By Ava Ay-Ay

Japan’s Imperial family is said to trace their descent from Omikami Amaterasu, the Mother of the World. As such, in Japanese culture, the mother figure enjoys a place of honor, respect and reverence. She is the one who teaches and instills traditions and upholds family values that have remained in place throughout the years.

The origins of the official celebration of Mother’s Day is said to have been established during the Showa period to commemorate the birthday of Empress Kojun, who was the mother of Emperor Akihito. However, some historic recounts attribute Christian missionaries as having introduced this commemorative day to the Japanese in the first part of the 1910s.

The practice was halted when so called “Western customs” were prohibited in the country during World War II. After the war however, Japanese found it befitting to use the day as a means of paying tribute to those who died during WWII and consoling the children and the women who had lost their fathers and husbands in the war. By 1949, Mother’s Day was a widely practiced event in Japan.

Today Mother’s Day is practiced the 2nd Sunday in May. As in the rest of the world, mothers are honored and pampered during this special day. Although it has been customary to gift mothers with red carnations, some prefer giving them more personal items such as handkerchiefs, wallets, handbags or scarves, showering them with flower bouquets, or taking her to special dinners. However, often a simple but sincere greeting of “Haha-no hi” is all that will take to melt a Japanese mother’s heart.

母の日おめでとう Haha-no hi omedetō

By Ava Ay-Ay

In Korea children honor their parents on the 8th of May. There is not a specific day dedicated to mothers or fathers, but a special day called “Obio Nal” which could be translated as “Parents Day,” and which honors both. On May 8th children will wish their parents “Omoninalul chukahamnida!”

 “Obio Nal” dates back to 1300s. This day was set aside during the early days of the Choseon Dynasty to commemorate respect for parents and ancestors. During those times, any act of disrespect was also punishable by law.

Respect for your elders is a virtue highly valued by Koreans, that has prevailed generation after generation, and May 8th is a day when children shocase their love and appreciation for their parents. Within Korea, several religions are practiced, including Buddhism, Confucianism, Korean Shamanism and Christianity. Regardless of which, however, on Parents Day, Koreans thank God and the Heavens for their families and the privilege of parenthood.

The most common way for Korean children to express their gratitude to their parents is by giving them flowers. As part of tradition, carnations serve as the official flowers for this occasion. Typically, children attach a carnation on their parents’ lapels as a sign of respect. Carnations play a very traditional role in celebrating Parents Day as Koreans believe that pink and red carnations express the real meaning of gratitude, love and admiration.

Besides flowers, other presents are common on Parents Day. In recent years, taking parents out to dinner has also become a common tradition. In addition, special T.V. shows, concerts and celebrations take place to honor parents on “Obio Nal.”

“Omoninalul chukahamnida!”

By Ava Ay-Ay

In Vietnam, a very significant event is celebrated every 8th day of March. It is the Vietnamese’s version of Mother’s Day which is called “Mua Vu Lan.” The whole event is said to trace back to the Asian tradition of piety and worship. At the same time, it is considered as a Buddhist holiday for praising mothers and thanking them for the love and care that they show during motherhood.

“Mua Vu Lan” dates back to the early times of Buddhism. It is said, that one day while meditating, Buddha’s disciple Muc Kien Lien saw his own mother in great pain in Hell. His mother was being condemned for all the evil deeds that she has committed while she was alive. She appeared to be very hungry and was asking the spiritual powers to bring her food. Instead, in a snap, the food was burned and turned into ashes.

As soon as Muc Kien Lien returned to the physical world, he prayed and asked Buddha to bless his mother and to make him a pious son. Buddha asked him to gather devotees so they would all pray together for his mother. The prayers were so powerful that they helped release the souls of not only his mother, but others’ as well. Since then, this event has been celebrated and widely practiced both as a “day for lost souls” and a “day for mothers” as the same time.

Today “Mua Vu Len” is celebrated by young and old alike. “Chic Mung Ngay Me” is the way to greet Vietnamese mothers on that special day. Children pay tribute to their mothers and give them presents and flowers. Women in general are also recognized. In corporate settings, for example, parties are organized in honor of women who are recognized for their hard work throughout the year.

The event’s cultural essence remains alive today as kids and teenagers continue to practice traditional values by visiting pagodas as a way of honoring the dead and at the same time, to show their love for their mothers.

“Chic Mung Ngay Me”