It may surprise you to know that Mother’s Day is celebrated all over the world. Children of all ages, in many different countries take the time on Mother’s Day to pay tribute to their mothers. There are no language barriers or geographic boundaries when it comes to children and mothers sharing a special bond. Mother’s Day has become a time of reflection and celebration that allows children to express their gratitude to the woman who plays such a major role in their life. While the commonality of expression is the same in all Mother’s Day celebrations, there are some interesting differences. Here is what you need to know about how Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world-
Canada-Our neighbors to the north, also celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. Statistics show that in Canada, Mother’s Day is the most popular holiday after Christmas and Valentines. Children and adults alike use the day to pay homage to their mothers, and thank them for their love and support. Just like in the United States, flowers and cards are most commonly used to express love to mothers. In addition, despite the strong emotional value of the holiday, it has been commercialized by merchants looking to sell their products and services. Restaurants, card shops and even bakeries, see a sharp rise in sales around this holiday. Many people take the time to go and visit their mothers and other significant women in their lives. For those who can’t visit, Canadian phone records show that some of the highest phone usage occurs on Mother’s Day.
Mexico-It is interesting to note that unlike many other countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated on a fixed date in Mexico. May 10th is always Mother’s Day, no matter where it falls on the calendar. Mexico celebrates this holiday in an enthusiastic fashion. One of the first customs of the Mexican Mother’s Day is that children are supposed to present themselves in the house of their mother on the evening of May 9th to begin the Mother’s Day celebration. The next day churches all throughout Mexico organize special masses that are said for all mothers. During this event, an orchestra will play a particular song, (during a traditional early morning meal), that accompanies the giving of “tamales” and “atole” to all mothers. Mexican children also give flowers and cards to their moms. In many schools there are programs that are put on by the students that have skits and songs that express their feelings about their mothers. Mothers usually receive store bought gifts from older children, while younger children make theirs.
Egypt-Like most Arab countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated on March 21st. Traditional celebrations occur with mothers being honored in song and speech, along with being given gifts, cards and flowers. Children are most likely to bring their mother flowers and other small handmade gifts. Egypt is the first Arab nation to publicly acknowledge Mother’s Day. They did this in 1956 with other nations joining in on the following years.
Indonesia-Mother’s Day is celebrated nationally on December 22. This day is celebrated in remembrance of the first Indonesian Women Congress that was held from December 22 to 25, 1928. The proposal to make Mother’s Day an official holiday actually started during the women’s congress that was held in 1938. It wasn’t until 1959 that it was signed into law by the Indonesian president. While the original aim of the day was to draw attention to the plight of Indonesian women, today the holiday is used much like any other Mother’s Day around the world. Children use this day to express their love for their mothers. Many families hold surprise parties and other celebrations, in conjunction with the celebration. It is also known as a day of rest for mothers.