Mother's Day in Ukraine

Many people in Ukraine show their love and appreciation for their mothers or mother-figures in Ukraine on Mother’s Day, which is on the second Sunday in May.

Mothers and mother figures are remembered on Mother's Day in Ukraine.

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What do people do?

Mother’s Day is an occasion to buy cards, flowers, chocolates, jewelry and other gifts for mothers or mother-type figures who have been role models in their lives. Some restaurants offer special Mother’s Day breakfasts, lunches or dinners. Mother’s Day is also celebrated on a wider scale around the world.

Public life

Mother’s Day is an observance and not an official public holiday in Ukraine.

Background

Early Mother's Day celebrations can be dated back to the spring celebrations to honor Rhea, the Mother of the Gods, in ancient Greek civilization, according to some sources. The modern-day origins of Mother's Day can be attributed to two women in the United States – Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis – who organized Mother’s Day activities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mother’s Day has grown into a global event celebrated in many countries including Ukraine.

Symbols

Flowers are a common way to symbolize love and appreciation for a mother or mother figure on Mother’s Day.

Mother's Day Observances

Other holidays in May 2013 in Ukraine

• Labor Day ―Wednesday, May 1, 2013
• Labor Day Holiday ―Thursday, May 2, 2013
• Orthodox Easter Day ―Sunday, May 5, 2013
• Orthodox Easter Day holiday ―Monday, May 6, 2013
• Victory Day / Memorial Day ―Thursday, May 9, 2013
• Europe Day ―Saturday, May 18, 2013
• Kiev Day ―Sunday, May 26, 2013
• Cultural Workers and Folk Artists Day ―Sunday, May 26, 2013