As humans, we all have something in common, we all have a mother. Whether our mothers are alive or have already left us doesn’t really make a difference in the way we feel about her. Most of us love our mothers and on Mother’s Day, we set aside that day to recognize and honor all mothers. In American we celebrate by taking mother out to a nice meal or giving her a special present, it’s a day to pamper her and let her enjoy a pleasant time with her family. So, what do people in other countries around the world do on Mother’s Day?
In Mexico, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10th and is know as “El Dia de las Madres”. Mothers are given flowers, candy and other gifts that symbolize appreciation, respect and love. Although Mother’s Day is not a public holiday in Mexico, some public offices have been known to close early on that day.
In Britain Mother’s Day falls on the fourth Sunday in lent and is more aligned with religious beliefs. According to legend, the tradition was born by Catholics and Protestants visiting their “Mother Church”. Today, the date is used to honor both mother church, and mothers who have children.
Australians set aside the second Sunday in May to celebrate Mother’s Day. This tradition was started by Janet Heyden in 1924. As the story goes, Hayden would visit a patient at a state home for women where she noticed many lonely forgotten mothers. To cheer then up, Heyden convinced local children and businesses to donate time and gifts to the women. And so, through her efforts, a tradition was born.
Belgium also celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. The children make little presents for their mothers a week ahead of time so that they can present them to her on the morning of Mother’s Day. The father will typically treat the mother to breakfast in bed and she will be pampered throughout the day.
No matter how we do it, let’s just make sure to honor our mothers.
