The second Sunday of May is Mother’s Day. Children show their appreciation of their mothers by sending cards and presents on this day. Some kindergartens and grade schools have pupils draw pictures of their mothers or make handcrafted gifts. Mother’s Day started in the United States in the beginning of the twentieth century, and soon after began to be introduced in Japan through the Christian churches. In 1931, the government designated March 6th, the birthday of the empress at that time, as the official Mother’s Day. After WWII, Mother’s Day returned to the second Sunday of May. Carnations are the most common flowers to give on Mother’s Day. Some children show their appreciation to their mothers by helping with house chores or by giving them back massages.