Founder Anna Jarvis was childless, and other Mother's Day trivia

In many countries around the world, Mother's Day is celebrated every second Sunday of May, thanks to the efforts of Anna Jarvis, who urged the United States congress almost 100 years ago to set aside a special day to honor mothers -- those special women who have a place in our hearts no one else can take.

According to a report of the news site Washington Post on Sunday, Jarvis "organized observances in Grafton, W.Va., and Philadelphia on May 10, 1908."

"As the annual celebration became popular around the country, Jarvis asked members of Congress to set aside a day to honor mothers. She finally succeeded in 1914, when Congress designated the second Sunday in May as 'Mother’s Day,'" the report said.

The Washington Post said Jarvis eventually came to resent how "Mother's Day" became commercialized. She wanted the holiday to be a "day of sentiment, not profit."

She and her sister spent their family's assets to protest against the holiday. Jarvis, who never had children, was even arrested once for protesting against the sale of carnations on "Mother's Day," the report said.

Nearly 100 years since "Mother's Day" became an official holiday in 1914, various traditions have evolved around the world to honor mothers and make them feel loved and cared for.

UNITED STATES
(Estimated number of Filipinos: 3,166,529*)
 
In the United States, where "Mother’s Day" was first celebrated, flags are hoisted in government offices and other important establishments as a way of saluting mothers.

According to the website usfederalholidays.com, it has become customary for children in the United States to take their moms out to lunch or dinner on "Mother's Day."

The website Mother's Day Celebration said there was also the tradition of pinning carnation flowers on their shirts or blouses. A white carnation meant that the wearer’s mom was deceased while a red or pink carnation meant otherwise.
 
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
(Estimated number of Filipinos: 636,154*)

The news site The National said on Sunday: "Mother's Day is celebrated today in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and several other Gulf countries, including Bahrain and Kuwait. In the Middle East, the day dates back decades and possibly further - perhaps as far as the ancient Egyptians, who dedicated a day in a year to celebrate the mother of Pharaohs, Isis."

In an interview with GMA News Online, Filipina laboratory technologist Laura Alba, 45, said she counts it as a blessing to celebrate "Mother's Day" with her family as her husband and three children are living with her in the UAE.

“Mas madali maging nanay even we are in abroad kasi magkakasama kami. Hindi ko naiinda ang pagod as long kasama ko ang mga inspiration ko. Na-experience kong mag-isa when I was still in probation, and siguro kung hindi sa tulong ng brother ko who is already here with his family, baka hindi ko kinaya ang lahat,” Alba said.

“A mother is someone who's always giving love, care, warm understanding and infinite patience especially to the children. [She] is the one holding a family together because of her steadfast faith. We are always praying to God na sana, lagi kaming magksama-sama," she added.
 
UNITED KINGDOM
(Estimated number of Filipinos: 196,740*)
 
Originally called "Mothering Sunday," "Mother’s Day" in the United Kingdom is celebrated every fourth Sunday of the Lenten month.

England is actually known as the first place to have celebrated "Mother’s Day" to commemorate the reunion of families torn apart by poverty since the 1600’s, the website Mother’s Day Celebration said.
 
Today, on "Mother’s Day" in the UK, people still practice the giving of roses, carnations, or chrysanthemums as well as the traditional almond cake or "Mothering Cake."

 
SOUTH AFRICA
(Estimated number of Filipinos: 2,539*)
 
On "Mother’s Day" in South Africa, celebrated on the second Sunday of May, families give mothers homemade gifts or buy them a present.

They also wear a carnation as a tribute to mothers, the website Mother's Day Celebration said.
 
 
NEW ZEALAND
(Estimated number of Filipinos: 29,699*)  
 
On "Mother’s Day" in New Zealand, families go on a picnic or have dinner at a restaurant.

Children buy presents for their mom or treat them to a spa, the website Mother's Day Celebration said.
 
 
MEXICO 
(Estimated number of Filipinos: 662*)
 
Mexico celebrates Mother’s Day on a fixed date -- every 10th of May.

It is a tradition in Mexico to hold a special family celebration on the eve of Mother's Day.

In the morning, delicacies such as ‘tamales’ and ‘atole’ are given to mothers, according to Mother's Day Celebration.

Special masses are also held for mothers.
 
INDIA
(Estimated number of Filipinos: 2,081*)
 
For the families in India, "Mother’s Day" is a time to reflect on the sacrifices that mothers make for their families.

The site Mother's Day Celebration said families try to make mothers feel important by giving them greeting cards and making special meals for them.
 
CANADA
(Estimated number of Filipinos: 667,674*)
 
According to the site Mother's Day Celebration, in Canada, "Mother's Day" is celebrated every second Sunday of May and is the third most famous holiday next to Christmas and Valentines' Day.
 
The sale of greeting cards is said to reach its peak during "Mother's Day" and children greet their moms first thing in the morning.

Others let their mother take a day off in the kitchen and serve their mom for a change.

Flowers are also a common gift in Canada on "Mother’s Day."
 
 
AUSTRALIA
Estimated Filipino population – 345,592*
 
Mother’s Day Celebration said Australians usually prepare breakfast in bed for mothers, and give them flowers and gifts.

Australians also buy or bake cakes for mothers on this special occasion.
 
Wearing carnations is also one of the traditional ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Australia.

Just like in the US, a colored carnation means that the celebrant’s mother is still alive while a white carnation means that the mother has already passed away. - with Andrei Medina, Lucky Mae Quilao, VVP, GMA News
 
 
*Data from the 2010 Stock Estimate of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas