Tomorrow is Mother’s Day in Poland. Yes, here we celebrate it on the 26th of May. Why then and not on a weekend (like it should be)? Well, we’re just different.
But seriously, I don’t know why it’s the 26th of May in Poland. Personally, I find it very inconvenient. Let’s say you’re a mother and you had a busy day at work, then you go home and if you’re lucky your kids did the cleaning and cooking and shopping and all that. And then you can sit down, relax and celebrate together.
But most likely, the only thing your kids did was buy you a bunch of flowers. And maybe a card.
I’m not sure if this is just my impression, but Mother’s Day is not as commercialized here as it is, for example, in the US. True, flower shops have signs “Dzień Matki – 26 maja!” (Mother’s Day – 26th of May) and I saw some ads here and there reminding people to buy prezent dla mamy (a gift for mom). And that’s about it. It all seems very relaxed in Poland. Or maybe I’m not paying that much attention.
Still, personally I’d prefer to have this celebration during a weekend. Any weekend would do. Then mothers can herd their kids and guilt them into doing all sorts of housework (because there’s no need to worry about school the next day, there’s no homework waiting to be done), and the family can really spend time together, enjoy each other’s company and make this day a special one for mom.
And here? Quick, quick, it’s late already, eat your supper, oh yes, the cake (if the kids or their dad remembered to buy a cake in the first place), yes let’s have some cake, thank you, lovely flowers (wilted already), have you done your homework? And what about the dishes? You want ME to do the dishes on Mother’s Day? And the mom gives in, because the kids have to finish their homework. There’s no time to go to the movies, or have a picnic, or go to visit grandma.
Laugh at me all you want, but I do hope that someday Dzień Matki in Poland will be moved to a more convenient time. Like a beautiful May weekend when moms can sleep in and their kids make breakfast. A whole day off to celebrate would be the best present that mothers could get.
And to all the mothers, Polish or otherwise, who read this blog – have a wonderful Mother’s Day! Because every day should be Mother’s Day!
Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji Dnia Matki!
Comments:
Elizabeth Sadus:
I read somewhere that the reason Mother’s day is during the week is because that was communist invention. They wanted nothing to do with tying it to the church like the American version on Sunday. They wanted to have holidays to paint a nice picture of communism. Holidays, like Children’s Day & Grandparent’s Day and so on. Very secular. Nice blog topic!
basia:
Mother’s Day not falling on a weekend?!? How utterly barbaric. Where is the breakfast in bed? the flowers on a tray? a fancy brunch so mom doesn’t have to cook?
No thanks, this is one holiday I will not trade.
Anna:
Hi Elizabeth!
I heard that too, but you see, the problem is that Mother’s Day had been celebrated in Poland already before WW2, way before the communists got hold of it. Then again, I heard a very similar story about Women’s Day (now THAT was a cool commie invention!).
Hi Basia,
hear hear… I wouldn’t trade either!
🙂
Ronald:
Hi, I was wondering, if mother’s day in poland only for mother or more like to all woman?
And how do you say happy mother day in polish?
Thanks