Around the World on Mother's Day | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Around the World on Mother's Day

Ever wondered where Mother's Day comes from, or how other countries honor their moms?

5
Around the World on Mother's Day
Flickr

Mother's Day: a time to thank the women who have loved and raised us - mom, grandma, stepmother, godmother, mother-in-law, or that special neighbor who always showed that she cared. When you send flowers or cards for the special maternal figures in your life, do you ever wonder where the holiday originated?

A social activist born in 1864, Anna Jarvis held a memorial to honor her mother on May 10, 1908, three years after her mother’s death. Jarvis perceived most holidays already established at that time as occasions mainly honoring men’s achievements, so she then set out to make Mother’s Day a national holiday in the United States as a way to honor the sacrifices and accomplishments of mothers. Her efforts were rewarded – President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day a national holiday in 1914, with the holiday falling on the second Sunday in May. It was traditional then to give mothers white carnations to symbolize their pure, undying love for their children. Today in America we give anything from flowers and candy to spa appointments and Sephora surprises to our mother figures to show that we appreciate them, and phone companies have recorded very heavy traffic on this day as grown children who live far away call their mothers to say, "I love you, Mama. Thank you for everything and have a wonderful day."

Most countries around the globe have a similar holiday to show their deep love, appreciation, and respect for their mothers. Here is a look at just a few of those traditions:

1. Thailand

Queen Sirikit of Thailand is so beloved that she is considered “the Mother of all Thai people.” To honor her, Mother’s Day coincides with Her Majesty’s birthday, August 12. Citizens consider the holiday to be a very emotional and ornate one, complete with lights, jasmine – a Thai symbol of motherhood – and portraits of the Queen decking the city. There is almsgiving to Buddhist monks and Mother’s Day ceremonies hosted in schools in the morning, and in the evening families treat their moms to a special meal.

2. Mexico

Rafael Alducin was the editor of the newspaper El Excelsior when he established Dia de las Madres in Mexico in 1922 with support from the Archbishop of Mexico. The Catholic Church wished to reinforce the importance of motherhood in Mexican society. Alducin’s efforts continue today since mothers are widely respected, and Dia de las Madres is celebrated on May 10. Mexican children go back to their family’s home on the eve of the holiday. Common images on cards for mothers include the Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico’s patron saint.

3. The United Kingdom and Ireland

The United Kingdom and Ireland refer to their holiday as “Mothering Sunday,” which is celebrated three weeks before Easter Sunday. This holiday has origins in the sixteenth century, when children left their homes as early as age 10 in order to pursue apprenticeship or begin their lives of servant work. They were allowed to visit their families and home or “mother” churches yearly. Simnel cake was frequently served as the strict diets of Lent were temporarily suspended in honor of the holiday

4. Italy

Italians celebrate Festa Della Mamma on the same day that Americans celebrate their mothers – the second Sunday in May. Mother’s Day in Italy has roots in ancient Rome, where citizens celebrated Juno, goddess of motherhood and marriage, during the month of May. Though its American cousin of a holiday has become very commercialized, Italians emphasize just spending time with their mammas. Italian mothers are generally in charge of all domestic duties, and therefore very respected in Italian culture, so mamma very much appreciates getting the day off.

5. Russia

In Russia, Mother’s Day was not founded until 1998. It is celebrated on the last Sunday in November; meanwhile, International Women’s Day is widely celebrated on March 8. Banks and other government establishments are closed, and gifts of flowers given to all women – not just mothers – on this special day. On both holidays, children give flowers, cards, and food gifts to their mothers to show their appreciation of the maternal figures in their lives.

No matter where you are or how you celebrate, I hope you show the women in your life how much they matter to you, and have a very happy Mother's Day!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

178959
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

6140
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451735
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22855
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments