From time immemorial and in just about every culture, motherhood is celebrated in some form. Though the date and traditions vary, they all have one goal - to honour and thank mothers. In this part two of our Mother’s Day Traditions Around the World, we’ll explore more countries and how they celebrate Mother’s Day.
Celebrations Of Mums Worldwide:
1. Mother's Day In Germany
Germany’s Muttertag is celebrated on either the first or second Sunday of May, depending on when Pentecost is. During the German Reich, mothers who’ve produced four or more children for the Fatherland were presented the Cross of Honor. Nowadays, mothers receive cards, flowers, food gifts for mum, and Mother’s Day gift hampers just like most parts of the world.
2. Mother's Day Traditions In Japan
Mother’s Day in Japan is very similar to that of the US. Aside from being held on the second Sunday in May, red carnations are given to mums since they symbolise qualities that mums possess - purity, sweetness, and endurance. Children also prepare handmade gifts like drawing, do household chores, and cook for their mother. Egg-based dishes like oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl), Tamagoyaki (rolled omelette), and Chawanmushi (savoury steamed egg custard) are common during Mother’s Day.
3. Indonesian Mother's Day
Originally, Mother’s Day was celebrated on December 22 in Indonesia to honour the spirit of Indonesian women and their achievements. Over time, it has come to include appreciation and love for mothers. In North Sumatra, it is customary to wash the feet of mothers since, according to a popular Indonesian proverb, “Heaven is beneath mother’s foot.” In Sragen, competitions which foster mother-child closeness are common.
4. Mum's Day In Thailand
Mother’s Day in Thailand is celebrated on August 12, Her Majesty Sirikit’s birthday. As such, Mother’s Day in Thailand honours the country’s Queen Mother as well as other mothers. Festivities include public fireworks displays and candle-lighting ceremonies. Mothers visit schools so children can kneel at their feet to pay respects. White jasmines which symbolise the purity and gentleness of mothers are also given.
5. Serbian Mother's Day Celebrations
Held on the second Sunday before Christmas, Mother’s Day in Serbia is quite unusual. Children sneak into their mum’s room to tie her up in bed. In exchange for her release, she needs to give her children small presents and treats. On Children’s Day and Father’s Day, mums get to do the tying instead.
6. Mothers Day In Nepal
Nepal’s mother-related holiday predates that of the west. Known as Matatirtha Aunsi, it is held in the first month of the Nepali calendar. Traditional Mother’s Day gifts include money, sweets, clothes, fruit, and flower necklaces. Meanwhile, those whose mothers have already passed make an offering of grains, bathe in shrines, and gaze at their reflections in the Matatirtha Pond. Legends say that in doing this, they get to see their departed mother’s face in the pond.
7. Mother's Day In Australia, May 14th 2023
Instead of carnations which are spring to summer flowers, chrysanthemums which are in-season in May are the go-to flowers for Mother’s Day in Australia. Though the first Mother’s Day in Australia was celebrated in 1910, it wasn’t until 1924 when Janet Heyden collected gifts for mums in the hospital that the tradition of gift giving started. Today, aside from flowers, common gifts include greeting cards and of course, we always recommend luxury Mother's Day hampers.