With Mother’s Day around the corner, I thought it would be fun to share how it is celebrated worldwide. I think we can all agree that mothers and mother-figures are important people in a person’s life, and they should be respected and celebrated as such.

Without further ado, here’s how Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world!

Greece

The earliest records of celebrating motherhood trace back to the Ancient Greeks. They worshipped the goddess Rhea every spring, as she was known to be the Mother of the Gods, as well as the goddess of the earth and fertility. Temples were built in her honor, along with the celebration of their annual spring festival.

Ethiopia

Not only is Mother’s Day a celebration of mothers, but it is also preparation for a new season. The holiday consists of a three-day feast known as ‘Antrosht’, where families and loved ones gather together to arrange large feasts by preparing a traditional Ethiopian meal called ‘hash’ (the mothers relax while everyone else does the work). After the meal, the entire family will gather together to sing and dance.

Peru

Mother’s Day is a very big deal in Peru. Lasting for a week, there are many ways  to celebrate the beloved holiday. There are various parts of the country where mothers can visit for free during the holiday, such as museums and musical show performances. Additionally, musicals, dances and concerts are also organized for mothers. A unique Peruvian Mother’s Day tradition is when families gather at graveyards in honor of their deceased mothers. The graveyards are decorated with flowers and balloons, and family enjoy their food and drinks. Before the meal, they clean and put flowers on their loved ones’ graves.

Thailand

Mother’s Day in celebrated on August 12 in Thailand in honor of their Queen Sirikit. The Thai people wear light blue throughout the month and her personal flag is displayed in celebration of Mother’s Day. Children offer their mothers jasmine flowers that symbolize the mother. It’s also common to hold many Mother’s Day ceremonies and perform traditional Thai dances onstage in honor of their mothers.

Regardless of how you celebrate it, whether with a feast or a festival, Mother’s Day remains to be a holiday that celebrates the one of the most important people in our lives.