[For Elementary School Students] A Collection of Fun, Educational Quiz Ideas for Mother's Day

March

In Japan, Mother’s Day became popular in 1931, but it wasn’t held in May at that time. Back then, it took place in March to coincide with the Empress’s birthday. Later, in line with global practice, it was moved to the second Sunday of May, where it remains today. It’s interesting how the date has changed over time. Even if the form of Mother’s Day changes a little, the important feeling behind it—“a day to say thank you to mothers”—has always stayed the same.

On the bed

In the United States and the United Kingdom, there’s a slightly special custom for Mother’s Day: having Mom eat breakfast in bed. Just the idea of “breakfast in bed” makes the morning more relaxed and gives it a special feel. The key is that the family brings homemade bread, fruit, and drinks, along with their expressions of gratitude.

Virgin Mary

This is the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. According to legend, the tears Mary shed out of love for her child fell to the ground, and carnations bloomed there. For this reason, carnations came to be regarded as a symbol of a mother’s love. It may be that this deep story of love is connected to why this flower is chosen for Mother’s Day.

face

In Nepal, this is a day to visit your mother, look into her face, and express your gratitude. Rather than just giving flowers or gifts, actually seeing her in person and saying “thank you” makes it an important day that deepens the parent-child bond. There are many kinds of Mother’s Days around the world, but what they all share is a gentle feeling toward mothers.

The second Sunday of May

The date changes a little each year, but it’s easy to remember as the second Sunday in May. This is an important day to express “thank you” to mothers. It originally began as a custom in the United States and eventually spread to Japan. It has become a warm day when families show their appreciation in their own ways—by giving flowers, writing letters, or helping out.

Both the month and the date differ depending on the country.

In fact, both the month and the date differ by country. For example, in the United Kingdom it’s on a Sunday around spring, and in Thailand it’s in August—each country sets the date based on its history or someone important. Looking around the world, Mother’s Day takes many forms. Yet what all countries share is the gentle feeling that it’s a day to say “thank you” to mothers.

carnation

Red carnations carry feelings of “love for Mother” and “thank you.” Mother’s Day began when a kind American woman, Anna Jarvis, spread the idea of a day to show gratitude to mothers. In time, that sentiment reached Japan as well, and now on the second Sunday of May people give flowers and gifts. It’s wonderful to hand over beautiful flowers with the words “Thank you for everything.”

Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture is where the most carnations are grown in Japan. Nagano stays cool even in summer, and because there’s a big difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, it’s the perfect environment for growing strong, healthy flowers. Many brightly colored, long-lasting carnations are cultivated there. The beautiful carnations lined up in flower shops on Mother’s Day might very well be ones carefully grown in Nagano.

America

The country where Mother’s Day was born is the United States of America. Over 100 years ago, a woman named Anna Jarvis began calling for a day to thank mothers. Anna cherished her late mother and wanted to share those feelings with many people. In time, her wish spread across the nation, and Mother’s Day was established.

Norway

There are many different Mother’s Days around the world, but the country that celebrates it earliest in the year is Norway. In Norway, there is a day to express gratitude to mothers on the second Sunday of February. Although it’s still a cold time of year, there is a warm custom of conveying thanks with flowers and cards.