Mother’s Day is celebrated in Thailand on August 12th, the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. It is a national holiday, and people across the country celebrate the special bond between mothers and their children.
Known for her selfless charity work and her role as the honorary president of the Thai Red Cross, she embodied the virtues of nurturing, care, and service that are associated with mothers. To commemorate her birth and the values she represents, 12 August was established as a day to celebrate all mothers and maternal figures throughout Thailand.
It’s a moment to pause and reflect on the influence of maternal figures in our lives. While it celebrates the Queen Mother’s birthday, it also highlights the importance of every mother in the country, making it a true double celebration in Thailand.
In the lead-up to Mother’s Day, the Thai spirit is very visible. Blue flags, showcasing the Queen’s individual crest, stream from homes and businesses. The choice of colour isn’t random. In Thailand, each day of the week is associated with a specific colour. And Friday, the day of Queen Sirikit’s birth, is represented by blue.
The day isn’t just about blue flags, though. You may also see Thai citizens hanging up portraits of the Queen in an exuberant show of affection and loyalty. Public spaces, too, are adorned with stunning decorations and twinkling lights as the Queen’s birthday approaches. Local businesses participate in the celebrations as well, decking out their establishments with the Queen’s portraits, vibrant garlands, and colorful illuminations to signal the upcoming festivities and acknowledge the Queen’s contributions to Thailand.
One of the most popular ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Thailand is to give flowers. Jasmine flowers, known as dok mali in Thai, are the traditional gift for Mother’s Day. Jasmine is associated with purity and gentleness in Thai culture, and it is believed to bring good luck and happiness.
Other popular Mother’s Day gifts in Thailand include fruit baskets, cakes, and chocolates. Children may also make their mothers handmade gifts, such as cards or drawings.
On Mother’s Day, it is customary for children to take their mothers out for a special meal or to visit them at home. Many families also attend religious services or make merit in honor of their mothers.
Mother’s Day is a time to show appreciation for the mothers and maternal figures in our lives. It is a day to celebrate the love, care, and support that mothers give us.
Here are some other ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Thailand:
- Visit a temple or shrine to pray for your mother’s health and happiness.
- Give your mother a massage or spa treatment.
- Cook her a special meal or take her out to eat at her favorite restaurant.
- Write her a letter or poem expressing your love and gratitude.
- Spend some quality time with her, doing something that she enjoys.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, make sure to let your mother know how much you appreciate her on Mother’s Day!