Mother's Day: a time to thank the women who have loved and raised us - mom, grandma, stepmother, godmother, mother-in-law, or that special neighbor who always showed that she cared. When you send flowers or cards for the special maternal figures in your life, do you ever wonder where the holiday originated?

A social activist born in 1864, Anna Jarvis held a memorial to honor her mother on May 10, 1908, three years after her mother’s death. Jarvis perceived most holidays already established at that time as occasions mainly honoring men’s achievements, so she then set out to make Mother’s Day a national holiday in the United States as a way to honor the sacrifices and accomplishments of mothers. Her efforts were rewarded – President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day a national holiday in 1914, with the holiday falling on the second Sunday in May. It was traditional then to give mothers white carnations to symbolize their pure, undying love for their children. Today in America we give anything from flowers and candy to spa appointments and Sephora surprises to our mother figures to show that we appreciate them, and phone companies have recorded very heavy traffic on this day as grown children who live far away call their mothers to say, "I love you, Mama. Thank you for everything and have a wonderful day."

Most countries around the globe have a similar holiday to show their deep love, appreciation, and respect for their mothers. Here is a look at just a few of those traditions:

1. Thailand

Queen Sirikit of Thailand is so beloved that she is considered “the Mother of all Thai people.” To honor her, Mother’s Day coincides with Her Majesty’s birthday, August 12. Citizens consider the holiday to be a very emotional and ornate one, complete with lights, jasmine – a Thai symbol of motherhood – and portraits of the Queen decking the city. There is almsgiving to Buddhist monks and Mother’s Day ceremonies hosted in schools in the morning, and in the evening families treat their moms to a special meal.

2. Mexico

Rafael Alducin was the editor of the newspaper El Excelsior when he established Dia de las Madres in Mexico in 1922 with support from the Archbishop of Mexico. The Catholic Church wished to reinforce the importance of motherhood in Mexican society. Alducin’s efforts continue today since mothers are widely respected, and Dia de las Madres is celebrated on May 10. Mexican children go back to their family’s home on the eve of the holiday. Common images on cards for mothers include the Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico’s patron saint.

3. The United Kingdom and Ireland

The United Kingdom and Ireland refer to their holiday as “Mothering Sunday,” which is celebrated three weeks before Easter Sunday. This holiday has origins in the sixteenth century, when children left their homes as early as age 10 in order to pursue apprenticeship or begin their lives of servant work. They were allowed to visit their families and home or “mother” churches yearly. Simnel cake was frequently served as the strict diets of Lent were temporarily suspended in honor of the holiday

4. Italy

Italians celebrate Festa Della Mamma on the same day that Americans celebrate their mothers – the second Sunday in May. Mother’s Day in Italy has roots in ancient Rome, where citizens celebrated Juno, goddess of motherhood and marriage, during the month of May. Though its American cousin of a holiday has become very commercialized, Italians emphasize just spending time with their mammas. Italian mothers are generally in charge of all domestic duties, and therefore very respected in Italian culture, so mamma very much appreciates getting the day off.

5. Russia

In Russia, Mother’s Day was not founded until 1998. It is celebrated on the last Sunday in November; meanwhile, International Women’s Day is widely celebrated on March 8. Banks and other government establishments are closed, and gifts of flowers given to all women – not just mothers – on this special day. On both holidays, children give flowers, cards, and food gifts to their mothers to show their appreciation of the maternal figures in their lives.

No matter where you are or how you celebrate, I hope you show the women in your life how much they matter to you, and have a very happy Mother's Day!