United Kingdom - By the 1920s, Mothering Sunday had lapsed in popularity in an increasingly secular society. The celebrations were revitalized through the influence of American and Canadian soldiers serving abroad and the merging of imported traditions with those of Catholic and secular society. By the 1950s, it was a commercialized holiday.

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USA - The United States had its first Mother’s Day over 110 years ago.

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USA - In 1908, social activist Anna Jarvis argued that America should have its own Mother’s Day. Pictured: Jarvis’s childhood home in West Virginia.

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USA - Jarvis was inspired by the American Civil War and recognizing the mothers of soldiers who had died in battle.

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USA - In the US, Mother’s Day was first celebrated in a West Virginia church. Carnations were given to mothers who had lost their sons in the Civil War.

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USA - This is a tradition that’s preserved to this day. White carnations are used to honor the fallen, while pink and red carnations are used to celebrate those who came home from war.

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Japan - Mother’s Day was originally banned in Japan. The holiday was seen as a Western tradition, which was forbidden in the country.

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Japan - However, Mother’s Day ("Haha No Hi” in Japanese) became popular after World War II.

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Japan - In the 1950s, an art competition was introduced to honor Mother’s Day. Children would illustrate pictures of their mothers and submit them. The winning drawings were showcased in a touring exhibition around Japan.

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Japan - These days, Mother’s Day is celebrated a little differently. Normally moms are treated to cooked meals, red carnations, and a gift.

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Mexico - Mexico always celebrates Mother’s Day on May 10.

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Mexico - The holiday gained popularity thanks to the newspaper Excélsior. The paper ran a campaign urging the Mexican public to accept Mother’s Day as a holiday.

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Mexico - Traditionally, Mother’s Day is celebrated by serenading your mother with the song ‘Las Mañanitas.’

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Mexico - Mexican Mother’s Day is also celebrated with gifts and family gatherings.

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France - France celebrates Mother’s Day on the last Sunday of May. La fête des Mères was officially recognized in the 1920s. French Moments reports that the celebration originates from the Napoleon era. In 1806, the French emperor established a day dedicated to the mothers of large families.

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France - The celebration was revived after World War I, when large families were encouraged to repopulate the country after the devastation of war.

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France - To this day, the mayor of a municipality can honor mothers of large families with a medal called Médaille de la Famille (Family Medal). Four or five kids, that’s a bronze medal. Six kids? Silver. Eight or more? You’ve won gold!

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France - These days mothers are given gifts like flowers, perfumes, cake, and chocolates. Some give a cake that resembles a wreath of flowers.

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Argentina - In Argentina, Mother's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of October. The date has swapped around a few times over the years. The holiday was originally celebrated on October 11, coinciding with the Marian feast days, which honor the Virgin Mary. Mother’s Day was moved to January, before it went back to October to honor tradition.

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Argentina - Argentina got a celebratory Google Doodle back in 2014. The Google homepage was redesigned to show a mother reading to her child. By the way, a typical Argentinian Mother’s Day includes gifts and a meal at the mother’s favorite restaurant.

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Thailand - Thailand has celebrated Mother’s Day since 1950, and officially on August 12 since 1976. The date has royal origins. Mother’s Day takes place on the same day as Queen Sirikit’s birthday as she is regarded as mother to all Thai people. In keeping, Father’s Day falls on the King’s birthday.

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Thailand -

Thailand typically celebrates Mother’s Day with free concerts and parades that run through the cities. The celebrations start over the days leading up to the Queen's birthday.

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Why the UK has Mothering Sunday -

As Mother's Day approaches, take a look at its origins, learn why it is on a different day than in other countries, and find out how other nations celebrate their mothers.

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United Kingdom - Simnel cake was traditionally eaten on this day, when the Lenten austerity was relaxed. Some still make it to this day.

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