In many households in the United States, the second Sunday in May is a special day for moms. It often begins with flowers, cards, and breakfast in bed. Mother’s Day has been around since 1914 and is something that most people enjoy celebrating.
However, it isn’t just people in the U.S. who honor their moms and try to develop the perfect Mother’s Day gift ideas. Keep reading to learn more about how moms are celebrated around the globe.
India – 10-Day Festival
In India, Hindus honor Durga, the goddess of mothers, celebrated each October during a 10-day Durga Puja festival. It’s believed this celebration dates back to the 16th century and is considered a time to celebrate family and a religious ceremony. There’s one story of Durga that she returns to her parent’s home to show off her children. During this time, families gather gifts, prepare food, and decorate for the Festival.
Japan – The Right Flowers
After the end of World War II, a version of Mother’s Day that became popular was to comfort those who had lost their sons to the war. During this time, carnations are presented, as they symbolize the endurance and sweetness of motherhood in Japanese culture. In the beginning, children would give a red carnation to their living mother and display a white one if their mother had passed. Today, though, white is the traditional color.
Ethiopia – Sing-Along
In early fall, at the end of the rainy season, the Antrosht Festival is held in Ethiopia, which is dedicated to moms. Once the weather has cleared, family members will gather in their homes to have a large meal and celebrate. Tradition states that daughters are to bring chees and vegetables while sons bring the meat. Once the family is together, they prepare a meat hash, sing, and dance. They will also tell stories of their family’s heroes.
United Kingdom – A Church Custom
On the fourth Sunday of Lent, Mothering Sunday occurs. In the 1700s this was the day that was noted by younger house servants taking time away to spend with their mothers. It is a custom that was evolved from an even earlier one where families who had moved to another area would return to the original church they were a member of. Even today, the holiday is centered around religion, with some churches giving out daffodils for the children to present to their moms. According to tradition, girls would also make a fruitcake for their moms.
Source-Pixabay
France – Medals for Mom
During the 1920s, France’s government started to award medals to mothers of larger families to show their gratitude for rebuilding the population after so many lives were lost during WWI. Once WWII was over, the government made the last Sunday in May the Day of Mothers. The traditional gift for this day is a cake in the shape of a flower.
As you can see, Mother’s Day is celebrated – in some capacity – all over the globe. It may look different, but it’s clear that the end goal is to honor mothers.
