What is Mother's Day?
Express your gratitude to your mom with flowers this Mother's Day!

When it comes to Mother's Day gifts, flowers are a classic.
Carnations are the traditional choice, but in recent years, a variety of other flowers like roses and dahlias are also being given.
However, not many people know why flowers have become so established as a Mother's Day gift.
This page will primarily focus on what Mother's Day is, and
will explain various points, including precautions when gifting flowers on Mother's Day.

Mother's Day is the second Sunday in May

Mother's Day is the second Sunday in May.
Mother's Day doesn't have a fixed date; it changes every year.
It's good to remember that the date changes annually between May 8th and 14th. It usually falls after Golden Week.
Originally in Japan, March 6th, the Empress's birthday, was designated as Mother's Day. However, during the occupation period after World War II, GHQ sought to popularize the American style of Mother's Day in Japan, so it came to be celebrated on the second Sunday of May, just like in America.
It is said that Mother's Day became widely recognized by many Japanese people from then on.

Learn more about the history of Mother's Day here

What exactly is Mother's Day?

Mother's Day is "a day to express gratitude to your mother."
It's a day recognized in countries around the world; in America and Australia, it's the second Sunday in May, just like in Japan, while in the UK it's the fourth Sunday during the period of Lent, for example.
Although the specific dates vary, in many countries, gratitude is expressed to mothers on Mother's Day.

I've summarized other Mother's Days around the world here.
It's interesting how the celebration methods also change by country.

Giving carnations is a Mother's Day tradition

Carnations are a classic Mother's Day gift.
&YOUKAEN also offers a wide selection of carnation gifts as Mother's Day staples, but
when did the tradition of giving carnations on Mother's Day begin?
Its origin is actually quite clear.
It's said to have started when an American woman named Anna Jarvis distributed white carnations to attendees at a memorial service for her mother.
This event spread throughout America, leading to the establishment of "Mother's Day" as a day to honor and appreciate mothers.
Today, not only white carnations but also various colored carnations are given to mothers. Nowadays, red carnations are commonly given as gifts.

Learn more about carnations here

Why do people give flowers in the first place?

The culture of people giving flowers is actually believed to have existed since we were hominids.
Neanderthals once offered flowers like cornflowers to the deceased.
By the time of ancient Greece and Egypt, it became common to offer flowers to the gods.
It is said that we started giving flowers as gifts around the 1700s.
Around that time, the concept of "flower language" was popular in Turkey,
and when the French brought that concept back to their home country, the culture of giving flowers spread.
Therefore, the reason for giving flowers is "to convey one's feelings through flowers." Giving flowers on Mother's Day is also to express gratitude to your mother.

Giving flowers on Mother's Day conveys gratitude!

Flowers are gifts that bring smiles to people's faces.
Psychologically, it seems that "receiving flowers itself triggers feelings of happiness."
Furthermore, flowers have been widely used as symbols to express emotions throughout history.
They are particularly associated with expressing gratitude and are indispensable for celebratory occasions.
Research has shown that giving flowers with a feeling of gratitude enhances feelings of "being valued" and "being loved."
Setting aside the complex details, flowers are a unique gift that brings positive emotions to the recipient.
They are the perfect item for expressing gratitude, so when you want to convey heartfelt emotions, as on Mother's Day, a floral gift is appropriate.

Flowers have an amazing presence as interior decor!

Flowers are the only interior decor that brings in the season.
If you place a bouquet or flower arrangement abundantly using seasonal flowers that are only available at that time in your room, the atmosphere will change dramatically.
Also, recently, dynamic gifts are also being accepted, so you can enjoy the sight of flowers swaying in the wind by the window. There aren't many other dynamic interior decorations, are there?
Flowers are gifts that can be enjoyed in three dimensions, unlike other gifts.
May, when Mother's Day falls, is the early summer season when spring transitions into summer. The green colors are refreshing.
Giving flowers means giving the season. On Mother's Day, send a stylish floral gift that captures the bright atmosphere of early summer.

What kind of floral gift should you give for Mother's Day?

When considering giving flowers to express gratitude on Mother's Day, what kind of floral gift should you choose?
Here, we will introduce popular floral gifts for Mother's Day.
Please use this as a reference when choosing your floral gift.

The Mother's Day classic: "Red Carnations"

The classic red carnation is a very popular Mother's Day gift.
The flower language of red carnations is "mother's love," "pure love," and "true love." These are perfect flower meanings for a Mother's Day gift.
Giving a single cut flower is also popular, but it's also lovely to enjoy them in a bouquet or flower arrangement with seasonal flowers.
On Mother's Day, give red carnations with the gratitude you can't express every day.

Learn more about carnations here

Flower arrangements are safe even without a vase

Flower arrangements are often chosen when you're unsure if there's a vase at home.
A flower arrangement is an interior decoration where flowers are inserted into a water-absorbing sponge within a vase or container.
Since it can be displayed immediately upon arrival, it's recommended for busy moms and also for beginners.
If you're gifting to a mom who doesn't often decorate with flowers, a flower arrangement might be a good choice.

Learn more about Mother's Day arrangements here

Stylish bouquets and bunches decorated with seasonal flowers

During Mother's Day, spring and early summer flowers are in season. Mother's Day exclusive bouquets, combining these seasonal flowers with carnations, are popular every year.
Placed in a vase, they instantly transform a room into an early summer atmosphere.
It would be even better to present a vase along with the bouquet.

Learn more about Mother's Day bouquets here

Potted plants recommended for mothers who love flowers

Potted plants are recommended for mothers who enjoy growing flowers.
Unlike bouquets and flower arrangements, potted plants are floral gifts that arrive in soil, making them perfect for mothers who love flowers and want to grow them!
Seasonal flowers around Mother's Day include carnations, as well as voluminous flowers like hydrangeas and bougainvillea.

Learn more about Mother's Day potted plants here

Dried flowers and preserved flowers for busy mothers

For busy mothers, how about a Mother's Day gift of dried or preserved flowers?
Unlike fresh flowers, they don't require daily maintenance and can be enjoyed for a long time if displayed away from direct sunlight.
These are highly recommended for those who are hesitant about giving flowers because they worry about the care and maintenance involved.

Learn more about Mother's Day dried/preserved flowers here

Points to note when choosing flowers for Mother's Day

The classic Mother's Day gift is flowers, especially carnations, but what should you be careful about when actually giving them?
Here, we will explain the precautions to take when giving a gift on Mother's Day.

Manners and etiquette when giving a Mother's Day gift

On Mother's Day, avoid giving gifts that are considered unlucky.
For example, sharp objects like knives or daggers have the image of "cutting ties," so it's best to be cautious.
There are no particular things to be careful about when giving flowers.
Please give your favorite flowers with heartfelt gratitude.
However, if you are giving a gift to someone who is very sensitive, it would be safer to avoid "white carnations" and "yellow carnations."
White carnations used to be believed to be given "to a deceased mother," a belief held in the past.
Also, yellow carnations have flower meanings like "jealousy" and "contempt," so be careful when giving them to sensitive individuals.

Tips for choosing flowers that suit your mother's taste

Since you're giving a gift to express your gratitude, you'll want to choose a bouquet or flower arrangement that suits your mother's taste.
The classic Mother's Day floral gifts are pink or orange, but if your mother prefers other colors, it's best to choose those.
Also, if she prefers flowers other than carnations, present those instead.
If you don't know your mother's preferences, you might try subtly asking about her favorite flowers before Mother's Day, or try to understand her tastes on an everyday basis.

Flower care methods and tips for enjoyment

If you're giving flowers for Mother's Day, it's a good idea to also tell your mother about flower care. With proper care, flowers can be enjoyed for a long time.
If you're giving a flower arrangement, you should advise her to display it in a place that doesn't get direct sunlight and to water the absorbent foam daily as part of its maintenance.
If you're giving a bouquet, please instruct her to first unwrap it upon arrival and place it in a vase, and to change the water in the vase daily.
If you're giving dried or preserved flowers, no special care is needed. Just advise her not to display them in a humid place.

Benefits and precautions of buying Mother's Day flowers online

We are often asked about the benefits of giving Mother's Day flowers online, such as through online shops.
The biggest advantage of buying flowers online, we believe, is the ease of delivery to distant locations.
If you send flowers to a distant location from a physical store, you have to go through the trouble of filling out slips. With a website, you can input the information relatively easily.
Another advantage is the wider selection of products compared to physical stores. Many limited-edition products are sold for Mother's Day.
Conversely, a point to be aware of when purchasing Mother's Day flowers online is that you cannot visually inspect the actual flowers that will be sent.

Also for making Mother's Day memories

Giving flowers for Mother's Day also leads to creating memories.
Especially if you live far away, receiving flowers on Mother's Day is one of the biggest events for your mother.
Here, we propose ways to create memories by enjoying flowers, making Mother's Day even more wonderful.

Take photos and share them on social media

Mother's Day flower gifts are made using seasonal flowers.
Also, for florists, it's the biggest event of the year. We put our heart and soul into the designs to bring joy to many customers.
That's why Mother's Day bouquets and flower arrangements are highly praised for being photogenic on social media!
Once your flowers arrive, please upload your flower gift to social media.
The gifts sold at &YOUKAEN are also designed with photo aesthetics in mind, so they are sure to make a wonderful post.
While enjoying them at home is lovely, it's also wonderful to share them with people around the world through photos.

Decorate the dining table with flowers and enjoy a family meal

Many families gather around the dining table on Mother's Day.
At such times, decorate the center of the table with flowers and enjoy a special meal.
Having flowers on the table instantly brightens the atmosphere and makes the meal more enjoyable.
You can enjoy an extraordinary atmosphere that you don't usually experience.
When decorating a dining table, it's important not to use unstable vases that might tip over when shaken.
If it's a flower arrangement, simply place it as is.

Gift with travel vouchers or accommodation tickets

It's also lovely to give something that allows your mother to forget her daily routine and refresh herself, along with flowers.
For example, many people give travel vouchers or accommodation tickets, but some also give day-trip hot spring tickets or spa tickets.
It's nice to have something extra in addition to the flower gift.
Other popular additional items include sweets and alcoholic beverages.

Include a heartfelt message card

When giving flowers, it's also wonderful to include a message card expressing your gratitude that you can't usually convey directly.
Flowers are given to express gratitude, but including a letter further conveys your feelings.
Even things you can't say out loud can surely be expressed in a letter.
It will undoubtedly become a treasured keepsake for your mother!
&YOUKAEN can include a Mother's Day exclusive original message card with your gift.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mother's Day Flowers

Q. How long can I enjoy flowers such as bouquets and flower arrangements?
A. Around Mother's Day, you can generally enjoy the flowers in beautiful condition for about 5 days.
For bouquets, if you regularly change the water, and for flower arrangements, if you consistently maintain the flowers, they may last for about a week longer.
However, recently, there can be quite hot days even in May, so it's important to note that they might not last a full week in some cases.
Please display them in as cool a place as possible to enjoy them.

Q. I bought a bouquet and it was wrapped. Should I leave it as is?
A. For the "Ready-to-Display Bouquet" series, please leave the wrapping on and enjoy displaying them.
For other flower gifts, please remove the wrapping as soon as the product arrives and place them in a vase to enjoy.

Q. Where is the best place to display bouquets and flower arrangements?
A. Generally, they tend to last longer when displayed in a place that doesn't receive direct sunlight, especially a cool location.
Also, avoid overly humid places. For example, don't display them near toilets or washrooms.
The same applies to dried flower and preserved flower gifts.

Q. Do I need to return the container for the flower arrangement?
A. There is no need to return it, so please keep it. If you purchase absorbent foam and flowers, you can enjoy making flower arrangements at home.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

Summary of Mother's Day Flowers

Giving flowers on Mother's Day is a way to express your daily gratitude to your mother.
For those who live far away and can't often meet, receiving flowers on Mother's Day is a special joy for their mother.
&YOUKAEN is currently selling Mother's Day limited-edition flower gifts. We carefully create them using seasonal flowers. Your gratitude is sure to reach your mother.
On Mother's Day, give flowers and make your mother smile!