Mother’s Day the Thai Tradition Way
In Thailand Mother’s Day is a national Holiday Celebrated yearly on August 12. When children greet their mother on Mother’s Day they do a full bow and prostrate themselves in front of her. This is a sign of utmost respect in Thailand. Then the mother bestows a blessing on the child.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon at the Washington Times in DC on August 14, 2021, the Thai Ethnic Online Community honored Thai mothers in collaboration with the WFWP DC Chapter under the theme of: "The Hope of Humanity Comes from Mothers.”
An introductory address about WFWP was given by Mrs. Angelika Selle, President of WFWP USA, also congratulating the Thai mothers, and thanking them for their quiet contributions to America in simply being good mothers! She said that “ we in America can learn much from your wonderful family culture which here in America has been declining over the last few decades! Thank you and congratulations!”
About 40 people attended the event in person of which eight Thai mothers were honored. We also had 17 people who attended via Zoom.
In Thailand, a jasmine garland is typically given to mothers on Mother's Day as a symbol of the pure love between child and mother. During our event here in Washington DC we used roses in place of jasmine flowers.
This is a Thai tradition which
Draws the mother and child close together
The mother bestows a blessing on the child
The child shows respect, kindness and honors the mother
On Mother’s Day in Thailand, they also celebrate the Queen’s birthday and honor her as the Mother of the Nation. We offered two bouquets of flowers for the queen.
Participants enjoyed the entertainment of Thai music and dance as well as refreshments. The Thai mothers were moved to see a WFWP video from Thailand introducing Mother’s Peace Network; this connected with President Selle words which captured the heart of the mothers who attended and they are now interested to know more about WFWP/GWPN and want to work with us.
Wasana Catalan, the chair of the Thai Ethnic Online Community USA and Elizabeth Aihe, chairwoman of WFWP DC chapter would like to thank all the participants, volunteers especially those who came from other states. Thank you to the Washington Times for the venue, our President of WFWP USA, Angelika Selle, Thai entertainers and to all the mothers who were honored . You all helped make this event a success. Thank you!
