Carole Nelson BrownMothers Day. Mothers Day is, unfortunately, not always easy for everyone. Some of us have lost our moms or never had a great relationship with her in the first place. Hopefully, we all have at least one, strong female figure in our lives who we can celebrate. Someone who helped guide and nurture us. Someone we can trust to be truthful, supportive and a shoulder to lean on. To me, it’s a celebration of all of the strong women in our lives.
For example, it could be an aunt, a teacher or, perhaps, even your best friend.
With that said, this day is fast approaching and I thought it would interesting to see how other places celebrate these important female figures.
This annual holiday celebrated around the world honours and appreciates the mothers and mother figures in our lives. It is celebrated on different days in different countries, and the customs and traditions surrounding the holiday vary as well. Here’s a look at how Mother’s Day is celebrated in different parts of the world:
United States and Canada:
In the United States and Canada, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. It was first observed in 1908, and became an official holiday in 1914. People often give their mothers gifts like as flowers, chocolates, and cards. It’s also common for families to have a meal together, or to take their mothers out for brunch.
United Kingdom:
In the United Kingdom, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent, which falls in March or April. The holiday is also known as Mothering Sunday. It has its roots in the Middle Ages and Christian tradition of visiting one’s mother church on this day, and evolved into a day for children to visit their mothers and bring them gifts.
Mexico:
In Mexico, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10th. It is a very important holiday in the country, and is marked by parades, special church services, and the giving of gifts. Many people also take their mothers out to eat at restaurants or prepare special meals for them at home. Although it was first introduced in 1922, it wasn’t until 1940 that it became an official holiday.
Celebrations begin with people gathering at the shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe to mark the spirit of motherhood. Typically, the present mothers are serenaded to the song Las Mañanitas, served early morning meals and presented with handmade gifts, cards and flowers.
India:
Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, just like in the United States. However, the holiday is not as widely celebrated as it is in the West. Instead, it is seen as an opportunity for people to honour their mothers and express their gratitude for all that they have done. In a country where mother’s are revered, this holiday is slowly gaining popularity.
Japan:
In Japan, Mother’s Day, called Haha no Hi (母の日), is celebrated on the second Sunday in May as well. It is a relatively new holiday in the country. On this day, people often give their mothers carnations, which are a symbol of love and gratitude. In fact, the holiday (all western holidays) was banned during WW2 and, consequently, only returned in 1949, with the end of the war.
France:
In France, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in May or the first Sunday in June, depending on the year. It is called la Fête des Mères, and is a day for families to gather together and honour their mothers. It is customary to give gifts such as flowers, chocolates, and perfume.
With origins that go back to the Napoleonic era, when Napoleon established a day to honour mothers of large families. To this day, in every French municipality, the mayor honours mothers of large families with a medal, La Medaille de la Famille. You get gold for 8 or more kids, silver for 6 or 7 and bronze for 4 or 5. It’s like the Uterus olympics!
In 1941, the Vichy Regime chose the last Sunday of May as the official Mother’s Day date. Nine years later, a law was passed saying that:
“Every year, the French Republic pays an official tribute to Mothers during a special day dedicated to celebrating Mother’s Day”.
Brazil:
In Brazil, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, just like in the United States. However, the holiday is not as commercialized as it is in some other countries. Instead, it is seen as a day for families to spend time together and show their appreciation for their mothers.
Despite it not being as commercialized, it is a huge deal in Brazil. It also often a multi generational celebration, honouring grandmothers and aunts as well.
Bolivia:
Bolivia ties Mothers Day is tied to same day they commemorate the Heroinas de la Coronilla. They were a group of women who fought in the Battle of Pocona in the Bolivian War of Independence on May 27, 1823. Now, THIS is a day I can get behind!
Overall, Mother’s Day is a special day celebrated around the world to honour the love and sacrifice of mothers and mother figures. Although the customs and traditions surrounding the holiday may vary, the sentiment remains the same: to show gratitude and appreciation for all that mothers and the women who love and support us do.