Motherhood is a beautiful but tough journey that can seem, at times, lacking in reward and acknowledgement.  To remedy this most cultures, celebrate the work and life of our traditional primary caregivers at least once a year with a special day dedicated to paying our respects to the woman who brought us into the world.  

While it is traditional to send flowers delivered on Mother’s Day in many countries different customs and traditions exist around the world.

In this article, we will look at some of the traditional ways to celebrate motherhood across the world.  

Indian Hindi culture

In Indian Hindi culture a 10-day festival known as the Durga Puja, pays homage to the goddess of mothers, Durga. The celebration dates back to the sixteenth century, and is both a religious festival and a time for family reunion. Families spend weeks in preparation, buying gifts, and making dishes.

Australia and the UK

In Australia and the UK, as well as the US it is traditional for the day to begin with breakfast in bed, cards, and flowers and continues with gifts and family get-togethers. Some American mothers accept gifts such as beauty treatments and makeovers.

In Australia, the tradition of giving flowers is a key part of the day. Many people choose to send a bouquet to show their love and thanks. For those who want a florist melbourne australia has many local shops that provide fresh arrangements for these occasions. These gifts often include seasonal blooms that brighten up the home. Local shops help make sure the delivery arrives on time for the morning celebrations. This simple gesture is a way to keep the tradition alive across different generations.

Japanese culture

In Japan Mother’s Day became popular following World War Two, in response to mothers who had lost their sons in battle. White carnations are the order of the day in modern times, although originally children gave red carnations to their living mom and displayed a white carnation if their mother had died.   

At the end of the Ethiopian rainy season in Autumn the Antrosht festival takes place. Once the skies clear family members travel back to their homes for a large feast, perform dances, and exchange stories about their ancestors and family members. 

Thailand

In Thailand, Mother’s Day falls on birthday of Queen Sirikit on August 12^th. This date is a national holiday and children make merit by presenting their mothers with jasmine flowers as a symbol of maternal love.  

Argentina Mother’s day

In Argentina Mother’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of October. Families gather for festive meals during this “Dia de la Madre” with the offspring showering their maternal parent with gifts and affection. A similar celebration takes place in Mexico. 

Since 1920 the French government began awarding medals to mothers of large families in gratitude for helping rebuild the population following the devastation of World War One. On the last Sunday in May, a flower-shaped cake is traditionally given to moms nowadays.      

Not every country has a designated Mother’s Day, and even among the countries that do, the dates and customs, as we have looked at above, vary greatly. In some cultures, Mother’s Day celebrations are tied to religious events rather than having their own stand-alone holiday.

What Mothers Day Traditions do you have in your country?

So, wherever you are in the world, make sure to observe the traditions of the culture for Mother’s Day this year. While governments have schemes to support pregnant mothers and the mothers of young children our cultural traditions exist as reminder of the sacrifices mothers make across the world.