In the United States Mother’s Day is traditionally celebrated on the second Sunday in May, so this year that means May 13th. Mother’s Day was founded by a woman named Anna Jarvis, who held a memorial for her deceased Mother at a church in West Virginia in 1905. Anna’s Mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, had been a peace activist who cared for wounded soldiers on both sides of the American Civil War. Anna Jarvis wanted to honor her mother and all mothers in America and so she began to advocate for Mother’s Day as a recognized holiday. At first, Congress rejected the proposal to make Mother’s Day an official holiday, but then several states, beginning with Jarvis’ home state of West Virginia, began to adopt Mother’s Day as a holiday. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother’s Day as a national holiday to honor America’s mothers. Mother’s Day is also celebrated elsewhere in the world. Here are how some countries observe Mother’s Day.
Thailand
Mother’s Day in Thailand is celebrated on August 12th, on the day of Queen Sirkit’s birthday, a former queen of Thailand who is considered the “mother of the country”. In the days before the holiday, Thai people celebrate by displaying portraits and shrines of Queen Sirkit, as well as putting on fireworks shows and candle lighting ceremonies. In addition to comemorating the birthday of the Queen, Thai mother’s are celebrated on this day as well. Children often give their mother’s gifts such as white jasmine flowers, which represent maternal love. Children may also give alms to monks in honor of their mothers.
Australia
In Australia, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the same day as in the U.S. The traditional flower of the Australian Mother’s Day is the Chrysanthemum, which is in full bloom during the season of Autumn when Australian Mother’s Day occurs. On this day, Chrysanthemums, as well as carnations, are given to mothers. Many Australians wear colored carnations if their mothers are still living and white carnations if they are deceased.
Poland
Polish Mother’s Day, also known as “Dzień Matki”, is celebrated on May 26th. The holiday gained popularity after WWII, and is now an official holiday of Poland. Because it is an official holiday, many businesses are closed and families have celebrations at home. On Mother’s Day, schools often host special events where children give their mothers gifts such as “laurki”, or papers decorated with flowers and written messages. At home, family members may gather and have a party, complete with more gift giving and cake.
India
India’s Mother’s Day is celebrated on the same day as in the U.S. On Mother’s Day , Indian children give their Mother’s cards and often cook a meal for them. A similar holiday is celebrated by followers of the Hindu religion in October. This festival, called “Durga Puja”, honors the goddess Durga, or the “Divine Mother” of India. Durga Purja lasts 10 days, during which people fast, then feast, pray, sing, dance, and perform cultural dramas.
