Mother’s Day is usually celebrated with flowers, heartfelt cards, and family gatherings. However, in some parts of the world, this special day comes with unusual traditions that may surprise you. From banana feasts to competitive foot races, Mother’s Day isn’t always about breakfast in bed. Here’s a look at some of the weirdest Mother’s Day traditions around the world!
.jpg)
1. Serbia: Three Days of Tying Up Family Members
In Serbia, Mother’s Day is part of a unique three-day holiday tradition. It begins with Children’s Day, followed by Father’s Day, and then Mother’s Day. But here’s where things get weird—on each of these days, family members take turns getting tied up!
On Mother’s Day, children sneak into their mother’s room in the morning and tie her up with ropes or scarves. She can only be released after promising to give them treats or gifts. While this might sound more like a prank than a celebration, it’s all done in good fun and is a long-standing Serbian tradition.
2. Ethiopia: A Giant Feast with Banana-Based Dishes
In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day isn’t just a single day—it’s a multi-day festival called Antrosht that takes place in the fall. Instead of giving flowers and cards, families come together for a massive feast.
The most unusual part? Almost every dish is made with bananas! Bananas are a staple in Ethiopian cuisine, and during Antrosht, families cook traditional banana-based stews, breads, and side dishes. Sons bring meat, while daughters bring butter, cheese, and vegetables. Together, they prepare an elaborate meal while singing and dancing in honor of their mothers.
3. Mexico: The Early Morning Mariachi Wake-Up Call
Mother’s Day in Mexico, called Día de las Madres, is a grand celebration—but it comes with an unusual wake-up call. Instead of letting moms sleep in, children gather outside their mother’s bedroom early in the morning to serenade her with mariachi music.
Imagine being woken up at dawn by a full mariachi band singing at the top of their lungs! Families either hire professional musicians or sing the songs themselves, often starting with Las Mañanitas, a traditional Mexican birthday and celebration song. While it might not be the most relaxing way to start the day, it’s a loud and joyful way to show appreciation.
4. France: The Medal Ceremony for Moms
In France, Mother’s Day—Fête des Mères—was once a formal government event. In the early 20th century, the French government awarded medals to mothers of large families as part of a national effort to boost the birth rate. Mothers with four or five children received a bronze medal, while those with six or seven children got silver. Moms with eight or more kids? They earned the prestigious gold medal!
Although the medal ceremony is no longer official, some local communities still celebrate Mother’s Day by recognizing moms in a similar way. Today, it’s more common for children to prepare handmade gifts and enjoy a family meal.
5. Thailand: A National Holiday with a Parade for the Queen
Mother’s Day in Thailand is celebrated on August 12th, not in May like many other countries. The reason? This date is the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who is considered the "Mother of the Nation."
The celebration includes fireworks, parades, and ceremonies all across the country. Thai children present their mothers with jasmine flowers, a symbol of purity and love. Schools also organize events where students kneel before their mothers as a sign of deep respect.
While it might feel unusual for Mother’s Day to be centered around a queen rather than personal family celebrations, Thai people embrace the tradition as a way to honor motherhood on a national scale.
6. Nepal: A Pilgrimage to Honor Deceased Mothers
In Nepal, Mother’s Day—called Mata Tirtha Aunsi—has a deeply spiritual and unusual tradition. People who have lost their mothers travel to a sacred pond called Mata Tirtha, located near Kathmandu, to honor and remember them.
It’s believed that taking a ritual bath in the pond or offering prayers there allows people to connect with the spirits of their deceased mothers. Those whose mothers are still alive celebrate by preparing special meals and giving gifts, similar to other countries. But the unique pilgrimage tradition makes Nepal’s Mother’s Day stand out.
7. South Korea: A Day for Moms and Dads
In South Korea, Mother’s Day doesn’t exist—at least not on its own. Instead, the country celebrates Parents’ Day on May 8th, honoring both mothers and fathers at the same time.
The weirdest part? While many countries go all out for Mother’s Day, South Korea’s combined holiday sometimes means moms don’t get as much attention as they would in other places. Some mothers have even complained that their children forget to celebrate them properly since the focus is split between both parents!
Instead of the typical flowers or chocolates, South Korean children usually give their parents red carnations as a symbol of gratitude and love.
8. Germany: Mother’s Day Can Turn into a Drinking Party
Mother’s Day in Germany, known as Muttertag, is usually celebrated in a traditional way, with gifts and flowers. However, in some regions, it shares similarities with Father’s Day, which is known for wild celebrations.
On German Father’s Day, men often go on long hikes while pulling wagons filled with beer and drinking with friends. In some parts of Germany, a similar trend has started for Mother’s Day, where groups of moms gather for “Mom’s Day Out” trips—sometimes involving wine tastings, beer gardens, or outdoor adventures. While this isn’t an official tradition, it’s become a growing trend that makes Mother’s Day a little more unexpected!
Conclusion
Mother’s Day traditions vary widely across the world, and some are definitely stranger than others. Whether it’s getting tied up in Serbia, eating banana feasts in Ethiopia, or waking up to a full mariachi band in Mexico, each country has its own unique way of celebrating moms.
At the heart of these weird traditions, though, is a universal truth: Mothers deserve to be honored, loved, and appreciated. Whether through music, medals, or food, every country finds a way to say, “Thank you, Mom.”
Comments
Post a Comment