Celebrate Mum Around the World

Celebrate Mum Day is just a few days away, and while many Americans will celebrate with classic traditions such as breakfast in bed, large bouquets of roses or carnations, homemade cards, and special outings, the day has been honored across the globe for centuries. Here, we explore some of the ways that people in other corners of the world honor their mothers—from a family reunion at an ancient temple to mariachi serenades and traditional meals.

Celebrate Mum: Heartfelt Ways to Show Your Love

When the second Sunday in May rolls around, we often think about how the holiday was started by American activist and devoted mom Ann Reeves Jarvis (aka Mother Jarvis). The trailblazing mother who worked for peace and women’s rights advocated hard for this holiday, but later regretted how commercialized it became. Today, almost every country honors mothers for their critical role in the home and society with their own unique traditions.

For example, in Mexico, the holiday is known as Día de la Madre and is celebrated on May 10. It’s rooted in religion, similar to the United States’ Mothering Sunday tradition, which was observed back in the 1700s on the fourth Sunday of Lent, when house servants returned to their families for a visit. Families usually gather to enjoy a big meal that includes mole and other regional specialties.

In Thailand, Mother’s Day is celebrated on August 12, and it was first introduced in 1950 to honor all mothers of children in the family. The festival is typically a three-day event that includes traditional dances and food. Guests bring gifts such as flowers, fruit, and a variety of local food to the ceremony. The festival also has activities such as cooking competitions and an exhibition of traditional handicrafts.