Diverse Mother's Day Traditions Worldwide

Mother’s Day is a time to honor and appreciate the special women in our lives who have played a significant role in shaping who we are today. While the holiday may be celebrated on different dates in various countries, the sentiment of love and gratitude remains universal. One fascinating aspect of Mother’s Day is the unique traditions and customs observed in different parts of the world. From elaborate parades and feasts to heartfelt gift-giving and meaningful gestures, there is no shortage of creative ways to celebrate this special occasion. Let us take a closer look at some of the modern and traditional Mother’s Day practices from around the world that make this holiday truly special.

Sing and Dance in Honor of Moms: The Antrosht Festival in Ethiopia is a celebration that takes place at the end of the rainy season during early fall, where family members from all over gather together to feast and commemorate their mothers. Daughters typically bring vegetables and cheese, while sons contribute meat to prepare a delicious meat hash. During the celebration, they perform traditional dances and sing songs that recount stories of their family’s heroes. To celebrate your own mother and other women in your family, why not create a personal scrapbook of their stories and cherished moments together? Take a trip down memory lane by flipping through photo albums and sharing anecdotes, keeping those special moms who’ve come before you close to your heart.

Reviving Old Traditions: Mothering Sunday in the United Kingdom is a holiday that takes place on the fourth Sunday of Lent and has roots dating back to the 1700s. Originally, young house servants would return home to spend time with their mothers, while later, families who had moved away would go back to their original church. Today, the holiday remains steeped in religious significance, with many churches distributing daffodils for children to present to their mothers. Additionally, it’s customary for girls to bake a fruitcake for their moms. To make Mother’s Day even more special, why not ask your family to create a new tradition based on one from your own childhood? This way, you can relive cherished memories while making new ones with the ones you love.

Expressing Gratitude: Mother’s Day in France is a holiday that began in 1920 when the French government started awarding medals to mothers of large families as a symbol of appreciation for their contribution to rebuilding the population after World War I. Later, after World War II, the government declared the last Sunday in May to be the Day of Mothers. Nowadays, the traditional gift is a flower-shaped cake. While the practice of awarding medals may seem outdated, expressing gratitude never goes out of style, especially when setting an example for children. You can share your thankfulness for each family member during dinner and encourage them to do the same. By expressing appreciation and love, you’ll make this Mother’s Day a truly memorable one.

10 Days of Festivity: Honoring Mothers during Durga Puja in India is an annual celebration held in October where Hindus pay tribute to Durga, the goddess of mothers. The festival, known as Durga Puja, is believed to date back to the 16th century and is both a religious observance and a time for family reunions. One of the festival’s stories recounts how Durga returns to her parent’s home to showcase her own children. Weeks before the event, families prepare by cooking traditional dishes, collecting gifts, and decorating their homes. To make your Mother’s Day celebration more special, why not visit other mothers in your life, including friends and family, and bring homemade treats to share? This way, you can show your appreciation and enjoy the festivities together.

Expressing Gratitude with Carnations: Mother’s Day in Japan gained popularity after World War II as a way to comfort mothers who had lost sons in the war. The holiday, which falls in March, features the giving of carnations, which symbolize the sweetness and endurance of motherhood in Japanese culture. Originally, children gave a red carnation to a living mother and a white one if their mother had passed away, but now white has become the traditional color. This Mother’s Day, you can thank the mothers in your community who help your family by writing notes of appreciation and tying them to white carnations. Leave these flowers on their doorsteps to show your gratitude and especially celebrate the holiday.

–Staff Reporter