Show your mum some love with inspiration from the global traditions and history of Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day is celebrated all over the world to thank the amazing, strong women who raise us. As well as there being several different customs, the tradition of Mother’s Day has also developed and changed overtime. Though you may already have your own traditions in place, these global traditions can remind you how we started celebrating mothers and new ways to express your gratitude now.
Medal of honour
Mothers’ Day began in many countries as an award recognising women for birthing several healthy children during periods of low birth rates. In France during 1920, the French government created an official day dedicated to mothers of large families and awarded them with the Médaille de la Famille Française. In Germany during 1938, a similar award was introduced called Mother’s Cross (Mutterkreuz) and in Iran several women under Shah’s government were rewarded for birthing several healthy children.
Sing along
In Ethiopia the Antrosht festival, in early autumn, is dedicated to mums. After the hot weather breaks, families gather in their homes for a big celebratory meal where daughters traditionally brought vegetables and cheese while sons brought the meat. After the meal, songs and dances are performed and stories are told of family heroes. In Mexico, it is also customary to sing the congratulatory song Las Mañanitas to your mother on Mothers’ Day, either acapella or with a mariachi trio.
Pamper day
In Myanmar, Mothers’ Day is celebrated in the tenth month of the Myanmar calendar, on the full moon day of Pyatho (which usually falls in January). It is traditional for those who live with their mother to give her special favours and a personal service like shampooing her hair. Children who don’t live with their mothers are expected to send postcards or call home to express their love and gratitude.
Party time!
In India, Hindus honour Durga, the goddess of mothers, during a 10-day festival which takes place in October. The festival, known as Durga Puja, is spent sharing food and gifts and even has household decorations to go with it. In Indonesia surprise parties and competitions are traditional on Mother’s Day, which is held on 22nd December. They also treat mum to a day off from housework!
Showers of flowers
In Japan gifting flowers, and doing it correctly, is very important. If you wish to follow Japanese customs perfectly you should rise early on Mother’s Day and greet your mum with a big bunch of flowers, specifically carnations. Red carnations are a popular choice as they symbolise a mother’s purity, sweetness, and endurance. Flowers are a common choice for Mothers’ Day all over the world with differing flowers in each country, white chrysanthemums are common in Australia while roses are more popular in Canada and Finland.