Mother’s Day is one of the most special days of the year. It is the day where we honor our mothers for their sacrifices and raising us to me the men and women that we are today. In the United States, we celebrate with flowers and presents either handmade if you are in kindergarten, or something fancier if you are older. Countries around the world have their own fun, meaningful traditions to celebrate the women who gave life to us.
Australia, second Sunday of May
In Australia, there is a tradition of wearing a carnation on Mother's Day. A colored carnation means that a person’s mother is living whereas a white one is used to honor a deceased mother. Just like the United States, children show their appreciation for the women in their lives by giving their mothers and grandmothers cards and flowers. The most popular flower given on this day is the chrysanthemum, which is given in bunches or worn by men in their lapels. On this day, the whole family pampers their mother by treating them to breakfast in bed, celebration cakes and flowers. Australians place a high degree of importance to mother’s day just like the United States.
India, second Sunday of May
Although, not as popular as in western countries since it has only been in practice for less than a decade, mother’s day celebration is slowly rising in popularity in India. In the cities, mother’s day is celebrated and commercialized to a great extent. Companies advertise women-oriented products and restaurants lure people with specials. On television there are special programs and features oriented towards celebrating mothers.
Mexico, May 10th
Mother’s day in Mexico is celebrated in a colorful fashion like many other Mexican holidays. Children honor their mothers and thank them for raising them. According to custom, children are present in the house on the eve, May 9th. Families attend a special mass in church and the peak of the event is when the orchestra plays “las mananitas” and tamales and “atole” which is the early-morning meal is given to all mothers in the neighborhood.
South Africa, second Sunday of May
South Africans celebrate mother’s day by acknowledging the importance of mothers in their lives and by thanking them for their love and care. Small children give their mothers homemade gifts while older children buy gifts for their mothers. South Africans take this day to thank all the women in their lives who are like their mothers like aunts and grandmothers.
United States, second Sunday of May
Mother’s Day is a national holiday and people in the United States celebrate it with a lot of gusto. People reflect on the importance of their mothers in their lives and thank them for their love and support. Although, it has been commercialized to a great extent, it’s the third most popular holiday. On this day, phone lines are extremely busy, heavy traffic, card sales reach their peak, and restaurants are full. Common traditions are treating your mother to bed in breakfast, giving flowers, cards, and gifts and taking them out to a meal.
Although, these are some popular ways to celebrate mother’s day around the world, each family has their own unique way to show their mother how much she means to them. Whatever the tradition, this day to honor mothers is one of the best holidays ever and represents a common ground for people around the world. Despite what race, creed, class or nationality a person might be, we all love our mother, the woman who gave life to us.
