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As Mother's day starts to approach, we're all starting to think about how we're going to celebrate the day with the much-loved maternal figures in our lives 👩🏼🍼💙 In the U.K. we predominately associate Mother's Day with gifts such as chocolate and flowers, and will most likely enjoy a special meal (of her choice) with our Mums, whether it be at her favourite restaurant, at home, perhaps in-front of her favourite film, or at a thoughtfully set table 🍽️
However, have you ever wondered how Mothers are celebrated by other people and cultures across the world?
If so, you've come to the right place, as we've done some of the research for you, and have shared a few of our personal favourites in this blog-post below! 🌍
JAPAN
In Japan, Mothers are traditionally celebrated in March, in a tradition that emerged after WWII which was intended to help comfort Mothers who lost children to the war.
Carnation flowers play a central role in these celebrations, as, in Japanese culture, they're believed to symbolise the sweetness and endurance of motherhood.
Originally, children gave red carnations to their Mothers on "Mother's Day", and if their Mother had passed-away they would display a white one. However, as the traditions have evolved, white carnations are now the staple colours handed out to Mother-figures around Japan.
ETHIOPIA
In Ethiopian culture they celebrate Mothers during a festival known as Antrosht, which occurs in the early Autumn once their rainy season has passed.
As the weather clears, families get together and gather in their homes for a large meal and further celebrations.
Traditionally, daughters are expected to bring cheese and vegetables to the feast, whilst sons are to provide meat. It is with these ingredients that families use to prepare a meat hash together.
After the feast, songs and dances are performed which tell the stories of family heroes and legends.
BRAZIL
Mother's Day in Brazil, known as Dia Das Mães, is hugely popular and is the second most celebrated commercial holiday in the country.
Dia Das Mães traditionally falls on the second Sunday in May, and is celebrated with special performances by children, church gatherings, as well as huge, multi-generational family barbecues.
SERBIA
In Serbia "Mother's Day" takes place on one day out of three which are dedicated to the celebration of family spirit and the family unit: Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Children's Day, which are celebrated on three consecutive Sunday's in December.
On Children's Day, youngsters are tied up with rope and are only unbound once they promise to behave.
On Mother's Day, Mothers are tied up and only released once they supply delicious treats and give small gifts to their children.
On Father's Day, Fathers take their turn to be tied up, and are untied once they give all members of their family a Christmas gift.
Once this is all over, everyone sits down together and feasts.
