THAI MOTHER’S DAY

‘Mom’, ‘Maa’ or’Mae’, the words might be different in different languages but signifies same everywhere: unconditional care, love, concern and sacrifice. The place that a mother holds in child’s heart is same all around the world.

The first word that a child learns to speak is mother, whether one is happy or sad, she is the first person to know it all! For a child, her mother always remains the center of attention. She shines like a guiding star, whose trail kid follows. In each country and every culture, mothers are respected for their selfless devotion towards child.

Mother’s day is the day to acknowledge her unconditional love, support, and the efforts in raising her kid. This day is celebrated across the globe though on different dates. In most of the countries, this day is celebrated on the second Sunday in the month of May. However, there are countries like Thailand, where mother’s day is celebrated on Twelfth August of every year. Similarly, celebrations also vary from country to country.

It’s interesting to know how different culture and traditions capture the spirit of this special day. If you were wondering how the day is celebrated in Thailand, then this article is your answer.

Mother’s Day Celebrations In Thailand

In Thailand, 12th August is celebrated as the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and the nation immerses in celebrations. As the Queen is also regarded as mother to all Thai people, this day is also celebrated as ‘Mother’s Day.’

It’s since 1976 that the celebrations for Queen and for mother are being held every year without cease. Thai people unanimously commemorate this day because of the queen’s benevolence towards needy and poor in the nation. The Queen has captured the hearts of Thai people through her devotion toward welfare and well- being of her people.

A few weeks before the Queen’s birthday, preparations start at full swing. For this occasion, people all around the country raise national flags and houses are decorate with the portrait of Her Majesty the Queen. This is their way of expressing their loyalty and honor to her. Similarly, local organizations are bedecked with her portraits, garlands, and colorful lights. In the capital city Bangkok, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Sanam Luang, the area around Grand Palace is bedecked with colorful lights and firework display is an added attraction. Around Bangkok, the area around the Grand Palace and other well-known locations are bedecked with colored lights and firework display serves as an added attraction.

On the day, early in the morning government officials, royal army, students, teachers, gather around high the high tower clock. They form a procession and walk to the king’s palace. On its way to the palace, music band plays popular music pieces. After arrival at King’s palace, the procession presents flowers to the representative of the HM the Queen. It’s followed by song ”Mother of Kingdom’, praising both Queen and King. In the evening ceremony at the Queen’s garden, government officials lit candles. In this way, they pay respect to the Queen and pay for her long life.

Not only limited to birthday celebration of the Queen, Thai people also take this day as an opportunity to thank their dear mother for her unconditional love. Mother’s day morning in Thailand starts by giving alms to the monks. Following the Thai tradition, kids kneel down before their mother to show their love and gratitude. They present her with white jasmine flowers or garlands, in return, mother shower her blessings on kids. On this day, white jasmine flowers are a common sight in Thailand as they are the symbol of maternal love. The white color of the flower symbolizes purity of mother’s true love, which will never change.

Charitable activities, donations, offering to monks are also an important part of the day to express child’s love and gratitude towards mother.