By Khyria Cepe

Romania celebrates Mother’s Day on March 8th, which coincides with the International Women’s Day. Honoring women, especially mothers and grandmother, has been made especially important in Romania by the fact that a draft law based on citizen-initiative has been submitted in 2008. Just like the rest of the world, events that recognize and empower exemplary women in the country are held throughout the country. On March 8th, mothers in Romania, are greeted a “Happy Mother’s Day!” or “Ziua mamei!” with a kiss and are given presents of flowers, jewelry or chocolates. Most of them are treated to dinners and concerts by their husbands and children.

Traditionally, however, Mother’s Day is associated with the Mărţişor (or little March), a celebration of spring, celebrated on the first of March, symbolized by a red and a white woolen thread braided into a trinket. Women, young and old, receive a Mărţişor charm on this day, also referred to as “martisor.” They pin the charm to their collar for nine days. One of the many meanings of the Mărţişor  equates mothers with light and love. Traditionally, the life-givers of the family braid the threads of the Mărţişor.  This celebration is also related to the old Dochia, who is a goddess of farming in Romanian folklore. The old Dochia is reminiscent of the great mother goddesses of the Greeks and Romans for whom the ancient mother’s day celebrations were held. She is a deity symbolizing fertility, and her rebirth (spring) after death (winter) is much awaited.

One could probably say that the first week of March, the start of spring, is dedicated to women in Romania. From the Martisor day, the commemoration of the old Dochia, and the celebration of International Women’s Day, women are the central figure in these festivities. The week is filled with a unique blend of traditional celebrations to a modern occasion with a political flavor that reminds everyone of the role of a woman in the society.

“Ziua mamei!” 

By Katherine Krakhmal

Mothers have always been respected and considered the central figure in Russian culture, responsible for passing on traditions from generation to generation.  Officially, however, Mother’s Day  in Russia is a relatively new celebration.

On January 30, 1998 Boris Yeltsin, then President of the Russian Federation, decreed that a new holiday, “Mother’s Day,” would be celebrated on the last Sunday of November from that day forth, following an initiative by the State Duma Committee on Women, Family and Youth Affairs.  The purpose of this holiday was to celebrate women, particularly mothers.  On this day, mothers’ selfless sacrifice, unconditional love and kindness was to be remembered and celebrated.

According to Russian tradition, a woman reveals her best attributes—kindness, love and concern—when she becomes a mother.  And so it is that on Mother’s Day, children of all ages take this opportunity to thank their mothers for everything a mother does.  Typically, mothers are showered with flowers and cards and congratulated with heart-full wishes.  Of course, as in any other place of the world, what mom most enjoys is to be with her children and grandchildren.

Mothers play a special role in Russian families and there are many proverbs that allude to the fact, such as:   “Not having a husband is like not having a head…but not having a wife is like not having a mind.” or “The morning is wiser than the evening  and so is the wife.” or “All the bits in the family come from the mother.”  In Russia the mother is considered responsible for the ethical and moral education of her children, and is a responsibility which she takes very seriously.

Although Mother’s Day in Russia is held in November, it truly feels like a spring day.  Cheerfulness and joy abounds and you can almost hear all the mothers’ hearts sing…

“Счастливого Дня Матери!”

By Lacey Johnson

Mothers in Sweden can rejoice!  According to a study of the best and worst countries to be a mother in, published by a U.S. based independent   global  humanitarian organization, Save the Children, Sweden ranks as number one!   Mother’s day in Sweden is celebrated on the last Sunday in May.  Unlike other countries, Mother’s Day is recognized as a family holiday and is not isolated to just mothers and their children.  It can be compared to an American family birthday celebration.

 Mother’s day in Sweden is a direct import from the Mother’s Day concept celebrated within the United States.  It became officially recognized in the country in 1919.  At that time, the government distributed literature, in brochure form, outlining the various types of festivities that were allowed to be partaken in, in honor of this holiday.  The holiday gained widespread, countrywide popularity once it was promoted within the church and schools sometime in the 1930’s.          

The festivities that take place today are the same that were outlined in the distributed pamphlet back in 1919.  Country folk sing songs, read poems,  ask for forgiveness and make promises to mend their ways.  The countries flag is flown in honor of all the mothers countrywide.  Mothers are treated to a day of rest and usually breakfast in bed.  On this day coffee is the drink of choice.  Just like in the majority of other countries, there is also a designated flower on this day, the chrysanthemum.   Also like in other countries, white symbolizes that the mother has passed whereas any of the other colors represents all mothers still living.

The most notable tradition in this country and what sets Sweden apart from all of the other countries around the world is what occurs during the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day.  During these weeks, the Swedish Red Cross sells small, usually plastic flowers, but sometimes roses on the streets.  The money collected from this sale is then distributed to local mothers and children in need.

“Glad mors dag!”

By Caryn Deloach

Mother’s Day in Ireland and in much of Europe can trace its roots all the way back to the 16^th century.  At this time many children from poor families were sent to earn their living working for the upper classes as housekeepers and servants.  Over time it became customary for these children to visit their “mother” church or the church where they were baptized in the middle of the Lenten season.  This visit included carrying offerings or donations to the church and paying respects to the Virgin Mary.  This “Mothering Sunday” as it was called took place on the 4^th Sunday of the Lenten season. 

Over time, the tradition expanded to include a visit to the children’s own mother after the journey to the church.  On their way to the home of their family, the children would pick wild flowers to present to their mothers on their arrival home.  They would also sometimes bring offerings of foods for their mothers including a special cake called a “Simnel Cake.”  This is a fruit cake with a filling of almond paste and topped with marzipan.  In addition to the cake and flowers, these children would perform the household duties of their mothers for the day.

By the 1930s however, this tradition had all but disappeared in Europe.  However it was soon revived again when during World War II Europeans witnessed servicemen from America honoring their mothers on the second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day in the United States.  Europeans were supposedly touched by this and reinstated their original Mothering Sunday.  Today Mothering Sunday in Ireland and the United Kingdom still falls on the fourth Sunday during the Lenten season.  Now however, all of Ireland takes part in honoring their mothers on this day whereas it used to be a treat only for the mothers of the working poor. 

The tradition of presenting one’s mother with simnel cakes still exists and, as is customary in the United States, children in Ireland also give their mothers gifts and make them breakfast in bed or take them out for dinner.   It has also become tradition in Ireland for the children to present plays or skits to honor their mothers on this day.  In some areas communities organize such programs in honor of their local mothers.  And the Virgin Mary has not been forgotten on this day either.  She is still honored as part of the Irish Mothering Sunday.

“Lá an mháthair faoi shona dhuit!”

The Feast of Mothering: How to make simnel cakes, furmety, mi-carême custards, and other delights

By Megan Jungwi

The political map for where Yugoslavia once was can be confusing for someone who has not followed the area’s history. Currently countries in Europe’s Balkan Peninsula include: Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Slovenia. Although the borders may have changed many people still celebrate mothers with old traditions while others have chosen a more modern holiday.

Traditionally Mother’s Day was tied to a series of holidays that celebrated the family. The three-day series starts three Sundays before Christmas with each day occurring on a Sunday. The series starts with ‘Dechivi Dan’ or (Children’s Day), followed by ‘Materitse’ (Mother’s Day), and ending with ‘Ochichi’ (Father’s Day).

Many Westerners may find the celebrations for Materitse suprising. On Mother’s Day, children would sneak into their parent’s bedroom, tie up their mother’s feet and shout ‘Mother’s Day, Mother’s Day, what will you pay to get away?’ The mother would then negotiate with her children giving them small treats so that they will release her. It’s likely the mother preferred Children’s Day when the parents tied the children up and received promises of good behavior.

Some countries, such as Serbia, still celebrate Mother’s Day as their predecessors did. However, many countries now celebrate their mothers on March 8th to coincide with International Women’s Day. Countries celebrating this dual holiday include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Montenegro. International Women’s Day was first celebrated in the USA in 1909 and was started in the former USSR by a feminist in 1965. Originally it was a day to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women. However, in many countries it lost its political flavor and simply became a day to celebrate women – including mothers. On this day, women and mothers are given flowers and small gifts. In Bosnia’s Saravejo there is a monument to mothers that many people visit and decorate with flowers. 

Whether the descendents of old Balkan countries are celebrating Materitse or International Women’s Day they can wish their mother a hearty Serbian “Dan Majki”.

By Lacey Johnson

Spain and Portugal share not only the Iberian Peninsula but they share a lot of culture and traditions as well.  Both countries are what we would call relatively “matriarchal” in nature.  This can be seen as rooting from the strong religious beliefs appearing in both countries.   One particular holiday that is consistent between the two countries is Mother’s Day.  Mother’s Day is celebrated in these two countries on December 8.  It is celebrated in conjunction with the Feast of Immaculate Conception and is known as the “kick-off” to the entire Christmas season.

Unlike the majority of Western cultures and other European cultures, the Portuguese and the Spaniards celebrate Mother’s Day more out of respect for the Virgin Mother, Mary mother of Jesus, than they do out of honor for their own individual mothers.  This day is held on a day rooted in religion and is known to be a very holy and emotional day throughout both countries. The largest celebration in Spain is held in Seville.

The traditions that children currently partake in have not changed much through the centuries and also do not vary much between the two countries.  Just like in Western cultures it is traditional to give ones’ mother flowers, chocolates and cards.  The difference between this culture and the Western culture is that the majority of these gifts given are homemade, which is thought to be more genuine.  The day is celebrated with local dances and “fiestas.” 

Like in most other countries, there is a flower of choice on this day and that flower is the white rose.  The white rose is thought to signify the strength and devotion that it takes a mother to raise her young.  By far, the most significant tradition within this country is that the majority of children throughout the country create cards for the presidents’ wife.  These cards along with a bouquet of red roses and mixed flowers are delivered to the presidents’ wife by a select group of children.

“Feliz dia da mãe” – “Feliz día de la madre”

By Katherine Krakhmal

Lithuania  is celebrating its 1000^th official year in 2009, commemorating the first time  Lithuania was mentioned in the annals of history.  However, its cultural roots go far deeper than that.  The mother figure has always been revered in Lithuania and is central to the Lithuanian culture.

Mothers Day in Lithuania, “Motinos diena” takes place every first Sunday in May and it is a very significant holiday.  Lithuanians congratulate their mothers and grandmothers during this touching spring holiday, generally presenting them with flowers.  It is typical for children to prepare special programs with poems and songs dedicated to their mothers.    

Lithuanians primarily observe the Roman Catholic faith and many attend church services on Mother’s Day.  It is also common to visit cemeteries and lay flowers on the graves of deceased mothers and grandmothers.  The rest of the day is spent with family, honoring all the mothers.

Lithuania places a great significance on culture, and throughout the country there are many events dedicated to Mother’s Day, which include concerts, art exhibits and poetry readings.

The President of Lithuania usually congratulates all the mothers on this holiday and presents medals to those mothers who have born seven or more children.

Lithuanians believe that a mother’s love, self-sacrifice and kindness are the most powerful forces in the world.

“Laimingos motinos diena!”

By Caryn Deloach

Holland is the center of the international flower trade and has been since the 1950s.  So Mother’s Day or Moederdag, as it is called in Dutch, is a very busy time in Holland.  Flowers are shipped from all over the world to the Aalsmeer flower auction.  This is the largest flower marketplace.  Here flowers are bought and sold by wholesalers who then ship them all over the world in time for Mother’s Day.  Holland is also one of the largest suppliers of flowers.  Many associate Holland with beautiful tulips.  This tiny European nation became famous for these tulips in the 17^th Century, creating a tulip craze among the elite. 

With a history like this, you might think that the Dutch would be very involved in elaborate Mother’s Day celebrations.  You might imagine that every Dutch mother is presented with fresh tulips on that morning.  However, this is becoming less and less common in Holland.  The country designated an official holiday for its mothers as did many other European nations, after the United States did so in 1914.   Like the United States, Holland also deemed the second Sunday in May Mother’s Day.  At first the holiday became very popular among the Dutch middle class.  Children would wake their mothers by saying “Gelukkige Moederdag” or “Prettige Moederdag,” which means “Happy Mothers Day” in Dutch.  They would serve them a breakfast of “poffertjes” and tea in bed.  Poffertjes are tiny sweet Dutch pancakes made in a special pan, served with butter and powdered sugar.  Sometimes they would give their mothers gifts of locally made licorice or Belgian chocolates.  In addition it became customary for the father to take over the daily chores of the mother allowing her a relaxing day. 

Today however, Mother’s Day is not celebrated as commonly as it once was.  Some estimate that only 50-60 percent of children still acknowledge the day.  Those who do choose to honor their mothers typically give small presents to or spend the day with them.  However, the flower industry is trying to generate more sales and interest in the day.  Before Mother’s Day in recent years flower commercials have been airing in efforts to increase flower orders for Dutch mothers.  For the sake of  Dutch mothers, let’s hope they are successful.

“Gelukkige Moederdag!”  - “Prettige Moederdag!”

By Khyria Cepe

It is said that the celebration of Mother’s Day started out centuries ago in ancient Greece. Mother’s Day was held in spring in honor of Rhea, the mother of gods. However, in modern times, the Greeks celebrate Mother’s Day in honor of the Holy Theotokos, Mary, the Mother of all mothers.

Greece is predominantly Christian Orthodox, with 97% of its population worshipping at the Orthodox Church. For the Greeks, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple every second of February. This feast commemorates how Mary, with her husband Joseph, presented Jesus in the temple at Jerusalem.

The presentation of children is still a popular practice in Greece until today. The commemoration honors Greek mothers for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the safety and well-being of their children. In Greece, this celebration is not only for mothers who gave birth, but it is for all women who act as mothers, such as aunties and sisters, who are devoted in taking care of children.

The Greeks still celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May just like much of the rest of the world. Husbands and children still give mothers presents such as flowers and candy, and they are treated to special events such as concerts and dinners. Just like the rest of the world, Greece has caught on the commercialized celebration of honoring their mothers. However, they have not allowed themselves to be completely trapped in the modern celebration that sometimes becomes devoid of true meaning in feeling. Instead, they pay tribute to the patron of all mothers, Mother Mary.

Ημέρα της Μητέρας

By Katherine Krakhmal

Mother’s Day is probably one of the most significant and touching holidays around the world. Our mother is most likely the first image we see, and whose image we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. No wonder that in Belarus, Mother’s Day is a day set aside for the most important woman: Mother.

Mother’s Day has been celebrated in Belarus on October 14th since 1996. The Belarusian government is very just in honoring the generous, tender and wise Belarusian women to whom the highest level of gratitude is given.

Belarusians typically organize children’s matinees, concerts, competitions and exhibitions to celebrate this event. They generally take place in sport centers, or educations and cultural institutions. The festivities also hope to point out the importance of women within the Belarusian society. Belarusians are poets by nature, delving into the richness of the language to create prose and poetry that will long be remembered by those who listened to it.

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity for poets to flourish, describing mothers’ sacrifice and devotion. At the same time, works expressing gratitude and colorfully describing admiration for mothers, are often heard. Mothers who raise many children– often called “Superhero Moms” –are honored with a special commemorative medal presented to them by the City of Mink’s Executive Committee or the separate provincial executive committees.

On Mothers Day, many people choose to attend Orthodox churches to not only pray for them, but to revere her and wish “Health to all Belarusian Mothers!”

Belarus has many songs dedicated to mothers and the happiness and beauty of motherhood. Many of these songs are also popular in other Eastern European post-Soviet countries. Examples of such songs are, “The Ballad About Mother,” “Vasiliy’s Mother,” and “Oh, Mommy!”

“The beauty of your soul, dear Mother, is always with me. Wherever I happen to be under the Milky Way, I’ll never forget your kind words. They will always be in my mind.” These words y a famous Belarusian songwriter, brilliantly demonstrate how Belarusians feel about their mothers.