4 Mother’s Day Traditions Around the World

(In case you’re reading this and just remembered to rush out and get a card now – you’re welcome).

The annual celebration of motherhood is observed all over the world, with husbands and children across the globe preparing to shower the family matriarch with flowers and gifts every spring. While certain traditions remain conservative in most countries, others are slightly more out there! The team at Malta Chocolate Factory takes a look at how Mother’s Day celebrations differ from one nation to the next.

1. Japan

Called “Haha no hi” in Japanese, Mother’s Day in Japan takes place on the second Sunday of May. Sons and daughters usually prepare recipes which their mother would have taught them to cook as children – traditionally, these are egg-based dishes with chicken and rice. Another Japanese custom involves children all over the country drawing a picture of their mother, and then entering their illustrations into art competitions. Gifts usually include red roses, handbags, scarves or cards.

2. Serbia

Few other countries celebrate Mother’s Day the way Serbs do! On the morning of every “Materice”, children creep into their mother’s bedroom and tie her up with rope while still in bed, where she remains until she agrees to get up and present them with presents and sweets.

3. Ethiopia

At the end of the rainy season, and as part of a three-day festival known as ‘Antrosht’, Ethiopians come together to enjoy a feast dedicated entirely to their mothers. Sons are tasked with bringing various cuts of meat like bull or lamb, while daughters prepare butters, spices, vegetables and cheese. All of these ingredients are then combined to create a traditional Ethiopian meal called “hash”. At the end of the feast, everyone will then get up to sing, while performing dances that tell tales about family heroes.

4. France

During the aftermath of World War I, French mothers were vital to the process of helping to rebuild the population. To show their gratitude, the French government began awarding medals to mothers of large families under the name Médaille d'honneur de la famille française (Medal of Honour of the French Family). However, it was only after World War II that the last Sunday of May was chosen to be the official Mother’s Day in France. Today, the customary French gift for mothers is a flower-shaped cake.

Treat Your Mother to a World of Sweet Treats – and More – This Mother’s Day at Malta Chocolate Factory!

From a wide range of chocolates, pralines, truffles and other goodies to classes and an in-store cafe, there’s no better place to spoil your mother than at the Malta Chocolate Factory in Bugibba! Visit us or view our online shop to choose from an array of hampers, gift boxes, teacups, mugs and much more! Contact us for more information, and for more of these updates, be sure to follow us on Facebook.