Mother’s Day around the world 

It’s not long until Mother’s Day – and that means our Mother’s Day sale!  

It's a tradition that’s been celebrated for centuries, but when did Mother’s Day begin? 

Mother’s Day as we know it originated in 1908 America by a woman called Anna Jarvis. She campaigned for a national day in remembrance of her mother, who had been a peace activist during the American civil war. 

Although the modern Mother’s Day started as an American tradition, it’s now celebrated in some form across the world. There are some cultures that celebrated some form of Mother’s Day before the American tradition, but this was often rooted in religion and was not celebrated in the same way as it is now. 

In Britain, there was a day to celebrate mothers before Anna Jarvis’ campaign. It was originally a religious holiday dating around the 16th century, however during the 1800s it declined in popularity. There were attempts to revive it, but it wasn’t until World War Two when it became a popular tradition once again. This was because America had joined the war, bringing their soldiers to Britain as well as Mother’s Day. 

Across the world, there are many Mother’s Day traditions. In New Zealand, it is popular to serve your mother breakfast in bed. In Japan, it is tradition to give carnations to your mother. Dia das mães is one of the most celebrated holidays in Brazil, where families will go to church. Sweden’s Mother’s day is much like Britain’s, except the Red Cross sell red plastic flowers. The proceeds from this go towards mothers and children in need. 

In some countries, Mother’s Day is celebrated differently. Serbia’s Mother’s Day celebrations are part of a series of celebrations surrounding the family. Mothers are tied up with rope, and will not be let go until she gives gifts to her children. Indian Hindus will celebrate a 10 day long festival called Durga Puja, in honour of Durga, the Goddess of mothers. Mexico’s Mother’s day is a massive event, with the country at a standstill as families go for lunch – which means an extra 200,000 wait staff jobs for that day.  

There are also traditions that don’t exist anymore – during World War Two in Germany, mothers would be awarded a medal based on how many children they had. French mothers would also receive medals after World War One as an incentive to restore the country’s population.  

While all the countries around the world may celebrate the day differently, they all share one thing in common – celebrating mothers, aunties and grandmothers everywhere. 

Don’t forget about our Mother’s Day stall on 11th March www.llangyfelachprimaryschool.co.uk/ptfa/

You can purchase tickets on sQuid and your child will be able to purchase a gift from a lovely selection at our Class bubble sale!