Mother's Day is an international occasion that is celebrated by several countries around the world, during which sons and daughters express their love, appreciation and gratitude to their mothers, who have made tons of sacrifices in order to raise and educate their children, in an attempt to secure their future, one which they can be happy with and proud of. In the United States of America, it is said that mother's day was initially suggested by Julia Ward Howe in 1872 as a day devoted to celebrate peacetime after the conclusion of Franco Prussian War. However, mother's day became widely popular mainly due to Anna M. Jarvis' efforts, as in 1911, mother's day was celebrated in virtually each state in the US. And, in 1914, Congress approved a resolution to make the second Sunday in May as mother's day, of which American President, Woodrow Wilson described as: "a public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of our country," making it an official American holiday. Americans celebrate mother's day by giving their mothers flowers, chocolates and holiday cards, as a gesture to show their love. During the 16th century, the United Kingdom decided on making the fourth Sunday of Lent as the suitable day to celebrate mother's day, calling it "Mothering Sunday". It's a day, during which family members reunite in order to go to church, but later on, in the 20th century, it became a day characterized by spending time with one's family at home, in March. In India, Indians also take mother's day as an opportunity to express their love to their mothers and highlight the important role of motherhood in their lives. The celebrations last for 10 days during the month of October, in a ceremony called "Durga Puja", in reference to their goddess, whom they believe shields them from evil. This day is also known as "The universal Mother" in India. The Indians celebrate this day by sending holiday cards to their mothers, having a family meal and giving their mothers gifts, such as candy, deserts and cake. Meanwhile, in Spain, mother's day comes on the first Sunday of May. This day serves as a chance to declare one's love to his or her mother and honor mothers. During this day, business all over the country's shops is crowded, as Spaniards buy flowers, chocolates and holiday cards. However, a lot of children like taking the time and effort to handcraft gifts for their mothers. Mother's day in Yugoslavia comes in December, where children practice a funny and innocent tradition, as they enter their mother's bedroom unnoticed and tie her up in bed, so that after she wakes up, she would have to promise them gifts, which she supposedly has hidden from them, in order for the children to untie it. On the other hand, in Japan, mother's day used to be coincided with Empress Koujun's birthday, whose ruling stretched throughout most of the 20th century. Since then, it has been moved to the second Sunday in May. Also, the Japanese buy flowers as a gift for their mothers, but the children draw portraits of their mothers, which they are able to show them at an exhibit that moves to several other countries of the world. In Sweden, there is a tradition of selling small flowers made of plastic before mother's day. Then, the money raised from selling flowers is used for sending mothers with their children on vacation. Also, in Thailand, mother's day coincides with the beloved Queen Sirikit on August 12. The Thailand people give jasmine flowers to their mothers for gifts in a celebration atmosphere filled with happiness and gratitude. While, in Mexico, Mexicans like celebrating mother's day by going to restaurants in order to enjoy a meal with their families. Also, they like spending this day listening to music, enjoying food and celebrations. Often, they listen to mariachi singers performing "Las Mananitas" song. During the era of the former Soviet Union, mother's day used to coincide with the International Women's Day in March, as such Russians used to celebrate this day by honoring women and highlighting the aim of achieving gender equality. Nonetheless, in 1998, after the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia decided on having the mother's day on the last Sunday in November, but almost all Russians still send their mothers gifts in March. Elsewhere, in China, mother's day coincides with traditions of filial piety, which takes place on the second Sunday of May, and celebrates one's father, elders, and ancestors. The Chinese spend this day by enjoying ceremonies and buying gifts for their loved ones. Finally, in Egypt and a number of Arab countries, mother's day is usually celebrated on March 21, where sons and daughters buy their mothers gifts and some use this day as an opportunity to highlight the demand for gender equality, while state officials hold honoring ceremonies for ideal mothers. A lot of countries around the world like celebrating mother's day, but each country has its own way of celebrating this day. However, the forms of celebrations, customs and traditions may vary from one country to another. Nonetheless, all countries that opt to celebrate mother's day have one thing in common, which is honoring mothers and showing one's love and appreciation for them.
