We all love our moms, but we have different ways of showing it. And around the world we have different ways of celebrating Mother’s Day.
While most countries follow the usual formula of breakfast in bed, homemade cards and treats like chocolates and flowers, many places have more unique customs. Have a look at some of the ways in which various cultures honour their mothers.
Australia
Aussies celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. In this country, it is tradition to give your mother a chrysanthemum flower, because it is in season and the flower’s name ends, quite appropriately, in “mum”. On Mother’s Day many Australian men wear chrysanthemums in their lapels to honour their mothers.
Belgium
The Belgians also celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. In the week leading up to Mother’s Day, children make little gifts for their mothers at school. Mom’s breakfast in bed is quite a treat in this country, with fathers typically going out to buy fresh croissants and other pastries for the mothers to enjoy.
China
More and more people in China are celebrating Mother’s Day. The gift of choice is carnations, which is the most sold flower on the day. Since 1997, Mother’s Day in China has also served as an opportunity to remember and help impoverished mothers, especially those in the country’s rural areas.
Ethiopia
Ethiopians celebrate their mothers for three whole days following the rainy season. During this time, they enjoy a feast known as Antrosht. As part of the feast, children bring ingredients for the making of a traditional hash. While the girls bring spices, vegetables, cheese and butter, the boys bring a bull or lamb. Once the hash has been prepared, the mother hands out portions of it to her family. The meal is followed by a celebration, during which the mothers and daughters anoint themselves with butter and the fathers and sons sing songs.
Indonesia
Mother’s Day is known as Hari Ibu in Indonesia and celebrated on 22 December. In this country, mothers are spoilt with gifts and surprise parties. Competitions, such as cooking and kebaya (traditional Indonesian outfit) wearing, are popular pastimes on the day. Indonesian moms are also given the day off from any domestic chores.
Japan
Here’s another country that celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May. Just like Chinese mothers, Japanese mothers are treated to carnations as a symbol of the gentle strength they possess. In Japan, Mother’s Day is called Haha no Hi.
Mexico
Mother’s Day celebrations in Mexico traditionally start with the singing of the popular song “Las Mañanitas”. The song can be sung a cappella, or you can call in the help of a mariachi band or contracted trio. It is usually sung at birthdays, but on Mother’s Day, Mexicans make an exception for the most special women in their lives.
Nepal
The Nepalese equivalent of Mother’s Day is known as Mata Tirtha Aunsi (“Mother Pilgrimage New Moon”) and takes place in April or May each year. During the festival mothers are honoured with gifts, while the mothers who have passed away are remembered. Traditionally, a pilgrimage is undertaken to the Mata Tirtha ponds, about 6 km from Kathmandu, in honour of mothers who have died.
Peru
The Peruvians celebrate Mother’s Day with a ceremony known as Pachamanca. Food, including meat, potatoes and corn, is prepared in a hole in the ground covered with hot rocks, mats and leaves. This tradition honours Pachamama, the earth mother.
Philippines
Filipinos also celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. The mothers of this island nation are called the “light of the household” around which the whole family’s activities revolve. Mothers are treated to a delicious meal at a restaurant, a walk in the park or just some well-deserved “me time”.
) Additional sources: www.globalcitizen.org, www.examiner.com
