What did you do for your mom for Mother’s Day? Most people give their mom flowers, take her out to eat or at least buy her a card. Throughout the world their traditions look somewhat different, but are just as special for Mom.
Mexico
Celebrating mothers is very important in Mexico. Moms are given flowers, celebrated and often taken out to eat. They are woken up to a serenade of “Awaken, my dear, awaken/ and see that the day has dawned/ now the little birds are singing/ and the moon has set.” Mother’s Day in Mexico is the busiest day of the year for restaurants in this country.
Russia
Mother’s Day in Russia has a dual meaning. Not only does it celebrate moms, but it also is meant to reflect on the country’s ultimate goal of gender equality. The day used to always be celebrated on March 8 and was called International Women’s Day, but in 1998 the actual holiday, Mother’s Day, was introduced and supposed to be celebrated on the last Sunday in November. However, many of the bigger household celebrations still occur in March.
Thailand
Taking place on August 12, this country’s version of Mother’s Day has a dual meaning as well. Not only are moms celebrated, but so is Queen Sirikit. There are a variety of parades and ceremonies that take place. Moms are generally giving jasmine as gifts.
The United Kingdom
Mother’s Day is known as Mothering Sunday in the U.K. This holiday first began centuries ago as a way to allow children and servants time off from work to visit their families. Even though some practices have changed and children aren’t often sent off to provide for their families, the holiday has still remained. Moms are often given cakes, candies and gifts. The day includes festivities and a lot of love and appreciation for moms.
Yugoslavia
Mother’s Day in this country is celebrated in December and is part of a three-day series of events. Three days before Christmas, Mom ties up her children and doesn’t untie them until they promise to behave. The next Sunday her children go into her room when she is sleeping and they tie her up. When she wakes up she has to promise to give them gifts before they untie her. The following Sunday it’s Dad’s turn and he gets tied up and has to promise to give out gifts when they untie him. This is all in good fun of course.
