Mother's Day in Thailand

Mother's Day is held on the Queen's birthday. A big ceremony is held during school to honor the mothers. Many speeches are given as well as songs and skits to honor the mothers. It is genuinely emotional with many tears being shed. The students realize how many sacrifices their mothers make and don't seem to take everything for granted. Some of the mothers work in Bangkok (about a 5-6 hour bus ride) and made the effort to be at the ceremony. The mothers are seated (8-10 at a time) and their children come up and kneel at their feet, bow three times, and exchange emotional hugs. For the students whose mothers are not in attendance, female teachers are seated and serve as substitute mothers. Although this was just one more instance of classes being cancelled, it plays a major role in preserving culture and promoting respect -- something sorely missed in America.