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

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.

My mother's favorite flower

In France, there’s no rule that says “it has to be this specific flower.” Of course, popular flowers like roses and lilies exist, but the most important thing is making your mother happy. That’s why in France it’s common to choose and give your mother the flowers she likes. Choosing with heartfelt care is the greatest gift of all.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.