Mother’s Day Traditions Around The World

The U.S. is not the only country with a holiday honoring moms.

By Caroline Bologna – The Huffington Post

On Sunday, Americans will celebrate Mother’s Day, an annual holiday filled with flowers,
gifts and the classic breakfast-in-bed-versus-restaurant-brunch conundrum.

The tradition, which dates back to the turn of the 20th century, has roots in radical,
religious feminism, but has evolved into a commercial juggernaut that the founder
later fought to abolish. However you feel about the current concept of Mother’s Day in the
U.S., it’s clear that it’s here to stay.

But the U.S. isn’t the only country with a holiday honoring moms. Many other countries
hold Mother’s Day celebrations at various times of the year and commemorate the
occasion with their own traditions, as well as practices inspired by the U.S. holiday.

Keep reading to learn about eight other countries’ Mother’s Day festivities.

Japan

In Japan, Mother’s Day takes place on the second Sunday in May, and people typically
celebrate by giving their mothers red carnations. The holiday did not become popular until
after World War II, as Japan had previously banned many Western practices and
influences.

Ethiopia

Many Ethiopians celebrate Mother’s Day with a three-day festival called Antrosht, which
marks the end of the the rainy season (typically sometime in the fall). Antrosht celebrations
involve singing, dancing and feasting.