Soulful Mother’s Day Traditions Around the World
Posted by SwordsSwords on Apr 24th 2020
Love and Respect for mothers is a part of every culture. Matriarchs of the family are usually the paragons of the high esteem in religious and social institutes. Therefore, it is quite intriguing to know that a particular day was officially declared Mother’s Day in 1914 which is not ancient in any way.
We all have our own rituals for this day. But there are many traditions around the world which spiritually commemorate this holiday. The recognition is for not only the biological mother but also to mother earth. Read on to extend your knowledge and get an insight of cultures around the world as well as their mother’s day gifts and philosophies.
Ann and Anna Jarvis, Founders of Mother's Day[/caption]
It might be unsurprising to note that every marketable holiday is American in origin. The passion and spirituality behind the occasion remain, but the execution is purely commercial. However, this was not the intended beginning or purpose of the holiday. It was conceived to be a festival of reunions and rejoicing.
Ann Jarvis was the mastermind behind the idea. She was a witness to the deadly American Civil war and keenly felt the grief of separated families. The idea of mothers mourning the loss of their sons and daughters compelled her to create an event that reunited the lost families. She formulated a committee in 1868. Initially, the name of the group was “Mother’s Friendship Day”. In this group, not only the families were united, but those who had lost their families commiserated together and kept each other company.
Ann wanted to make this committee a nation-wide organization. However, she died before her dream could be fulfilled. To honor her mother, Anna Jarvis continued the legacy and appealed to the government regarding commemoration of the event. She faced failures many times, but her mother’s memory drove her forward. At last, the second Sunday in May was denoted as Mother’ Day by President Woodrow Wilson.
Durga Puja[/caption]
The Indian celebration of their Goddess Mother is a distinct festival to the Mother’s Day. However, many Indians celebrate both occasions separately and honor their mothers. Motherhood is a sacrosanct concept in Hindu culture. The two other dominant religions in India, Islam, and Sikhism, also honor mothers greatly. All the sub-continent cultures believe that mothers are doors to heaven. The American Mother’s Day is the same date as the rest of the world.
The Durga Festival occurs in October. It is strictly a Hindu religion festival honoring the Mother of the Gods and the Patron of Mothers. Different rituals and prayers over a ten-day schedule celebrate the Holy Mother. The Durga Puja is a tradition dating all the way back to the sixteenth century. Families reunite and mothers are honored during these ten days. Children learn the stories of their religious icons. The festival is celebrated with an abundance of delicious foods, wondrous decorations, and thoughtful presents.
The theme of war and Mother’s Day continues to influence Japan and its traditions. World War II was a devastating failure for the Japanese military. In addition to this, the two nuclear attacks left the nation reeling from the huge loss of life. Japanese mothers grieved for the loss of their nations’ progeny, honor, and strength. During this time, the tradition of Mother’s Day comforted these mothers. The children collected cherry blossoms or red carnations and distributed them among the moms in their community.
The white flowers were a symbol of hope and children gave them to the orphans without mothers. Nowadays, white flowers are a staple of this holiday. Mother’s Day occurs in March in Japan and is a symbol of the courageous endurance of a nation. Japanese culture credits its strength to the mothers in its societies. The tradition of leaving flowers on the doorsteps of a mother is also quite popular if one wants to remain anonymous.
Ethiopia cherishes its unique traditions to honor the brave and kind mothers. The Antrosht festival is the main celebration, and it occurs as the rainy autumn ends. The timing of the festival also coincides with the harvest season. This fiesta is a dedication to the hardworking moms. Families gather around their hearths to rejoice over the clear weather and enjoy a scrumptious meal. There are celebrations and cooking traditions where the male members of the family provide savory and carnivorous ingredients. The female counterparts supple fruits and vegetables. They prepare the food together and honor the mom. The celebration ends with reminiscing over stories and laughter.
Mother's Day, Thai Way[/caption]
Mother’s Day in Thailand occurs on the second Sunday of May. The government and private organizations go all out to make this day as memorable for mothers as possible. The schools hold special assemblies for the mothers of their students. Little kids perform a choreographed ceremony to showcase appreciation and admiration for their mothers. A significant heartfelt tradition is touching the feet of your mother and kneeling in front of her to show your deepest gratitude. It is a tear-jerking moment for everyone present.
Blend in these global traditions in local trends and create a day truly special for your mother. Need more ideas? Head over to our blog to read more about intriguing trends and Mother's Day gift concepts.
The United States- Mothers’ Friendship Day
[caption id="attachment_1870" align="aligncenter" width="621"] Ann and Anna Jarvis, Founders of Mother's Day[/caption]
It might be unsurprising to note that every marketable holiday is American in origin. The passion and spirituality behind the occasion remain, but the execution is purely commercial. However, this was not the intended beginning or purpose of the holiday. It was conceived to be a festival of reunions and rejoicing.
Ann Jarvis was the mastermind behind the idea. She was a witness to the deadly American Civil war and keenly felt the grief of separated families. The idea of mothers mourning the loss of their sons and daughters compelled her to create an event that reunited the lost families. She formulated a committee in 1868. Initially, the name of the group was “Mother’s Friendship Day”. In this group, not only the families were united, but those who had lost their families commiserated together and kept each other company.
Ann wanted to make this committee a nation-wide organization. However, she died before her dream could be fulfilled. To honor her mother, Anna Jarvis continued the legacy and appealed to the government regarding commemoration of the event. She faced failures many times, but her mother’s memory drove her forward. At last, the second Sunday in May was denoted as Mother’ Day by President Woodrow Wilson.
The Ten Days Celebration in India
[caption id="attachment_1871" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Durga Puja[/caption]
The Indian celebration of their Goddess Mother is a distinct festival to the Mother’s Day. However, many Indians celebrate both occasions separately and honor their mothers. Motherhood is a sacrosanct concept in Hindu culture. The two other dominant religions in India, Islam, and Sikhism, also honor mothers greatly. All the sub-continent cultures believe that mothers are doors to heaven. The American Mother’s Day is the same date as the rest of the world.
The Durga Festival occurs in October. It is strictly a Hindu religion festival honoring the Mother of the Gods and the Patron of Mothers. Different rituals and prayers over a ten-day schedule celebrate the Holy Mother. The Durga Puja is a tradition dating all the way back to the sixteenth century. Families reunite and mothers are honored during these ten days. Children learn the stories of their religious icons. The festival is celebrated with an abundance of delicious foods, wondrous decorations, and thoughtful presents.
Flowers for the Japanese Mothers
The theme of war and Mother’s Day continues to influence Japan and its traditions. World War II was a devastating failure for the Japanese military. In addition to this, the two nuclear attacks left the nation reeling from the huge loss of life. Japanese mothers grieved for the loss of their nations’ progeny, honor, and strength. During this time, the tradition of Mother’s Day comforted these mothers. The children collected cherry blossoms or red carnations and distributed them among the moms in their community.
The white flowers were a symbol of hope and children gave them to the orphans without mothers. Nowadays, white flowers are a staple of this holiday. Mother’s Day occurs in March in Japan and is a symbol of the courageous endurance of a nation. Japanese culture credits its strength to the mothers in its societies. The tradition of leaving flowers on the doorsteps of a mother is also quite popular if one wants to remain anonymous.
The Mother’s Day Celebrations of Ethiopia
Ethiopia cherishes its unique traditions to honor the brave and kind mothers. The Antrosht festival is the main celebration, and it occurs as the rainy autumn ends. The timing of the festival also coincides with the harvest season. This fiesta is a dedication to the hardworking moms. Families gather around their hearths to rejoice over the clear weather and enjoy a scrumptious meal. There are celebrations and cooking traditions where the male members of the family provide savory and carnivorous ingredients. The female counterparts supple fruits and vegetables. They prepare the food together and honor the mom. The celebration ends with reminiscing over stories and laughter.
The Humble and Heartfelt Thailand Celebrations
[caption id="attachment_1874" align="aligncenter" width="466"] Mother's Day, Thai Way[/caption]
Mother’s Day in Thailand occurs on the second Sunday of May. The government and private organizations go all out to make this day as memorable for mothers as possible. The schools hold special assemblies for the mothers of their students. Little kids perform a choreographed ceremony to showcase appreciation and admiration for their mothers. A significant heartfelt tradition is touching the feet of your mother and kneeling in front of her to show your deepest gratitude. It is a tear-jerking moment for everyone present.
Blend in these global traditions in local trends and create a day truly special for your mother. Need more ideas? Head over to our blog to read more about intriguing trends and Mother's Day gift concepts.