Holidays in Thailand: Celebrating Mother’s Day Across Generations

Holly (Holiday Bear) 8 min read

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Mother’s Day, also known as "Wan Mae," holds significant importance in Thailand as it celebrates the cherished values of family and reflects the deep respect for the role of motherhood within the Thai culture 🥳 It is celebrated on August 12th every year; and the day is also special as it honors the Queen of Thailand, Queen Sirikit, who is known as the mother of the nation 🎉️

Most importantly, it is a time to show love, respect, and appreciation for mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures 🥳 It is a day in Thailand when people give their mothers gifts, cards, or flowers to show gratitude and affection. It is also common for families to gather together and enjoy a meal or engage in other activities to celebrate the mother and child bond 🎉️

I'll be providing a comprehensive guide to the celebration of Mother's Day in Thailand, including information on the history of the holiday, the customs and traditions associated with it, and a few tips for celebrating this special day in Thailand 🥳

I hope this article will help you better understand and appreciate the importance of Mother's Day in Thailand and inspire you to visit this beautiful country to experience the celebration for yourself 🎉️

  Holiday Fact!

While many countries around the world celebrate Mother's Day, the dates of the holiday vary widely. In the UK, Mother's Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. In Thailand, Mother's Day is observed on August 12th. Ethiopia celebrates Mother's Day as part of a larger three-day celebration called Antrosht.

Mother's Day is celebrated in many countries worldwide, typically on the second Sunday in May 🎉️ It's a truly special occasion dedicated to honoring and appreciating mothers, acknowledging their significant role in our lives. The modern version of Mother's Day was first celebrated in the United States in the early 20th century and has since spread to many other countries 🥳

It is also a time to recognize the hard work and sacrifices that mothers make for their families. It is especially a day to celebrate the love and care that mothers provide and honor their important role in our lives, and thank them for all they do 🎉️

A Brief History of Mother's Day in Thailand

Mother's Day was initially observed in Thailand on April 15, 1950. However, the date was later shifted to August 12 in 1976 to coincide with the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, who is affectionately regarded as the Mother of all Thai people 🥳

Throughout the month of August, public spaces are adorned with splendid decorations and illuminated with lights to commemorate the queen's birthday. Portraits of Queen Sirikit are prominently displayed, and the preparations for this special occasion commence several weeks in advance 🎉️

As the queen's birthday approaches, citizens raise the national flag and embellish their residences with her portrait as a demonstration of their respect and devotion to her.

Importance of Mother's Day in Thailand 

Over time, Mother's Day became an important holiday in Thailand, and people began celebrating it in various ways. Schools held ceremonies to honor mothers, and many gave their mothers gifts or took them to dinner 🥳 In addition to honoring mothers, Mother's Day in Thailand is also a time to show respect for the Queen and the royal family, as I mentioned earlier.

On August 12th, many people wear yellow or light blue as a sign of respect 🎉️ Today, Mother's Day remains an important holiday in Thailand because apart from honoring mothers and the queen; it's also a time for families to come together and express their love and gratitude for one another 🥳

Queen Sirikit: A Mother of the Thai Nation

Queen Sirikit is the Queen dowager of Thailand and the widow of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who ruled Thailand from 1946 until he died in 2016 🎉️

Born on August 12, 1932 in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), Thailand, she is the daughter of the Thai ambassador to France. She has played an important role in Thailand's cultural and social life for many years 🥳 Queen Sirikit is known for her dedication to traditional Thai culture and charitable work supporting health, education, and the arts.

In particular, she has been a strong advocate for the conservation of Thai silk and has worked to promote the use of traditional Thai textiles in modern fashion. The Queen has supported women's rights and education throughout her life 🎉️ She has established several organizations dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in Thailand and has been a vocal advocate for their rights and well-being. 

Since the death of her husband in 2016, Queen Sirikit has largely withdrawn from public life due to her advanced age and declining health. However, she remains an important figure in Thai society and is widely respected for her contributions to the country's cultural and social development.

  Holiday Trivia

Queen Sirikit is known for her fashion sense and love of traditional Thai textiles. So, you can enjoy so many offers throughout the day in many shopping malls and textiles in Thailand.

How to Celebrate Mother's Day in Thailand?

Mother's Day Concert

During the day, a Mother's Day concert is held at the Thailand Cultural Centre in Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) 🎉️ It features performances by some of Thailand's most popular singers and musicians and is attended by thousands yearly.

Queen Sirikit Park

Named in honor of Queen Sirikit, the park boasts exquisite gardens, a serene lake, and a diverse range of recreational amenities 🥳 On Mother's Day, the park is decorated with flowers and other decorations, and there are often special events and activities for families to enjoy.

Offers

Many hotels and restaurants in Thailand also offer special Mother's Day promotions and packages, such as discounted spa treatments or special menus for Mother's Day brunch or dinner 🎉️ However, there are also celebrations in many parts of the country, such as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok), Chiang Mai, and Phuket, that may be worth exploring as well.

Symbolic Jasmine Flowers: Celebrating Mother's Day

The Jasmine flower, also known as the "Dok Mali" flower in Thai, has a special connection with Mother's Day celebrations in Thailand 🎉️ It is widely considered a symbol of maternal love and is often given as a gift to mothers on Mother's Day. 

In Thailand, it is a tradition to wear or offer Jasmine garlands on Mother's Day as a way of showing appreciation and respect for mothers 🥳 These garlands are made by stringing together Jasmine flowers, and street vendors and florists often sell them throughout the country in the days leading up to Mother's Day.

In addition to being a popular gift for mothers, Jasmine flowers are also used to decorate public spaces and buildings on Mother's Day in Thailand 🎉️ The flowers are hung on buildings, draped over monuments, and arranged in public gardens and parks, creating a beautiful and fragrant display that adds to the day's festive atmosphere. 

Accordingly, the Jasmine flower has become essential to Mother's Day celebrations in Thailand and symbolizes Thai people's deep love and respect for their mothers 🥳

A Special Day Celebration for All Mothers

In Thailand, Mother's Day is primarily a time for showing love and appreciation toward mothers. However, it can also be an enjoyable time for families 🎉️ Many families choose to go on outings or vacations, enjoy special meals, participate in fun activities, or work on creative projects together on Mother's Day.

During this period, families come together to share meaningful moments, creating cherished memories that honor the significant role of mothers in our lives 🥳 Thailand is usually well-known for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful scenery, and there are many ways that travelers can enjoy these offerings during Mother's Day. 

Festivities

Many cities and towns in Thailand hold festivals or events during Mother's Day, such as parades, performances, or cultural activities 🎉️ These events can be fun to experience Thai culture and celebrate the holiday with locals.

Sightseeing

Thailand is home to many beautiful temples, palaces, and natural attractions, and Mother's Day can be a great time to explore these sights 🥳 Many attractions may offer special discounts or extended hours during the holiday.

Family Activities

If traveling with family, many activities can be enjoyed together, such as visiting a local water park or amusement park, taking a family-friendly cooking class, or going on a boat tour 🎉️

Charity Events

Some organizations may hold charity events during Mother's Day to support mothers and families in need 🎉️ This can be a great way to give back to the local community and experience the spirit of giving during the holiday.

Sights to Behold on Mother's Day in Thailand

Participating in traditional Mother's Day celebrations includes giving to monks 🎉️ Early morning ceremonies involve offering food to saffron-robed Buddhist monks in Thailand. Schools often host Mother's Day ceremonies, where mothers visit their children's schools.

During these ceremonies, children kneel before their mothers, expressing respect and gratitude for all they have done 🥳 This touching moment often brings tears of joy to both mothers and children. Handmade cards are a common gift from young children, while other gifts and special meals are also part of the celebrations 🎉️ Some restaurants even offer promotions to enhance the joyful times shared between mothers and children on this national holiday.

Happy Mother's Day to All Mothers in the World!

Whether you are a local or a visitor, celebrating Mother's Day in Thailand is a great way to experience the warmth and hospitality of Thai culture while honoring the important role that mothers play in our lives 🥳 So, on this Mother's Day, I wish all mothers a joyful day and invite everyone to visit Thailand and enjoy the celebrations! 🎉️