Baby Talk - Mother's Day Celebration

Since COVID19 has made us realize how much the world is really connected, I thought it would be interesting to see how other countries celebrate Mother’s Day. In most countries, the day is usually celebrated on a Sunday, but is not a public holiday. In terms of money spent on gifts globally, it is the third biggest holiday, after Christmas and Easter.

• Africa – Egypt was the first Arab country to celebrate Mother’s Day and introduced the day to the Arab world. Like most Arab countries, Egypt celebrates Mother’s Day on the first day of spring, March 21, and it is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year. Ethiopia celebrates Mother’s Day in May, making it a three-day feast, called Antrosht. Not only does it honor mothers, but the festivities set the tone for the new season. Large family gatherings are common, with hash, the traditional meal of the country served. Traditionally, sons bring meat and daughters bring vegetables and cheese to contribute to the hash.

• Asia – Mother’s Day has become increasingly popular in China, since their economic reform in 1979. Day lilies and carnations are common gifts given to moms to show love and appreciation. Recognizing and raising funds for poor mothers who live and work in rural areas is also a focus of this day. Celebrating Mother’s Day is relatively new to India, as it is a US export and not a traditional Indian holiday. Because it is a secular holiday, it is celebrated across the country, unlike other traditional Indian festivals, which are only observed in certain regions or by followers of a particular religion.

• Australia – Australians have family reunions to celebrate them “mum.” Gift giving is common, with the true Australian Mother’s Day gift being the chrysanthemum. It is a seasonal May flower and its name ends in “mum.” Some men will wear a chrysanthemum boutonniere on Mother’s Day to show respect and appreciation for their mum.

• Europe – Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom began as Mothering Sunday, a tradition of the Church of England. On Mothering Sunday, all Christians would return to the church of their baptism, joining their mothers in religious celebration. The fourth Sunday of Lent was the designated date to make this journey, and today, although the religious ties are minimal, it remains the date to celebrate Mother’s Day. France celebrates Mother’s Day on the last Sunday in May, but is moved to the first Sunday of June if it falls on Pentecost. The establishment of a day to honor mothers has ties back to Napoleon. Traditionally, French mothers are presented with a special flower bouquet cake, which is a cake that looks like a bouquet of flowers.

• South America – In Brazil, Mother’s Day is widely celebrated, second only to Christmas. Families attend church to pray for their mothers and then celebrate, traditionally, with a large barbecue for family and friends. Bolivia celebrates Mother’s Day on May 27, regardless of the day of the week. This has historical ties to the country’s struggle for independence. The “Heroinas of Coronilla,” a group of women, fought the Spanish Army on Coronilla Hill and the legacy of their contributions has become the national date for Mother’s Day. Mothers are revered in Bolivia and large family gathering are common on Mother’s Day.

How do you celebrate Mom on Mother’ Day? Please, share.