Mother’s Day is celebrated across countries and cultures, with different traditions and even different dates to celebrate the special women in their lives. There are so many ways to honour the mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers who make our memories so special.
France-
In France Mother’s Day or La Fête des Mères, is celebrated on the last Sunday in May or sometimes the first Sunday in June.
Mexico-
In Mexico, Mother’s Day (El Día de las Madres) takes place every May 10th. Mothers are called the queens of the house (or las reinas de la casa) and treated accordingly. Like many other cultures, the celebrations include celebrating your mother through gifts, food and quality time. In Mexico, kids will often wake their madre up with a song, skit or mariachi serenade. There are also special Masses performed on the 10th of May to celebrate Mother Mary and mothers in general.
Japan-
In Japan, the traditional Mother’s Day gift is red carnations, which are given as a symbol of appreciation and love for their mothers. It’s also common for children to do activities and crafts at school to give to their mothers.
Ethiopia-
Ethiopians observe Anthrosht, a festival which is held at the end of the rainy season, to celebrate motherhood.
Families come together for a traditional meal, often made using ingredients children bring for their mothers. Storytelling, dancing and singing are at the centre of the celebration.
United Kingdom-
In the UK, Mother’s Day or Mothering Sunday changes date each year, falling on the last Sunday of Lent
Traditionally, the Simnel cake is associated with the day; it is a light fruit cake topped with marzipan balls, which historically represented the apostles. Mothers are also showered with gifts and flowers, like daffodils, which are often associated with the day.
Although the traditions and customs of Mother’s Day look different around the world, the meaning behind marking the day is universal. It is a day that reminds us to celebrate the important women in our lives and how they have shaped us.