Thailand Holidays - Mother's Day (Queen Mother's Birthday)

The attitude towards the royal family in Thailand is akin to the attitude towards religion. Thais treat royal birthdays with special reverence. On August 12, 1976, the name day of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit (full name Momrachavongse Sirikit Kitiyakara) was marked by a national holiday - Mother's Day, which was previously celebrated on April 15. The prototype of Thailand's Mother's Day was a similar American holiday, which was celebrated by the US military contingent in Thailand. Queen Sirikit is the personification of femininity and wisdom for the people of the country. People truly love her. Every Thai knows by heart the story of their acquaintance with the King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej. Sirikit was born into the family of a prominent Thai diplomat. She spent a lot of time in other countries, especially in France, where they met the king. At that time, Bhumiphon was in a serious car accident, and Sirikit supported and nursed him in the hospital for a long time. It was then that the young people fell in love with each other. In 1950, Bhumibol Adulyadej assumed the title of Rama IX and Sirikit became queen. The royal couple were inseparable. They attended all events together. From business trips to fitness checks of the Thai armed forces. Sirikit was always close to King Bhumibol Adulyadej until his last day and lived with him for several years in a Bangkok hospital until his death. Through her example, Sirikit shows the whole country what it means to be an exemplary wife and mother. She has four children, a prince and three princesses. The Queen devotes almost all her time to charitable activities and helping regions of the country suffering from disasters due to drought or flood. With its financial support, more than 350 projects were implemented aimed at eliminating illiteracy in rural areas and developing handicrafts. In addition, during her trips abroad, the Queen actively promotes a tolerant attitude towards the Muslim religion and indifference to the hard life of the poor population. During her reign, the queen managed to do so much good for her country that the Thai people love her like a mother. Preparations for the holiday begin several weeks in advance. Blue flags with the symbols of the royal house are hung on the streets. People wear blue clothes. The blue color was not chosen by chance. This color is associated in Thailand with Friday, and it was on Friday that the queen was born. In addition to flags, the streets are decorated with portraits of Sirikit and garlands of flowers. On this day, it is customary for women and girls to give bouquets and garlands of jasmine, a symbol of pure maternal love, or cards with an image of this flower and good wishes. In the families of ordinary Thais, they also display a portrait of the queen and decorate the house with jasmine. Children read poems, thank their mothers for their love, give small gifts and promise to always take care of them. Together they attend holiday services, where they make generous donations. The holiday begins and ends with a big fireworks display. In Bangkok, after the morning fireworks, to the sounds of the national anthem, a huge procession of people of all ages and professions and the army heads to the palace. There, a small delegation presents the Queen's confidant with a large beautiful bouquet and congratulations. Festive concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and sporting events are held at all venues in the country. But the most important event of this day is the ceremony in the royal garden. In the evening, a huge number of people light thousands of candles, thereby showing their deepest respect and love for the queen.