Unique Mother's Day traditions from around the world
Every year, Mother's Day is celebrated in various countries around the world in March and May. But did you know that each country has its unique way of honoring and celebrating mothers? From week-long celebrations in Peru to three-day festivities in Ethiopia, let's take a journey around the world and discover some fascinating and diverse Mother's Day traditions that honor the role of mothers.
Peru
Mother's Day in Peru is a week-long celebration where families come together for dinners, lunches, parties, and trips. Mothers get free access to museums, exhibitions, and festivals during this week. What makes the celebration in Peru unique is that they also honor their deceased mothers, grandmothers, and wives by visiting their graves and offering flowers and balloons.
Bolivia
In Bolivia, May 27 is celebrated as a day of tribute to women and mothers who fought for their country's independence in 1812. The day was declared an official holiday in 1927. And children honor their mothers by presenting them with cake instead of flowers. This day is a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of women in the country's struggle for freedom.
Canada
In Canada, Mother's Day is celebrated much like in the United States with the traditional gift being a bouquet of carnations. It's also common to wear a carnation brooch on this day. Canadian men usually gift roses to their mothers and wives. It is a special day for families to honor and appreciate the love and sacrifices of the mothers in their lives.
Thailand
Mother's Day in Thailand is celebrated as "Wan Mae" on August 12 every year. This occasion is marked by city-wide ceremonies, parades, and gift-giving. It not only honors mothers but also commemorates the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, who is regarded as the Mother of all Thai people. Fragrant jasmine is the preferred gift as it symbolizes a mother's purity and gentleness.
Ethiopia
Mother's Day in Ethiopia is celebrated for three days beginning on the second Sunday of May. Families celebrate this three-day long festival as "Antrosht" by relishing traditional Ethiopian food like hash made of lamb/bull, vegetables, and butter, along with a special Ethiopian punch. Children source the ingredients for the Mother's Day meal, which eases the burden on the mother and gives her some relief.
