Mother's Day in Russia

Date: Last Sunday of November

History: Mother's Day in Russia was established relatively recently, with President Boris Yeltsin signing a decree in 1998 to introduce the holiday. It was created to honor the role of mothers in raising children and contributing to family welfare.

Traditions: Unlike more commercialized versions of Mother's Day in some other countries, Russian Mother's Day is a low-key affair. It is not a public holiday, so businesses operate as usual.

• Gift-Giving: Children often present their mothers with handmade gifts and cards as tokens of love and appreciation.
• School Events: Schools may host special events or activities where children prepare performances or crafts for their mothers.
• Family Gatherings: Families might come together for a meal to celebrate and spend quality time with each other.

Activities:

• Expressing Gratitude: Children, both young and adult, express their gratitude towards their mothers through poems, letters, or simple words of thanks.
• Flowers and Chocolates: It is common for mothers to receive flowers and chocolates from their loved ones on this day.
• Social Recognition: Media and social campaigns might highlight the importance of motherhood, sharing stories that celebrate maternal figures.

While not steeped in long-standing tradition due to its recent inception, Mother's Day provides an opportunity for Russians to acknowledge and appreciate the role of mothers within the family and society.