Mother's Day in Baden: Political controversy and cancellations cause excitement!

Mother's Day in Baden: Political controversy and cancellations cause excitement!

Mother's Day, which is traditionally celebrated in many countries on the second Sunday in May, has caused tensions and discussions in recent years, especially in Lower Austria. For example, Our Central Europe about an incident in the Baden district, in which a handicraft lesson was canceled in kindergarten. The reason for this cancellation was an instruction to do no activities for Mother's Day out of respect for other cultures. A mother asked about this decision, which was ultimately an individual decision of an employee and was not enacted by a superordinate authority.

This situation led to a wave of political criticism, especially on the part of the FPÖ. Secretary General Michael Schledlitz commented negatively on the asylum policy of the ÖVP and emphasized that Austrian culture should not be given up. In his opinion, it is important that immigrants respect domestic values ​​and traditions.

social dimensions of the Mother's Day

Mother's Day should basically contribute to visibility and appreciation for mothers. As motherhood and feminism determine the social perspective on mothers vary strongly. Mothers in advertising and media are often presented idealized, which leads to an invisible disadvantage and contempt for their care work. These perspectives forget the difficult realities of many mothers who are disadvantaged by social norms and economic structures.

In the case of gender issues and the topic of Mother's Day, it becomes clear that structural inequalities and everyday psychological stress, as reinforced by Corona pandemic, are often ignored. Rather, a real appreciation for mothers would require feminist solidarity and a topic of their life realities.

economic effects

in Austria and Germany, Mother's Day also has considerable economic implications. In Germany in particular, sales of around 900 million euros are forecast during this time, while Austria is with around 220 million euros. According to leader magazine are flowers, sweets, perfume and vouchers popular gifts.

• top industry in Austria:
  • Floristik: A third of the flower sales in May concentrate on the Mother's Day week.
  • Food trade: high demand for chocolates and delicatessen.
  • cosmetics and perfumer: coveted gift sets and fragrances.
  • gastronomy: higher reservation numbers in restaurants.
  • Tourism: Short breaks and day trips as gift ideas.

Advertising on this occasion has also changed significantly. Companies invest millions in emotional campaigns via TV, social media and influencer marketing, which makes Mother's Day not only a social but also an economic phenomenon. It is becoming increasingly clear that many existing ideas of “right” families and mothers have to be critically questioned in advertising.

The coming years will show whether and how the importance of Mother's Day will develop. Topics such as sustainability, personalization and the integration of fathers could play a central role. The discussion about Mother's Day will therefore remain relevant because it linked both personal appreciation and economic dynamics.