Thai Mother’s Day, or “Wan Mae,” is a cherished occasion here in Chiang Mai, Thailand, celebrated on the 12th of August each year, coinciding with the Queen’s birthday. This beautiful tradition has been observed since 1976, and it’s all about honoring not only the mother of the Thai nation but mothers all around the world. It’s a day filled with pageantry, heartfelt displays of affection, and thoughtful gifts.
Now, it’s important to note that Thai Mother’s Day is distinct from international Mother’s Day, which falls earlier in the year. In the weeks leading up to Mother’s Day, you’ll notice blue flags with the Queen’s crest adorning homes and businesses. Each day of the week in Thailand is associated with a specific color, and Friday is represented by blue, a tribute to the Queen, as she was born on a Friday.
As with many significant events in Thai culture, traditional celebrations begin with alms giving to monks in the early morning, a meaningful act of making merit. Schools usually host special Mother’s Day ceremonies with performances, and children take the opportunity to individually honor their mothers for their selfless sacrifice and unwavering dedication.
In urban areas like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, families often treat their moms to a special meal, and many restaurants and hotels offer delightful Mother’s Day specials.
A traditional Thai Mother’s Day gift is jasmine, symbolizing purity and grace. This fragrant flower is available as blossoms, representing motherhood and maternal love, as well as in intricate garlands found everywhere. Children often purchase or even create their own garlands to express their deep affection for their mothers. You can also find synthetic jasmine pins and bouquets. Whatever way you choose to celebrate, make sure it’s a day filled with joy and appreciation for the mothers, grandmothers, and other important women with children in your family.
If you’re looking for a special way to show your mom you care, consider making a flower garland. It’s easy to order jasmine flowers from the local flower market and get the whole family involved in creating a meaningful gift for Mom. You can check out this helpful video for a step-by-step guide.
Handcrafted with Love
Reflecting on the years I’ve spent here in Chiang Mai, Thailand, some of the dearest treasures I’ve received have been lovingly crafted from odds and ends, embellished with sequins, stickers, and handcrafted cards. Creating a special gift for Mom is something that warms the hearts of all children. It’s that innate desire to please their parents that results in countless paintings and drawings adorning every mom’s fridge or office whiteboard.
Keep the kids busy with colored paper, glue, sequins, and images of Mom, allowing them to express their individual creativity. From footprint cards to paper flower pots and bouquets, the possibilities are endless. Some of the most cherished handcrafted Mother’s Day gifts, stored with love in all moms’ treasure troves, are painted with little fingers or ingeniously assembled from plastic containers and bits of pasta.
Mother’s Day Presents
In addition to the more conventional Mother’s Day gifts, akin to the international celebration, moms worldwide appreciate being pampered with their favorite indulgences during these special times of the year. For an exceptionally delightful treat, why not try your luck in winning our exquisite collection of Mother’s Day gifts, available HERE.
Whether the mother you’re honoring is still changing diapers, taught you how to swim, or has been expertly juggling homeschooling, office work, and preparing three daily meals, she undoubtedly deserves a well-earned break. Now is the perfect moment to provide her with some five-star treatment and express just how much she is valued, and rest assured, we’ve got you covered.
Hey Dads and kids, pay close attention: Nothing conveys “I Love You” quite like chocolate and flowers! (Moms, feel free to subtly forward this link to Dad for some not-so-subtle hints about your special day.) You can find a wonderful list of ideas to make your mom feel extra special right here.
There’s truly nothing quite like the joy of receiving a surprise bouquet of flowers at your doorstep, no matter the season or occasion. From stunning flower bouquets to elegant potted orchids, or even just ordering loose flowers and letting the kids transform them into adorable posies, the charm of fresh blooms is simply irresistible. As any reputable florist will tell you, few gestures convey “I love you” as eloquently as a bouquet of flowers—well, perhaps chocolate, too!
Dads, look below for a list of online florists to seize the opportunity to earn some significant brownie points!
HAPPY THAI MOTHERS DAY!
