Lesser-known facts about Mother’s Day that might surprise you—tidbits you’ll want to share with someone
When we think of Mother’s Day, we often picture a day to express gratitude to our mothers and give them carnations.
However, there may be surprisingly few people who know about its origins or how it’s celebrated around the world.
Trivia related to Mother’s Day is full of stories that will make you want to share them with someone the more you dig in! In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of Mother’s Day trivia.
The more you learn, the more Mother’s Day may feel like an even more special day than it does now!
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Lesser-Known Trivia About Mother’s Day: Fun Facts You’ll Want to Share (21–30)
The origin of Mother’s Day in the United States is a memorial service for a woman held in 1908.
Do you know the origins of Mother’s Day in the United States? Mother’s Day usually has a happy image, but it was different at first.
On May 10, 1907, Anna Jarvis offered carnations at a memorial service for her mother, Ann Jarvis, who had been engaged in political activism.
From there, it gradually came to be recognized as a day to express gratitude to mothers.
That’s why we give carnations on Mother’s Day.
By the way, it seems that it started to be called “Mother’s Day” around 1950.
In Thailand, Queen Sirikit’s birthday is considered Mother’s Day.
In Japan, Mother’s Day is on the second Sunday of May, but in Thailand it is fixed on August 12.
The reason is that this date is Queen Sirikit’s birthday.
It seems to be based on the idea that the queen is the mother of all citizens.
Also, while giving carnations is standard in Japan, in Thailand it’s said that children wash their mother’s feet.
They wash her feet in a basin of water and express their daily gratitude.
By the way, based on the same idea, Father’s Day in Thailand is the king’s birthday.
In Japan, Mother’s Day used to be set in March.
Speaking of Mother’s Day, it’s on the second Sunday of May, right? But in the past, a different date was officially designated as Mother’s Day.
In fact, Mother’s Day was first established in Japan in 1931.
At that time, it was decided that March 6—the birthday of the Empress, consort of Emperor Showa—would be Mother’s Day, but it apparently didn’t catch on widely among the public.
Later, an event hosted by a confectionery company in 1937 became the catalyst, and the current date took root as Mother’s Day.
Quite a winding path, wasn’t it?
There are countries that don’t have Mother’s Day and instead celebrate it as Parents’ Day.
In South Korea and Albania, May 8 is Parents’ Day.
In South Korea, it was originally called Mother’s Day, but people questioned why it honored only mothers, and in 1973 the name was changed to Parents’ Day.
On the day, it’s customary to have a meal with one’s parents or give them gifts.
Incidentally, as in Japan, there is also a culture of giving carnations.
I had thought that giving carnations was only for Mother’s Day, but it seems that’s the same even for Parents’ Day.
Overseas, there is a custom of having breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day.
On Mother’s Day, many of us have probably thought, “I want to show appreciation to Mom for getting up early every day to make breakfast.” In Western countries, there’s a tradition called “breakfast in bed,” where breakfast is brought to the mother while she’s still in bed.
A sandwich and coffee are placed on a tray and served right on the bed.
Mom can wake up and enjoy a leisurely, elegant breakfast just like that.
On overseas recipe websites, you’ll even see special “breakfast in bed” recipe features around that time of year.
Red and white carnations each have their own meanings.
It’s widely known that carnations are given on Mother’s Day.
However, it’s less known that the meaning varies depending on the color.
Traditionally, there are two colors for carnations: red if the mother is alive, and white if she has passed away.
Incidentally, the flowers offered by Anna Jarvis, who started Mother’s Day, were white because they were in memory of her late mother.
That said, this custom isn’t strongly observed today, so there’s no need to worry about it too much.
Yellow carnations are not suitable as gifts.
It’s customary to give carnations on Mother’s Day, but carnations come in many colors, and each color has a different meaning.
Red carnations mean “a mother’s love,” white means “pure love,” pink means “a woman’s love,” and blue means “eternal happiness.” As for yellow carnations, despite their bright appearance, their meanings are negative, such as “jealousy” and “contempt.” Even if your mother likes yellow, remember that it’s not suitable for expressing gratitude.
The literal translation of the scientific name of the carnation is “flower of the gods.”
The scientific name of the carnation is said to literally mean “flower of the gods.” It comes from Greek words related to walnut and leaf, named because the carnation’s scent is said to resemble that of walnuts.
The carnation’s general floral meaning is “pure and deep love.” Different colors also carry their own meanings.
The most popular red carnation signifies “a mother’s love” and “deep love.” There are also pink, white, and yellow varieties, so adding the corresponding flower meanings when giving them as a gift is sure to be appreciated!
Nagano Prefecture has the highest carnation production in Japan.
Nagano Prefecture produces the most carnations in Japan.
In 2050, the shipment volume is 44 million stems, accounting for over 20% of the market share.
Carnation cultivation began in Nagano in the early Showa era, and today it is known as one of the prefecture’s specialty products.
By the way, Aichi Prefecture ranks second in carnation share, boasting over 36.4 million stems shipped.
Third place is Hokkaido, fourth is Hyogo, and fifth is Chiba.
Which prefecture are the carnations you’re giving from?
The meaning of carnations changes depending on the number of stems.
When it comes to Mother’s Day, many people probably think of carnations.
The meaning of carnations changes depending on how many you give.
It’s said that 8 and 12 stems are recommended for Mother’s Day.
Eight stems mean “Thank you for your thoughtfulness,” making them perfect for expressing gratitude.
Twelve stems mean “I love you.” This is called a “dozen flowers,” with each of the 12 stems symbolizing feelings such as love, respect, and gratitude.
Wishing you a wonderful Mother’s Day!