Mother’s Day Around the World
Regardless of where you live, we all have mothers. And in honor of moms everywhere, a special day is dedicated just to her. Mother’s Day is celebrated throughout the world in different ways and on different days. In the US and Canada, Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday of May. Traditionally, this is a day where flower and card sales soar through the roof, but not all cultures buy into this brand of celebration.
Let’s take a look at Mother’s Day around the world. Who knows? You may just find a new tradition to surprise your mom with…
Moms in Australia
Mother’s “down under” celebrate their special day on the second Sunday of May. Children here will shower their moms with flowers and gifts, just as we do in the Western culture. In addition, children will also honor grandmothers and other women that have special meaning in their lives.
Carnations are also worn in Australia in honor of moms – colored carnations are worn for moms that are still alive and white carnations are worn to honor those who have passed on. This day in Australia is spent pampering moms with the respect they deserve and by treating them with breakfast in bed, small gifts and delicious cakes.
Moms in Mexico
Madre or Mama is who children in Mexico give honor to on Mother’s Day. Here this special day is always on May 10th. It is celebrated with the gathering of the children in the home, where the older ones shower mom with boughten gifts, while the little ones make wonderful creations with their own hands.
Mother’s Day in Mexico is also celebrated through the church where a specific mass is organized. Orchestras entertain moms with a special song called; las mañanitas (The Resume) and an early morning meal of ‘tamales’ and ‘atole’ are served to all who attend.
Moms in India
Mother’s Day in India has only been around for about a decade and is most likely due to the influence of the US on some of their culture. As in this westernized world, Mother’s Day is also celebrated in India on the second Sunday of May. Children here honor mom with love, respect and a day off from cooking. It’s a day when she can kick back and enjoy her family and the appreciation shown to her.
Moms in Ireland
Mother’s Day in Ireland lands on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Its roots can be traced back to medieval times (when children were used as domestic servants to the rich) and was called, ‘Mothering Sunday.’ On Mothering Sunday all servants were given the one day off to visit the church and worship the Virgin Mary. After the service, each child was then able to go home and visit their own mother. For gifts and tokens of the child’s affection, they may pick wild flowers along the way or present mom with a special cake they would’ve baked just for her.
Moms in Spain
Moms in Spain get their very own day of recognition on December 8th. On this day moms are recognized with love and respect from their children. In addition to one’s Earthly mother, Spaniards also pay tribute to the Virgin Mary with religious celebrations taking place in churches throughout the area.
It doesn’t matter what part of the world you are in, or what culture you belong to, honoring your mom on Mother’s Day is one of the greatest gifts you can give her. Take time this Mother’s Day to let your mom know you love and honor her on this special day.