International Mother’s Day Celebrations Around the World
Japan
Following the aftermath of the Second World War, a poignant ritual known as Mother’s Day gained popularity in Japan. This day aimed to offer solace to mothers grieving the loss of their sons in the war. During this holiday, carnations, symbolizing the sweetness and patience of motherhood in Japanese culture, take center stage. Originally, children would gift red carnations to their surviving mothers, while white carnations were presented if their mother had passed away.
Ethiopia
The Antrosht Festival in Ethiopia, held at the end of the rainy season and the beginning of autumn, honors mothers. Clear weather heralds the arrival of family members from both near and far, who gather to partake in a grand meal and celebration. Traditionally, women bring vegetables and cheese, while their sons prepare the meat. The festivities include joyous singing and dancing that recount tales of familial heroes.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom’s Mother’s Day, according to Church tradition, falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent or the Catholic fast. This day, dating back to the 1700s, serves as a special occasion for young domestic servants to return home and spend time with their mothers. This tradition evolved from families who had relocated but returned to their original church. Daffodils, often distributed by churches, symbolize this day, and women commonly bake fruit cakes to honor their mothers.
France
In 1920, the French government began awarding medals to mothers who aided in the country’s post-First World War population reconstruction. After the Second World War, the last Sunday in May or the first Sunday in June was designated as “The Mother of the Great Family” day. This occasion holds similarities to the celebration in Italy. Traditional gifts for mothers include bouquet-shaped cakes, handmade items, flowers, chocolates, and even self-composed poems. Some mothers in France are still bestowed with medals on Mother’s Day, a practice that dates back to the era of Napoleon.
Philippines
In the Philippines, Mother’s Day, along with Father’s Day, is officially celebrated on the first Monday in December, as declared by a presidential decree in 1998. However, Filipino families generally follow the American dates, celebrating Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May and Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June. Similar to the United States and Japan, pink or red carnations are the flowers of the day, with white ones symbolizing respect for deceased mothers. The term “ilaw ng tahanan,” meaning “light of the house,” is used to address mothers, including grandmothers, aunts, and godmothers.
Vietnam
The role of mothers in Vietnamese families is highly respected, owing to the nation’s rich matriarchal history. Throughout Vietnam’s early days, women often assumed leadership positions without much opposition. Renowned female figures like the warrior sisters Trung and Trieu Thi Trinh played pivotal roles in protecting the country. The respect for women’s roles is still influenced by the legacies of these powerful figures, particularly in Vietnam’s celebration of Mua Vu Lan. Taking place on the seventh full moon day of the lunar calendar, this feast day is intricately tied to Asian traditions of ancestor worship and filial piety. Vietnamese children dedicate this time to honor and express gratitude to their parents, especially their mothers.
Japan
After the Second World War, a form of Mother’s Day ritual became more popular as a way of comforting mothers who had lost their sons in war. We will see a lot of carnations during the holidays. Second Sunday in May, just like America. As carnations symbolize the sweetness and patience of motherhood in Japanese culture, children originally gave red carnations to their surviving mothers. and will exhibit white flesh if their mother dies.
Mother’s Day in Japan incorporates many traditions that we have seen in other nations. There are some foods that are symbolic, such as tamagoyaki (square omelette) and chawanmushi (spicy egg custard). Japanese children can draw a portrait of their mother or calligraphy for their mother.
Ethiopia
The Antrosht Festival, held at the end of the rainy season and beginning of autumn, is dedicated to mothers. when the weather is clear family members from near and far would flock to their homes for a grand meal and celebration. Traditionally, women would bring vegetables and cheese. The son will prepare the meat for him. Then they will sing and dance that tell the story of the family’s heroes.
United Kingdom
According to Church tradition, “Mother’s Day” falls on the fourth Sunday of “Lent” or the Catholic fast Dating back hundreds of years to the 1700s, this day is a day when young domestic servants return home to spend time with their mother. This tradition evolved from earlier families who had moved away to return to the same church they belonged to. and also religious holidays Many churches will distribute daffodils to children .Traditionally given to mothers, women often bake fruit cakes for mothers too.
France
In 1920, the French government began awarding medals to To thank for helping to rebuild the population after so many lives were lost in the First World War, after the Second World War, the government declared that the last Sunday in May or the first Sunday in June was “The Mother of the Great Family.” Mother of the Family. A day like in Italy Popular gifts for mothers are: Bouquet-shaped cakes are traditional, handmade items, flowers and chocolates are also popular, with children composing their own poems. during Napoleon’s era Many mothers receive medals, and some mothers still receive medals on Mother’s Day in France.
Philippines
Filipino Mother’s Day should be celebrated. (along with Father’s Day) on the first Monday in December according to the latest presidential decree in 1998, but generally Filipino families will hold American dates. It celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May. and Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June. as well as in the United States and Japan. The flower of the day is a pink or red carnation. The white carnation is a symbol of respect for the late mother.
Mom is called “ilaw ng tahanan” in Filipino, which means “light of the house.” from grandmothers, aunts and godmothers
Vietnam
In Vietnam, the role of the mother in the family is highly respected. Vietnam’s strong legacy of matriarchy dates back to the country’s early history, when Vietnamese women often assumed leadership positions with little local opposition. Strong female leaders in the history of Vietnam, as famous warriors the brothers Trung and Trieu Thi Trinh played an important role in the defense of the country. The death of these powerful women has influenced how Vietnam values the role of women in society today. before American influence Vietnam celebrates Mua Vu Lan, the seventh full moon day of the lunar calendar, and is closely associated with Asian traditions of ancestor worship and showing filial piety. This feast day is a time for Vietnamese children to honor and show gratitude to their parents. especially your mother
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