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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Germany Series at GermanPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind German holidays and observances. I’m Matt, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 12 - Mother's Day. |
| In this lesson, we will discuss how people celebrate Mother's Day, known as Muttertag, in Germany. This day, in honor of all mothers, was celebrated for the first time in Germany in 1923. Though historically it was celebrated on a different day, eventually florist associations petitioned to have it officially shifted to the second Sunday in May. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, I've got a question for you- |
| On average, how much money do Germans spend every year on Mother's Day gifts? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later, so keep listening! |
| An American woman, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis, initiated numerous activities celebrating mothers starting in 1865, and this is why she is usually regarded as the founder of Mother's Day. Among other things, the Memorial Day Mothers Meeting was held in 1907, in which she commemorated the second anniversary of her mother’s death. A year later, she devoted a church service to all mothers. In over forty states in the USA, Mother's Day was already being celebrated by 1909. |
| In many kindergartens and schools, children make something for their mothers on the occasion of Mother's Day. Often, the children draw hearts, or a picture of their mother baking a cake in the kitchen. Flowers, called Blumen in German, or chocolates, called Pralinen, also count among typical Mother's Day gifts, which as a whole are called Muttertagsgeschenke. |
| On Mother's Day, some mothers don't have to work. Thus, usually take the opportunity to sleep late on this day, have a leisurely breakfast with their family, and go on a short trip with their children. For others, it is just an ordinary day. But sometimes, on this day, children help their mothers with the housework, like washing dishes or tidying up. |
| Some children give a Mother's Day card with a poem to their mothers, which is known as Muttertagsgedicht. Wilhelm Raabe wrote the following: "No wisdom taught on Earth can give us what a word and a view of the mother can give." |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| On average, how much money do Germans spend every year on Mother's Day gifts? |
| A German spends an average of 25 euros per year on Mother's Day gifts. |
| So listeners, how did you like this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting? |
| How do you celebrate Mother's Day in your country? |
| Leave a comment telling us at GermanPod101.com. Until next time! |
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