I’ve only been a mother for four years. In those four years, I’ve birthed two children, lost a third one, and am currently carrying another. Hopefully before the end of my child bearing years, I’ll have four living children to raise and celebrate. And hopefully, I’ll be the kind of mother who they want to celebrate. Is being a mom worth celebrating your goal too? Or are you racking your brain trying to figure out what to do for Mother’s Day? Well here are a few fun facts about Mother’s Day.
A Mother Worth Celebrating
May has historically been a month to celebrate one young mother in particular. In many countries of the world, the month of May is a month were adherents celebrate and pay homage to the Virgin Mary. This young Jewish teenager became a mother while engaged to a Jewish Carpenter and at just the right time gave birth to Jesus, the Christian’s Savior. In many countries the world over, Mother’s Day is celebrated by mother’s being handed lilies, in reference to the flower most commonly associated with Mary.
A Mother Doesn’t Cook
In a few countries known for culinary expertise, Mother’s aren’t just celebrated with flowers, but with food. In France the traditional gift for mothers is a flower shaped cake. This might be the pregnancy talking, but this sounds delicious. In Brazil, after attending church many Brazilian families are known for throwing huge BBQs, including everyone in the family, from the oldest great-grandmother, to that young aunt whose always looking side-eyed at everyone. Not into meat? In Ethiopia, Mother’s Day is celebrated by making a hash out of vegetables, butter and spices.
One Day For Mother Isn’t Enough
While we in the United States and the British Commonwealth Realms only celebrate our mothers for one day there are countries in the world where mom is celebrated for more than just one day! In Serbia, Mom is celebrated for three days straight. Children are tied up until they promise to behave, and then Mother’s are tied up until they promise to give treats, and lastly Father’s are tied up until they promise to provide Christmas presents! I guess the rope industry is strong there. But Serbia has nothing on India! In India Mother’s are celebrated during a 10 day feast celebrating the Divine Mother in October. Feasts are celebrated, along with gifts given to family members and friends.
A Mother Wants This
According to a survey conducted by parenting.com, most moms just want
- A Clean House
- Sleep
- A Really Good Workout
Do you or a mom you know identify with this? Personally I’d like my own personal chef from the time I open my eyes, until they are closed for the day! Let us know what you’d appreciate for your special day!
In one of my favorite books on parenting, How Eskimos Keep Their Babies Warm: And Other Adventures in Parenting author Mei-Ling Hopgood has this to say about mothers: “Most cultures celebrate mothers because they are traditionally the main caregiver, which comes with great responsibility.” So whether you have one child or seven, take some time to celebrate your own contributions to your next generation. You are worth it! And know, whatever you and your family decide to do for Mother’s Day, just know that we here at Palm Beach Mom’s Blog love to celebrate You! Check out our website for more articles specifically geared towards you and all that you do!
