We wouldn’t know where to begin talking about all the beautiful memories we share with our mothers. Life may take us in separate ways, but they always try to be there for us. We all say: My mom’s the best. And we are all right. On Mother’s Day let’s celebrate these extraordinary women, as so much of who we are today we owe to them.
It’s been a tough year so far, so paying some extra attention to your loved ones, even if far away, can bring the light and hope they need. Difficult times call for longer conversations with our moms. Our Mother’s Day offer is right on time for that:
- Make sure you get your 15% BONUS – for a minimum order of $10 Voice Credit – for some lovely talks with your mother. The offer is valid for Voice Credit orders placed until May 10, 2020 (23:59 EST) using coupon code CELEBRATEHER. One coupon per customer.
- Winning FREE international calls in the KeepCalling Facebook contest is as easy as saying My mom’s the best. Just tell us in a comment why she’s the best in the whole wide world to you, and you could win one of the three $10 Voice Credit prizes at stake.
While the American history of Mother’s Day often includes flowers, sweet-smelling soaps, lotions, and candles, Mother’s Day around the world doesn’t always look the same. We just wonder how it will all look like this year, giving the pandemic situation.
Mexican Mother’s Day
Also known as Día de la Madre. Families hire mariachi bands to come perform at their homes on May 10 when the holiday is celebrated annually. Moms request their favorite songs and are treated to serenades (like “Amor de Madre”). Mexican Mother’s Day history also dictates a traditional breakfast of tamales and atole, which is a hot drink made from corn.
Mother’s Day UK
The United Kingdom has dedicated days to celebrate mothers since the 17th century. Held on “Mothering Sunday,” which takes place the fourth Sunday of Lent, Mother’s Day UK honors not only British mums but also the Virgin Mary. Mothering Sunday began centuries ago as a day when Christians traveled to their mother church (the main church or cathedral of the area) to worship, and children working away from home were given a day off to visit their mothers. Today, the celebration often includes a traditional simnel cake—a spiced cake made with dried fruit and topped with marzipan balls.
Mother’s Day India
Rich in culture and traditions, India is known for its famous festivals taking place all year long, with many being days-long events filled with feasting, donning colorful clothing and applying bold powdered hues. Celebrated on the second Sunday in May, India’s festivities are similar to the US traditions. Children present cards to their mothers as well as cook her favorite foods. Indian Hindus have a long-held festival in October called Durga Puja, which celebrates the goddess Durga, also known as the “Divine Mother.” During this 10-day celebration, people fast, feast and pray in addition to sing, dance and perform cultural dramas.
Polish Mother’s Day
Called “Dzień Matki” in Poland, Polish Mother’s Day history dates back to 1923 in Krakow, though the celebration didn’t really take off until the years following World War II. It is now annually celebrated on May 26, with schools hosting special events where children present their moms with sheets of paper known as “laurki,” decorated with flowers and special messages of love. Mother’s Day is an official holiday in Poland. When family members come to visit their mothers and grandmothers, the festivities are held at home and gifts given include flowers and cake.
Mother’s Day in Australia
Chrysanthemum is a traditional flower to be offered on Mother’s Day in Australia—celebrated the same day as the US holiday. The blooms are in season during the country’s autumn, and they’re called “mums” for short, just like Aussie mothers. Another floral favorite for Mother’s Day in Australia is carnations. Aussies wear colored carnations if their mothers are living and white carnations if their mother are deceased.
French Mother’s Day
Mamans get a day of pampering and relaxation when celebrating French Mother’s Day in late May or early June, depending on when Pentecost falls. First declared a national holiday in 1950 by Napoleon, “Fete des Meres” today has become a holiday where mom gets to kick back while the children wait on her.
Thai Mother’s Day
Chosen for the birthday of Thailand’s Queen Sirikit, who is fondly considered the symbolic mother of the country, Wan Mae (Thai Mother’s Day) is celebrated on August 12. Leading up to the public holiday, Thais celebrate the queen by displaying shrines and portraits of her, and day-of festivities include firework shows and candle lighting ceremonies. Ordinary moms aren’t forgotten, either—children often honor their own mothers by giving alms to monks and presenting mom with white jasmine flowers, which represent maternal love.
