kids. On this day, white jasmine flowers are a common sight in Thailand as they are the symbol of maternal love.
Mother's Day Tradition In Mexico
Unlike United States, Mother's Day in Mexico is celebrated on May 10 every year. On this day, churches in Mexico organize special masses. This is followed with distribution of 'tamales' and 'atole', the traditional early-morning meal for all mothers. The tradition of giving gifts on this occasion is age old. The older children buy gifts for their mother, whereas the younger ones prepare handmade gifts to present their mothers.
Though different countries follow different traditions, yet the intention is the same which is to acknowledge the contributions of a mother in the lives of her children.
It's interesting to know how different culture and traditions capture the spirit of Mother's Day. Read the lines below to find all about Mother's Day traditions in different countries.