Although the modern iteration of Mother’s Day began in the early 20th century, people have been celebrating their mothers and motherhood for centuries from all around the globe. Let’s have a look at how Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world:
Australia: Down Under they celebrate Mother’s Day during the second week of May by giving chrysanthemums to mothers as the flower is naturally in bloom at this time. Another reason this is done is because the flower ends in “mum”, a common affectionate shortening of the word “mother”.
Celebrated On: Second Sunday in May.
Belgium: Mother’s Day is celebrated twice in Belgium, depending on where you live. Traditionally, small children will spend the week before the holiday making small hand-made gifts and cards, while fathers spend the day pampering their wives. The most common gifts given are croissants, cakes and other sweet treats which are served to mom while she relaxes in bed.
Celebrated On: Second Sunday of May, 15th August.
Ethiopia: This small Western African country celebrates Mother’s Day for three consecutive days after the end of the rainy season. During the celebration there is a feast called “Antrosht” where mothers and daughters prepare special dishes which are handed out to the rest of the family by the youngest daughters.
Celebrated On: Last week of March
France: Mother’s Day originated in France after a government campaign set up to combat the country’s declining birth rate. The French government would hand out awards to mothers of large families and establish the day as a national holiday. Since the 1950s the holiday has lost most of it’s nationalistic roots and has since become heavily commercialised.
Celebrated On: Last Sunday of May
Indonesia: Falling on the anniversary of the first Indonesian Women’s Congress, the holiday celebrates mothers around the country as well as well-known and influential Indonesian women throughout history. The day is marked by celebrations, surprise parties and various competitions held in local communities.
Celebrated On: 22nd of December
Netherlands: Mother’s Day was first introduced to the Netherlands by the country’s florists, who were seeking to emulate the monetary success that their American counterparts enjoyed on the holiday. Other business groups soon followed suit, such as the bakers who would sell “Mother’s Day cakes” that where given to mothers and to the Queen, who is know as the “mother” of the country.
Celebrated On: Second Sunday of May
