Do you give carnations on Mother’s Day?

 

Mother's Day, an anniversary established to thank parents for giving birth and raising them, and to nurture respect for the elderly, is celebrated on May 8 every year. In Korea, it is common to give carnations on Mother's Day, and Koreans probably have the memory of folding carnations with colored paper in kindergarten or elementary school. Around the world, Mother's Day or Mother's Day has different dates and traditions.

What is the origin of Mother's Day?

Mother's Day, one of the days common to most countries around the world, is said to have originated from the ancient Greek and Roman times. In ancient Greece, it is said that a festival was held to honor Leah, the mother of the gods. Since then, Mother's Day has become the custom of the present day when cultures from England, Greece and the United States merged. Mother's Day began to be instituted as a religious custom to observe Mother's Day in countries that believe mainly in Christianity. It has become one of the crab customs.

1.     UK In England

The fourth Sunday of Lent is designated Mother's Day and is called Mothering Sunday. Mother's Day in England originated from a custom in the Middle Ages. During the Middle Ages, many lower classes sent their children to be maids of noble families. It is said that the maids were given a day of freedom on this day, and the maids baked cakes for their mothers and went down to their hometowns to spend time with their families. Nowadays, most families give flowers and gifts to their mothers and the whole family eats out together, so it is very similar to the Korean Mother's Day custom. Unlike Korea, Mother's Day and Father's Day are different, and it is said that Mother's Day is celebrated a little bigger than Father's Day.

2.     Japan

Mother's Day in Japan was officially set on the second Sunday in May in 1947, and in Japanese culture, carnations are said to symbolize the tender power of a respected mother. It is said that while elementary schools in Korea make carnations for Mother's Day, it is common in Japanese schools to draw mothers' pictures or participate in art contests. They also eat sushi and have a special family meal. Unlike Korea, Mother's Day and Father's Day are different. Father's Day in Japan is the third Sunday in June every year, and this year, Sunday, June 19th is Father's Day. It is said that on Father's Day in Japan, it is customary to offer roses instead of carnations. According to a Japanese survey, fathers said that the most desired gift for Father's Day is a meal with family. Although Korea and Mother's Day have different dates, it seems that the most happiest and most valuable thing is spending time with family over any other gift.

3.     Peru

Peru's Mother's Day, celebrated on the second Sunday in May, is one of the biggest holidays celebrated by more than 90% of Peruvians. As Mother's Day is a big holiday, many companies set up lunch or dinner places to celebrate a week before Mother's Day. They also hold concerts and performances in honor of their mothers all over Peru. On Mother's Day, it is common to eat chocolates or enjoy homemade gifts. One of the unusual Peruvian Mother's Day customs is that Mother's Day families gather in a cemetery. After cleaning the graves of female relatives, such as mothers, grandmothers, and wives, and decorating them with flowers, balloons, and paper hearts, food and drinks are served in commemoration of the deceased in front of the graves. It seems to be similar to the culture of the visiting ancestors’ graves to pay their respects in Korea. Peru's indigenous Andean people also celebrate Mother Earth (Pachamama) in early August. Pachamama is a goddess in ancient mythology loved by the indigenous Andean inhabitants.

4.     Vietnam

 In Vietnam, where the main religion is Buddhism, Mother's Day is on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month. This day is also one of the four major Buddhist holidays, the Uran Festival. Although it is not a statutory anniversary, a large-scale festival called Vu Lan is held and the whole nation celebrates it with enthusiasm. It is said that on Mother's Day morning, the whole family gathers together to put food and offerings on the foundation, burn incense, and hold a ritual. They eat together at lunchtime, and if their parents are still alive, they will give them a red rose. If their parents are dead, they buy white roses and, at night, set lanterns on the river to make their wishes come true.

 

Everyone celebrates Mother's Day in different ways, such as giving roses instead of carnations or decorating a grave. I think that the heart and love for family are the same all over the world. I hope this Mother's Day will be a meaningful day as you reflect on the love and noble sacrifice of your parents who sacrifice for your family every day.

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