Celebrating Mother's Day Across the Globe!

Springtime for most of us means flowers are in bloom, migrating birds return to backyard feeders, and for some, extra sneezes and tissues. It’s also the season to celebrate moms! This year, Mother’s Day in the U.S.A. is May 13th and it’s a day we honor moms, moms-to-be, or any woman who has influenced us throughout our lives.

The U.S. shares this special day with others who honor their favorite matriarchs with special treats and tributes. From Australia to Peru, traditions vary slightly, but all focus on that very special someone.

ENGLAND
The tradition of celebrating Mother’s Day began much earlier in England than it started in the United States. Named “Mothering Sunday”, the tradition began in the 16th century, and is considered to be the original Mother’s Day. The holiday has interesting roots! Initially a religious observation honoring a return to the church where one was baptized, in later times, Mothering Sunday became a day when domestic servants were given a day off to visit their mother church, usually with their own mothers and other family members. It was often the only time that families could gather together. The tradition of Mothering Sunday stopped with the advent of the Industrial Revolution in England, when work conditions and life patterns changed. In modern times, the original meaning of Mothering Sunday was lost and has taken the form and name of Mother’s Day.

AUSTRALIA
Australia celebrates moms on the same calendar date as the U.S. Customarily, Australians don carnations as a symbol of love for their “mums”. A colored carnation signifies that a person's mother is living, while a white carnation is used to honor a deceased mother. Besides their own mothers, children honor their grandmothers and other women who love and care for them. As a mark of respect, children pamper their mums on Mother’s Day by treating them with breakfast in bed, and with gifts and cakes.

ETHIOPIA
Ethiopian moms enjoy a massive celebration! Mother’s Day is an incredibly special day, honoring the love that a mother blends in her child’s life. Unlike other countries where Mother’s Day is a celebration of a single day, in Ethiopia, it is celebrated for three full days! Mother’s Day is not only a time to celebrate motherhood it also sets the tone for a new season. The three-day feast, known as “Antrosht”, includes massive meals with family and friends, and the preparation of traditional recipes of the country. Children bring the recipe’s ingredients while their mothers relax and enjoy the feast. Male children are responsible for bringing the meat, while girls bring vegetables, butter, spices and cheese. After the party, mothers and daughters rub each other’s faces with butter. After eating, families sing, dance and enjoy each other’s company.

JAPAN
Mother’s Day in Japan is called “Haha-no-hi”. Celebrated the second Sunday of May, children make it a point to get up early in the morning to gift their mothers with the sweet message,“Okaasan haha no hi omedetou“, and flowers as a token of love. Children also buy gifts for their moms, like pin flower silk kimonos, baby and mother kokeshi dolls, and fragrant cards.


GERMANY
“Muttertag”, or Mother’s Day in Germany, is observed on the second Sunday of May, with an exception for a year when Pentecost falls on the same day. Mother’s Day is then celebrated on the first Sunday of the month. Muttertag is celebrated with extreme merriment! The day has been specifically designated for showing love and respect to all the mothers of the Universe. Prior to World War II, it was a tradition to honor mothers in Germany with gold, silver and bronze medals. These medals were called “Karnickelorden”, and denoted the “Order of the Rabbit”. Children make it a point to honor their mothers by giving them cute Mother’s Day cards, unexpected surprises, small souvenirs and various other gifts. Members of the family plan to spend the day together preparing meals for their mothers.

PERU
The Peruvian people organize dinners, lunches, trips and parties throughout the week in which Mother’s Day falls. The day becomes a celebratory moment and an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Some really unique activities surround the celebration, including gathering at a graveyard over food and drinks to honor deceased Mothers. At the entrance gate of the cemetery, heart-shaped icons reading “Feliz Dia Mama” (Happy Mother’s Day in Spanish) are placed along with balloons. Peruvian children buy small gifts and cards for their mothers and read them poems, and families get together for recreation and high tea. It is not uncommon to see children of all ages going the extra mile, organizing surprise parties, preparing special meals and taking advantage of every opportunity to make their mothers feel special.

MEXICO
Mother’s Day in Mexico is celebrated on a fixed day, May 10th, and is celebrated in a highly colorful fashion. According to a custom in Mexico, sons and daughters make themselves present in the house on the eve of Mother’s Day. The day is celebrated with gusto, as churches in Mexico organize special masses. The highpoints of this event include an orchestra, which plays "las mañanitas", and the distribution of tamales and atole, the traditional early-morning meal, which is served to all local mothers.  It’s estimated that 200,000 extra waiters are put to work in Mexican restaurants for this special day, and families enjoy long tables piled with kilos of carnitas and barbacoa. A decent Mother’s Day lunch can easily clock in at five hours!


FRANCE
France’s version of Mother’s Day, or “Fete des Meres”, takes place in late May or early June, based on the Pentecost. It was not officially celebrated until 1950. On this day, moms relax and rely on their children to cater to their needs and to the chores. Gifts are given and short poems recited. A special family medal known as the “Médaille de la Famille” is traditionally gifted to parents. The day ends with a relaxing, celebratory meal.

SERBIA
Mother’s Day in Serbia, as well as several surrounding countries, comes with a fun and unusual tradition. Mother’s Day is part of a series of holidays — including Children's Day and Father's Day — which take place on three consecutive Sundays in December. On Children’s Day, kids are tied together and must promise to behave in order to be untied. The following Sunday, for Mother's Day, it's mom's turn to be tied up; to be set free, she must give her children treats and small gifts. Finally, the next Sunday, it’s the father's turn. He's tied up until he gives his family Christmas gifts. Then everyone sits together to celebrate Christmas.

These unique celebrations all have one thing in common. They all give moms a special day, meant just for her. What traditions does your family have, to show mom she’s special? Share yours below!