Although the idea of Mother's Day originally came from the United States, Japan has embraced it and added its own cultural touches. The celebration began to spread in Japan during the Taisho era, influenced by Christian churches and women's organizations. Later, in 1936, a well-known confectionery company called Morinaga helped popularize the holiday by organizing events such as a nationwide song contest dedicated to mothers. These activities were widely covered by the media and helped make the day more familiar to people across the country.

The official celebration of Mother's Day in Japan began in 1949, inspired by a touching letter from Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother's Day in the United States. The letter was sent to Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo and moved many people, including missionaries, who helped spread the message of honoring mothers.

One of the most beloved symbols of Mother's Day in Japan is the carnation. As the day approaches, flower shops are filled with red, pink, and purple carnations. These are sold in bouquets or potted arrangements. Each color has its own meaning--red stands for deep love, pink for gratitude and grace, and purple for pride. White carnations represent remembrance and are usually reserved for mothers who have passed away.

Besides flowers, it is common to give small gifts such as clothes, accessories, or handwritten letters to show love and appreciation. Sweets like cakes and cookies are also popular, and many shops offer special gift sets for the occasion. While there is no traditional food for Mother's Day in Japan, many families choose to take their mothers out to a nice restaurant or prepare a meal at home.

In Thailand, Mother's Day is celebrated on August 12th, the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. It is traditional to give jasmine flowers, which symbolize purity and the deep, unconditional love between a mother and child.

Although different countries may celebrate Mother's Day on different dates and in different ways, the purpose remains the same: to express love and gratitude to mothers. As an international student at Iwate University, it is eye-opening to learn about these traditions and how they are shared around the world. Does your country have a similar or different way of celebrating Mother's Day? Let's share and learn together.

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