KUALA LUMPUR: Millions of women will be recognised worldwide today for their unselfish love, untiring dedication and indomitable spirit which have nurtured so many lives.

Mothers Day, which falls on every second Sunday in May, is a day to honour and remember all mothers, past and present.

Although the title "mother" is often bestowed on the female biological parent, motherhood is not always bestowed by nature.

An adoptive, foster or stepmother fulfils the social role of a mother despite the lack of biological ties.

Motherhood is, perhaps, a prime example of nurture versus nature.
It was 101 years ago that an unassuming 43-year-old lady named Anna Marie Jarvis from Philadelphia, United States, personally took up the daunting task of setting aside a special day to honour all mothers.

Growing up, Jarvis had heard her mother, Anne Reese, speaking about setting up a memorial to remember all mothers, living and dead.

Jarvis had hoped that the day would strengthen family ties, increase appreciation for living mothers and remember those who had died.

On Reese's second death anniversary in 1907, Jarvis embarked on a national campaign for Mothers' Day.

She chose the white carnation, her mother's favourite flower, to symbolise the virtues of motherhood, such as purity, everlasting love and charity. Today, red or pink carnations represent mothers.

Jarvis tirelessly wrote and spoke to businessmen, politicians and everyone she could think of about her ambitious plans.

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the second Sunday in May as a legal holiday for everyone to celebrate Mothers' Day.

Fresh from the national victory, Jarvis took her campaign internationally.

Sadly, Mothers' Day, along with numerous other celebrations, has fallen victim to crass commercialisation.

Celebrations for mothers date back to ancient times and has religious and social backgrounds.

Our celebration, however, was adopted and modelled on the American principles.