Celebrating Mums

Mother's Day is a special occasion celebrated worldwide, though the date of observance can vary between countries. While the second Sunday in May is the most widely recognised date, some countries choose to honour mothers during Lent. In many Eastern European countries, Mother’s Day is beautifully intertwined with International Women’s Day on 8 March, a day that celebrates the strength and grace of women everywhere. In a few other countries, the celebration falls later in the year, like August, October or November.

In the United States, the day honours mothers with family gatherings, where children express their gratitude with gifts, cards, and flowers. When the tradition began, Anna Jarvis chose carnations as the traditional flower because they were her mother’s favourite. The flower’s long-lasting nature and soft, frilled petals symbolised the enduring love and strength of mothers, making it a fitting tribute. Over time, other beautiful blooms, like roses, became part of the tradition, each delicate petal a declaration of gratitude and affection for the special mums in our lives.

In Mexico, Mother's Day, known as "Día de las Madres", is celebrated on 10 May. Families gather for a festive day of singing, dancing, and feasting. It’s common for children to serenade their mothers with "Las Mañanitas", traditionally a birthday song that is also sung on Mother’s Day. 

Mothering Sunday, observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent, is a tradition dating back to the 16th century in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Originally, it was a day when people returned to their "mother church" for a special service, and workers were given the day off to visit their parish, the place of their birth. Since this was a rare occasion, workers also took the opportunity to visit their mothers, not just the church. Wildflowers were often picked for both the church and their mothers, who were treated to Simnel cake (traditional fruitcake), mothering buns or fig pie. 

In Japan, "Haha no Hi" is a day to show appreciation, often with red carnations, which symbolise purity and sweetness. On the other hand, white carnations are reserved to honour mothers who have passed away when visiting their graves. While some believe Mother's Day in Japan was first celebrated on 6 March 1931 to mark Empress Kōjun’s birthday (mother of Emperor Akihito), others suggest it may have been introduced by missionaries in 1913. However, in 1949, Japan officially adopted the second Sunday in May as the date for Mother's Day. A culinary specialty for the day includes egg dishes, such as tamagoyaki, a rectangular omelette or chawanmushi, a custard egg served with chicken or shrimp.

Meanwhile, in Ethiopia, Mother's Day is part of the "Antrosht" celebration, a three-day feast marking the end of the rainy season. Families gather for a communal meal to honour mothers with traditional dishes. Children bring ingredients for a special hash recipe: girls provide spices, vegetables, cheese, and butter, while boys bring a lamb or bull. The mother then prepares and serves the meal. Afterwards, mothers and daughters apply butter to their faces and chests, a ritual symbolising beauty, nourishment, and cultural heritage. The men sing songs honouring their family and ancestors, celebrating the role of mothers in their lives.

Each of these celebrations highlights the central role mothers play in society, but the expressions of love and gratitude vary, reflecting the distinct cultural values of each community.