The second Sunday in May every year is Mother's Day, which this year is May 12.
On this occasion, many of you are probably planning gifts amongst your families to express appreciation to your mother.
In Japan, it is an important day that has become a seasonal event, but many people may not know the origin of why it is celebrated on this day in May.
Origin of Mother's Day in the United States
There are several theories, but the most famous comes from an event in 1907.
Anna Jarvis, who lived in the United States, held a memorial service for her deceased mother.
She handed out white carnations, her mother's favorite flower, to those in attendance.
This sparked a movement that spread throughout the United States to show appreciation for mothers.
Anna's late mother was always passionate about fundraising and peace activities, which must have had a great influence on Anna, who grew up watching her.
Her participation in these social movements was significant because, as a woman during the 1900s, her social status at the time was weaker than that of men.
Anna's carnations came about at a time when the movement to improve the social status of women was becoming more and more active.
Inheriting her mother's wishes, Anna's diligent actions have finally borne fruit.
Later, in 1914, then U.S. President Wilson designated the second Sunday in May, the day Anna's mother died, as Mother's Day. It became a national holiday.
Mother's Day Introduced to Japan
Then, around the end of the Meiji period (1868-1912), the custom was introduced to Japan, mainly by Christians.
In Japan, carnations given on Mother's Day are usually red, not white.
White carnations have a strong connotation of "remembering one's deceased mother", so they were replaced by red carnations, which represent "love for one's mother".
The fact that Mother's Day events have become so common today is largely due to the fact that in 1937, Morinaga Seika created the "Morinaga Mother's Day Convention".
The event was held on an outdoor stage at Toshimaen Garden in Tokyo, and 200,000 mothers were invited, with the event being covered by the media.
The invitation ticket included a train ticket, a ticket to Toshimaen, a ticket for Morinaga confectionery, and a lottery ticket.
At the same time, pictures and essays on the theme of "My Mother" were called for from kindergartens and elementary schools across the country. It became a major event with as many as 2,500 schools participating.The event was held every year until 1941, when it was discontinued due to the outbreak of the Pacific War. The event became a model for the Mother's Day events we see today.
Mother's Day Around the World
Like Japan, many countries observe Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May.
Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany, Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Turkey, South Africa, Brazil, Chile and Colombia are some examples.
Although the dates may vary, France, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, and South Korea are also in May.
If you are in Australia, the traditional flower for mothers is the chrysanthemum flower, called a "mum" (nowadays, it is not limited to chrysanthemums, but also roses, etc.).
In Italy, it is azalea flowers, and in some countries, there are no limited flowers.
In Korea, the father is included as a recipient of the gift, making it "Parents' Day".
In Hungary, it is "Women's Day", for all women, not just mothers.
In all countries, however, it is generally the same — to give flowers and gifts to mothers as a token of appreciation.
However, the flowers given are not limited to carnations, and the recipients of the gifts are not limited to mothers alone.
It is interesting to note that each country has its own customs and traditions!
Mother's Day gifts selected by SHU.
SHU. has preselected gifts for your mother as a token of our appreciation.
In May, the number of hot and humid days will increase.
Here is a portable and convenient fan to cool off easily at such times and a free-size tin bracelet that looks soft in the approaching summer sunlight.
We will also introduce a gift set of stacking cups and coasters that are perfect for daily use.
Nishikawa Shouroku Shoten | Kemari Fan
Nishikawa Shouroku Shoten | Kemari Fan that looks both like a kemari ball unraveling and rolling away, and like the mark left by playing around with a kemari.The rhythmic rolling of the ball is joyful.
The line on the fan is embroidered, and the ball part is made of pure silk with Kyoto-style braided cord.
It is not only cute but is also a fan full of Nishikawa Shouroku Shouten taste with attention to detail.
Two colors are available: a bright golden yellow and a light gray silver.
NAGAE PLUS | TIN BREATH Bracelet 20mm
NAGAE PLUS | TIN BREATH Bracelet 20mm that can be molded to your desired shape.
Made using artisanal casting techniques from Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture.
On first glance, this looks like a sharp strip of metal.
But if you roll it up as if wrapping a sheet of paper, it will gradually start to fit the wrist, with a range of nuances possible—from natural to exuberant.
The high purity tin surface has the texture of Echizen washi paper, a craft with approximately 1,500 years of heritage. And the reverse side recreates watercolor paper used in Italy for over seven centuries.
The unlikely pairing of the shiny tin and the two paper types creates an air of total sophistication.
Available in silver and gold.
【Gift-wrapped】Mat Stacking Cup and Asanoha Mark Coaster
This is a gift-wrapped set of a mug cup and a coaster.
This series of dishes is perfect for both daily use and special occasions.
You can make fun discoveries by stacking cups of the same color or different colors.
Enjoy your own original combinations.
The bottom of the cups are thin, making them easy for children to hold.
This coaster is made in the shape of a hemp leaf using the traditional craft of "Kumiko". The simple, palm-sized shape can be used as an ornament, coaster, or for any other purpose you like.
SHU.'s select list of recommended gifts for Mother's Day. Fans, accessories, and tableware, just right for everyday use.
