Celebrating Haitian Mothers: Poto Mitan (the pillar) in the Haitian household and community
Are you curious about Haitian Mother’s Day and how it is celebrated in Haiti?
If so, whether you’re Haitian, American, Haitian American, or a curious George, you have come to the right place.
As a Haitian American born in Haiti, I have witnessed how Haitian Mother’s Day is celebrated both in Haiti and the U.S.
Haitian mothers are the pillar or “Poto Mitan” in their household and the Haitian community.
And although Haitian mothers are celebrated all over the world on Haitian Mother’s Day, it makes sense to acknowledge the significance of celebrating this day.
What is Haitian Mother’s Day?
Haitian Mother’s Day is a special day when all Haitian mothers are celebrated worldwide. This day is particularly an important day for Haitian mothers who were born and raised in Haiti and who gave birth to their children in Haiti.
Haitian Mother’s Day is a significant holiday because Haitian women face an unprecedented challenge during and after pregnancy where the neonatal, infant, child, and maternal mortality rates in Haiti are the highest in the Western Hemisphere.
Because Haiti has the highest mortality rates for infants, children under five years, and pregnant women, it is essential to show mothers who survived pregnancy and childbirth just how much they are loved and appreciated by their children and the Haitian community.
When is Haitian Mother’s Day in Haiti?
Haitian Mother’s Day is celebrated in Haiti and worldwide on the last or 4th Sunday of May.
How is Haitian Mother’s Day Celebrated in Haiti?
During Mother’s Day in Haiti, all mothers are celebrated, aunts, sisters, neighbors, etc. This particular day is honored through extended church and prayer services where all mothers, Protestant or Catholic, are dressed in their Sunday best.
The women’s ministry in the Protestant church usually sings prepared song selections, and skits and stories are shared about mothers.
Flowers are also a big part of this celebration— and those who can honor their moms with gifts.
Because the economy in Haiti isn’t the best, most mothers in Haiti want to feel loved, honored, and appreciated for their hard work, resilience, and perseverance with flowers and sentimental gestures.
How to wish your mom a Happy Mother’s day in Haitian creole
If you would like to wish your Haitian mom a Happy Mother’s Day in Haitian Creole, the best way to say this phrase is “bonne fete maman cherie.” And don’t forget to add the hugs and kisses after wishing your Haitian mom a Happy Mother’s Day.
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5 Unique Gestures Your Haitian Mom Will Love
1) Buy her flowers
As I have mentioned, flowers are a big part of the Haitian Mother’s Day celebration. Real or fake, Haitian mothers absolutely LOVE flowers. Getting your mom flowers is a gesture she will most certainly appreciate.
2) Give her a break
My three brothers still live in Haiti and one thing they always do for our mom on Haitian Mother’s Day is give her the day off. On that day, they make her breakfast, cook all the other meals, wash the dishes, and keep the house tidy.
3) Write her a poem
Writing your mom a sentimental poem is a great way to bond with your mommy on this special day.
4) Treat her to a spa day
Moms in general love to get pampered. Taking her to a spa where she can get a massage and facial and get her nails done is the perfect way to help your mom relax.
5) Buy her a gift
If you’re in the position to buy your mom an actual gift, she won’t be mad at you! Gifting her a sentimental gift like a necklace or bracelet is a plus.
See and click on the collage above for gift suggestions for your precious mom.
Haitian mothers are resilient and have had to be strong through many unprecedented situations. When it’s their day to be celebrated, they deserve to be honored wholeheartedly.
