Mother’s Day Sales

Believe it or not, Mother’s Day is not celebrated in Korea. Unlike other countries, South Korea doesn’t celebrate fathers and mothers separately. They have designated a single day to show them gratitude and affection. Therefore, on May 8 of each year, South Korea celebrates ‘Parents’ Day’, a date for showing love and respect to both. But why? In 1930, a few Christian communities held a festival for mothers. But over time, they began to merge with Confucian traditions, and the mother celebration began to spread in Korea. Because of that, Mother’s Day was established as an annual holiday until 1956. Although many people celebrate it every year, this day is not a national holiday. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare organizes many activities. 

However, many people asked that a day be created to celebrate dads too, which is why, in 1973, Mother’s Day was renamed Parent’s Day. On this day, the Korean family usually wears bouquets made of red, pink, and white carnations, which have different meanings. The color depends on the people who give it away. For example, the flower will be red when both parents are alive; pink when one of the two has died, and white is when both parents died.