Mother's Day in Czechia (Den matek)

Date: Mother's Day in Czechia is celebrated on the second Sunday in May, aligning with many other countries around the world.

History: The modern iteration of Mother's Day began in the United States in the early 20th century and spread to other countries. In Czechoslovakia, Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1923. However, the holiday was banned during the Nazi occupation and later discouraged during the Communist era as it was seen as a Western tradition. After the Velvet Revolution of 1989, Mother's Day regained its popularity and became widely observed across Czechia.

Traditions:

• Gift-Giving: Children often give their mothers flowers, handmade gifts, and cards to express gratitude and love.
• Celebratory Meals: Families may gather for a special meal, either at home or at a restaurant.
• Relaxation for Mothers: The day is intended to provide mothers with rest from household duties; family members might take over chores or give mothers time for themselves.
• Cultural Events: Some communities organize concerts or cultural events dedicated to mothers.

Activities: People celebrate Mother's Day by engaging in various activities such as:

• Spending quality time with their mothers.
• Taking mothers out for a spa day or other relaxing activities.
• Younger children often participate in crafting sessions at schools or community centers to create gifts.

Mother’s Day is not an official public holiday in Czechia; businesses follow regular Sunday hours. Despite this, it holds emotional significance and is an opportunity for expressing affection towards mothers.