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!”