How Mother’s Day Celebrations Around The World Showcase Cultural Diversity

Bhubaneswar: Across the globe, Mother’s Day is celebrated with a variety of traditions and customs, highlighting the rich tapestry of cultures that honour motherhood. From elaborate celebrations to simple gestures of appreciation, here’s a glimpse into how different countries mark this special day:

INDIA

Mother’s Day in our country is celebrated with great reverence and affection for the very special women. While it is not a traditional Indian festival, it has gained popularity in recent years, especially in urban areas. Children express their love and gratitude for their mothers through gifts, flowers and heartfelt gestures. Many families organise special outings or prepare favourite dishes for their mothers, making it a day filled with love and appreciation.

UNITED STATES

Mother’s Day in America is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Families honour mothers with gifts, flowers and cards to express gratitude and love. Many treat their mothers to brunch or dinner at restaurants, while others opt for homemade meals and heartfelt gestures.

UNITED KINGDOM

Mother’s Day in the UK is traditionally commemorated on the fourth Sunday in the season of Lent, in Western Christian liturgical calendar. Families attend church services together, and children traditionally present their mothers flowers and small gifts. It’s a day focused on expressing love and appreciation for maternal figures.

JAPAN

Mother’s Day, or ‘Haha no Hi’, is celebrated in Japan on the second Sunday of May. Children create handmade cards and gifts for their mothers, to express gratitude and respect for their love and sacrifices. Carnation is a popular flower choice, symbolising purity and sweetness.

MEXICO

In Mexico, Mother’s Day, or ‘Día de las Madres’, is celebrated on May 10. Festivities include music, dancing and feasting, as families come together to honour mothers and maternal figures. It’s a time for expressing love and appreciation through heartfelt gestures and meaningful gifts.

ETHIOPIA

In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is part of the Antrosht festival, which honours motherhood and family bonds. Families gather for a large feast featuring traditional dishes like doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and injera (sourdough flatbread). The celebration includes singing, dancing and reciting poems dedicated to mothers.

THAILAND

Mother’s Day in Thailand coincides with the birthday of Queen Sirikit on August 12. People wear traditional Thai dress and visit temples to offer alms and prayers for their mothers. Children often give their mothers jasmine flowers, which symbolise love, respect, and purity.

FRANCE

Mother’s Day, or ‘Fête des Mères’, is celebrated In France on the last Sunday of May or the first Sunday of June. Families gather for meals, and children give their mothers flowers, cards and small gifts. It’s a day dedicated to showing appreciation for maternal love and support.