Mother’s Day Celebrations Around the World
As Mother’s Day fades away in the UK, women across the world continue to be honored and celebrated on different dates. The second wave of mum-oriented messages emerges as countries like the US prepare to commemorate this special day in May, diverging from the British tradition. But have you ever wondered why Mother’s Day is observed on different dates globally? Let’s dive into the origins and international customs surrounding this beloved occasion.
In the UK, Mother’s Day, known as Mothering Sunday, aligns with the fourth Sunday of the Christian festival of Lent. Its roots lie in the tradition of individuals returning to their “mother church” and reuniting with their mothers. This date varies each year, corresponding to the changing dates of Lent. Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man, and Nigeria also share the same date for Mother’s Day, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.
Conversely, in the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, regardless of religious connections. Anna Jarvis, an activist, initiated this non-religious celebration in 1908, intending to honor the sacrifices made by individual mothers. Her efforts led to the official establishment of Mother’s Day in 1914. However, Jarvis soon disapproved of the commercialization surrounding the day, lamenting her own creation.
The global panorama reveals diverse celebrations. Countries like Australia, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Switzerland, Turkey, and Belgium commemorate mothers on the second Sunday of May. In Mexico and many parts of Latin America, May 10th marks the “Día de las Madres.” The Middle East celebrates on the first day of spring, starting with Egypt in 1956. Thailand honors mothers in August, coinciding with the birthday of their current queen, Sirikit.
Re-reported from the story originally published in https://news.yahoo.com/
