"MOTHERS DAY IN INDIA, THE NETHERLANDS AND AUSTRALIA."

Three women who now live in New Zealand, write about Mothers Day in the lands where they were born and grew up - India, the Netherlands and Australia.
MOTHERS DAY IN INDIA ~

"Celebrating Mothers Day on the second Sunday of May is very new in India and it can be said that in a time span of less than a decade, in the presence of umpteenth number of existing festivals, it is a concept slowly making its presence felt in a vast and culturally diverse country like India.
Globalisation, to a great extent has helped to make this Western concept to make its presence felt in India. Migrant Indians living abroad have helped in a big way to pass it onto their Indian relatives. Internet and technology has made information about other cultures more accessible than ever.

Mothers are loved, respected and even worshipped in India, yet there is a need for such a day which is devoted solely to mothers. Mothers Day gives them all the opportunity to celebrate such a day.
Just as in the West, Indians too take Mothers Day as a time too reflect on the importance of mothers in their life. They take it as a time to think about all the pains their mother took while they were sick, the hardships she went through in bringing them up and all the sacrifices she made so that they lead a better life. Mothers Day is the time to say a big thank you to mother for all this and for being a constant guiding force in our lives.
In India, people send cards to their mamas on Mothers Day. Make a special meal for Mothers so that she can have a days rest from the kitchen. Tradition of giving gifts on Mothers Day is also rampant. The whole idea of celebrating Mothers Day is to thank a mother, to make her feel important on the day and be happy about mothering and caring for children. Mothers should be pampered on the day by children and on the whole should be given a happy Mothers Day.Awareness about Mothers Day is much greater in metros and other big and happening cities than in smaller towns. Thanks to internet & mass media, who keep reminding people about when Mothers Day is and how it must be celebrated. 

Mother's Day Celebration in India is slowly catching!"

(from my friend Rachel)

MOTHERS DAY IN THE NETHERLANDS ~

"At an early age of 6-7 years, Mothers Day celebrations received much
attention through school. A rhyme was given to be written in my own,
“developing” scribbles, decorated with all sorts of colourful artistic
pencil drawings. It had be read out loud on Mothers Day. I remember
feeling embarrassed because the rhyme was from somebody else so I
couldn't relate to it as a kid. I thought it was really weird saying
these things to my mother. I was so unsure about it, I hid it away and
hoped she would never know it was there. That again made me feel ashamed
that I did not have the guts to read something like that on her
“special” day.
Later in life I bought her small presents from my limited pocket money.
She was always very exited about any present you bought for her and the
attention she received from my brother, sisters and dad.
Later in life it turned more into a social gathering. Although we all

disliked the commercialisation of Mothers Day, the endless adds on the
radio and magazines to buy something “special” for mother, we did buy
her presents like flowers, creams and trinkets. But most important, we
all were there on Sunday. There always was cake, booze, snacks a happy
face and heaps of laughter from mum. I think that was for her the
greatest mothers day gift, to have the whole family together having a
great time."

(from my friend Christine)

MOTHERS DAY IN AUSTRALIA ~

"Mothers Day in Australia comes at the end of autumn, and I remember many a Mothers Day afternoon as a young child, spent in our garden at home with our family catching and savouring the last of the sun. We would have tea in special teacups and cake (a sponge cooked by Mum filled with her homemade lemon cheese and topped with whipped cream). 

I remember spending the days leading up to the day making a card for my Mum - the lines of a soft pencil image pricked with a pin, then backed with a piece of black paper, or an attempt at a poem with huge effort poured into getting the spelling right.

Mothers Day was simple, no dinner out or fancy presents, but always white  chrysanthemums and stopping, being with Mum.

My Mum will be celebrating her 65th Mothers Day this year, with 2 of her 4 daughters, 2 of her 18 grandchildren, and 5 of her 14 great grandchildren at home. Happy Day Mum, wishing you many more!"

(Cathy)

Last night I flew back from Australia, having seen my Mum, and my mum-in-law. They are treasures, both in their 80's. They still enjoy conversation, think about innumerable things to talk about, are very thankful for what they have and still display care and thoughtfulness towards others. 

THISWEEKWITHTHEKIDS ~ let your kids be with you - especially on Sunday. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!

Cathy