Mother’s Day in Japan – Haha no Hi (母の日)

Haha no Hi (母の日), as this day is known in Japanese, is celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year. This day was chosen to celebrate it in honor of Ann Jarvis, a social activist during and after the American Civil War and who is recognized as the founder of Mother’s Day.

On this day it is common and even a tradition to give carnations: a red carnation if the mother is alive and a white carnation if the mother has died. It is usually sought to celebrate it with the family or those closest to them. Unlike other countries, this day in Japan is usually celebrated at home by families, although if the occasion allows it or they prefer it, they celebrate it by eating in restaurants and taking a walk.

Although supermarkets and other businesses start promoting gifts for Mother’s Day almost a month before, they are usually very sober in their advertisements and on television the advertising announcing the proximity of the day does not overwhelm you. In Japan it is a day in which mothers are celebrated by sharing the day with them in a personal and family way without so much expense.

What day is Mother’s Day celebrated in your country? Tell us in the comments!