Miscellaneous | Diversity & Inclusion
In honor of Mother’s Day and celebrating different cultures, this blog will share how Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world. We hope you enjoy seeing the various ways moms are shown love on this day.
For many, the second Sunday in May is the day to celebrate Mom. Most cultures celebrate mothers as they are traditionally the main caregiver of the family. In many households, the day may include breakfast in bed, a Mother’s Day brunch, flowers, greeting cards or even better, homemade cards and gifts to show mom how much she is loved. Mother’s Day became an official US holiday in 1914. However, Mother’s Day was first started in this country on May 10, 1908, by Anna Jarvis. At a church where her mother taught Sunday School, Anna sent 500 white carnations to be worn by sons and daughters in her mother’s honor as carnations were her mother’s favorites.
Let’s take a look at how Mother’s Day is celebrated in other cultures.
Mother’s Day in Mexico
Families hire bands to come perform at their homes on May 10 when the holiday is celebrated annually. Moms request their favorite songs and are treated to serenades.
Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom’s celebration of Mother’s Day dates back to the 17th century! The fourth Sunday of Lent honors not only British mothers but also the Virgin Mary.
Mother’s Day in the Dominican Republic
The last Sunday in May is Mother’s Day in the Dominican Republic. Entire families travel to honor multiple generations of mothers and spend quality time eating, drinking and dancing.
Mother’s Day in France
In the 1920s mothers of large families were presented medals by the government to show gratitude for helping to rebuild the French population due to so many lives being lost during WWI. The traditional gift for moms is a flower-shaped cake.
Mother’s Day in India
Mother’s Day is celebrated during a 10-day festival that dates to the sixteenth century in honor of the goddess of mothers, Durga. Families spend weeks preparing food and decorating their homes for the festival.
Mother’s Day in Ethiopia
Mother’s Day is celebrated as part of the Antrosht festival which observes the end of the rainy season in early fall. Family members from all over gather for a large meal and celebration.
Mother’s Day in Poland
Mother’s Day in Poland dates back to 1923. It is celebrated annually on May 26 and is an official holiday. Family members visit their mothers and grandmothers at their homes where they receive gifts that include flowers and cake.
PSL celebrates the mothers and mother figures who live and work within our communities. We thank them for their seamlessly never-ending love, energy, support and guidance. We know each community will celebrate Mother’s Day in a way that recognizes the richness of the community and hope that if you are able, you have the opportunity to spend time with the mothers in your life as you remember and celebrate all that they have given to you.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Sources:
https://www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/parent-child/mothers-day-traditions-around-world.html
https://www.thebump.com/a/mothers-day-celebrations-around-the-world
