People all over the world celebrate Mother’s Day to honor and appreciate the love, care, and sacrifices of mothers. Most countries celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May every year. It is a day to recognize and thank mothers for always being there for us, helping us, and taking care of us. Mother’s Day has been celebrated for a long time, with different cultures having their own ways of honoring mothers.
Nowadays, we usually celebrate by giving moms flowers, cards, gifts, or just spending time together to show how much we care about them. Besides, we also celebrate this special day with grandmas and other important women who play a motherly role in our lives. We give them love and respect, just like we do with our own mothers. Well, Mother’s Day reminds us to cherish and celebrate the strong bond between mothers and their children. It helps us appreciate all the love and hard work mothers put into raising us.
In this article, we will learn about how Mother’s Day is celebrated in various cultures worldwide. Similarly, we will explore different rituals and fun ways people celebrate this special day.
Discovering 10 Unique Traditions for Celebrating Mother’s Day
People all around the world have always celebrated and honored mothers. It’s fascinating to see how Mother’s Day traditions vary from one place to another. Let’s explore how different cultures celebrate Mother’s Day and how we can make this day extra special for our moms this year.
Mexico: Serenade and Family Meals
In Mexico, Mother’s Day, known as “Día de las Madres,” is celebrated on May 10th. The day usually begins with a serenade called “Las Mañanitas.” Family members, including children and sometimes professional mariachi bands, gather outside the mother’s window to sing and show love and gratitude.
Followed by singing, they share a big meal with the whole family. Similarly, the meal often includes traditional Mexican dishes. In Mexico, it is common for kids to give their moms gifts like flowers, chocolates, handmade crafts, or special items to show appreciation.
UK: Mothering Sunday and Family Outing
In the UK, Mother’s Day, known as Mothering Sunday, is similar to how people celebrate in the US. The day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. It started as a way for Christians to honor the Virgin Mary but changed to honor all mothers over time.
Children show love to their moms and grandmas with cards, flowers, or even going out for something special. While some people also go to church on Mothering Sunday to honor moms and other motherly figures.
Italy: Give Mom the Day Off
In Italy, Mother’s Day, known as “La Festa dellla Mamma,” is celebrated on the second Sunday of May like in many countries. Children often make a surprise breakfast for their mothers in bed, then they spend the day together doing fun things. Similarly, it is a tradition in Italy for moms to take a break from chores and cooking on Mother’s Day.
Family members, especially kids and partners, take care of the chores that moms usually do, so they can feel special and appreciated. This idea is made so that mothers can have a break and enjoy the day without their usual responsibilities.
Peru: Visit Cemeteries
In Peru, families have a tradition on Mother’s Day to visit cemeteries to honor and remember moms who have passed away. People bring flowers, candles, and other gifts to their graves to keep their memory alive.
Another tradition is having a special meal together with dishes like ceviche or lomo saltado, which are traditional Peruvian foods. Also, there is music and dancing. Families might have serenades or hire musicians to perform for their moms. In some areas, they do traditional dances like marinera or huayno to honor their mothers.
Nepal: Visit Mata Tirtha ponds
In Nepal, Mother’s Day, called “Mata Tirtha Aunsi,” is celebrated in April or May based on the lunar calendar. This festival, also known as “Aama ko Mukh Herne Din” (Day to See Mother’s Face), is all about showing love and respect to mothers, whether they’re alive or no longer with us.
Many people in Nepal visit Mata Tirtha Pond to honor the deceased. These ponds hold significant religious and cultural importance. People believe that going there can bring blessings to both moms and kids. Also, sons and daughters show love and respect by giving gifts, cutting cake, and enjoying a special meal with Nepali food and sweets.
Bolivia: Honor Heroic women
In Bolivia, Mother’s Day, known as “Día de la Madre,” is celebrated on May 27th. On this special day in Bolivia, they have a tradition called “Carrera de Cintas” (Race of the Ribbons), where kids ride horses and try to grab prizes tied to ribbons.
Similarly, it is a day to honor and remember brave women who fought to free Bolivia from Spain. Also, families often come together for a meal, with traditional Bolivian foods like salteñas, pique a lo macho or anticuchos.
Ethiopia: A Three-Day Celebration
In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is called “Antrosht” and it’s part of a three-day celebration. This day is celebrated in mid-fall. Children honor their mothers with traditional music, dancing, bonfires, and special feasts.
Thailand: Celebrate the Queen Mother
In Thailand, Mother’s Day is on August 12, which is the birthday of Queen Sirikit. Thai people usually give their moms flowers, especially jasmine, to show love and purity. There are ceremonies and parades to honor both the queen and mothers all over the country.
India: Growing Popularity and Gratitude
In India, Mother’s Day is a special day to honor and appreciate mothers. It is celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year. Similarly, Mother’s Day is celebrated with great religious significance in India, especially in Hindu households. People pray to Durga, the goddess of mothers, to ask for blessings for their moms and families.
There is a story about Durga returning to her parent’s house to show off her own kids. Besides, families spend days cooking delicious food, getting gifts, and decorating their homes.
Japan: Red Carnations
In Japan, kids often give their moms bouquets or single red carnations on Mother’s Day. Red Carnations hold a special symbolism, showing a mother’s selfless love and sacrifice for her children. Japan celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May, like many other places.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do we celebrate Mother’s Day?
People all over the world celebrate Mother’s Day to honor and appreciate the love, care, and sacrifices of mothers.
2. Is International Mother’s Day the same as Mother’s Day in every country?
Most countries celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May every year.
3. How can I show appreciation to my mother on International Mother’s Day?
On Mother’s Day, you can make your mom happy by doing simple things like spending time with her, showing gratitude towards her for all the love, support, and sacrifice, or giving her a gift that shows you care about what she likes.
Also read, Some Facts About Memorial Day You Probably Didn’t Know!