In more than fifty different countries, millions of people celebrate Mother's Day, on various days of the year, in different ways, but they all celebrate this day with true love for their mothers and with beautiful flowers and gifts.

In the United States, Mother's Day was loosely inspired by the British day and was introduced by public activist Julia Ward Howe after the American Civil War. The first flowers selected by Anna Jarvis were light pink carnations as the symbol of charm, purity and patience of all mothers. Pink, white, yellow and purple flowers are most common colours for Mother's Day flowers. Each colour and flower has its own, unique meaning on Mother's Day.

The most popular flowers given to mothers are – wild spring flowers, such as tulips, daffodils, gerberas, sweetheart roses and chrysanthemums. With so many flower choices available today, there are no rules - it's the feeling that gives the gift it’s meaning.

Here is a summary of the most trendy flowers and their meanings:

• Alstroemeria: wealth and prosperity, symbolizes strong bond with another person
• Pink carnation: a woman's love, I will never forget you, mother's love.
• Pink rose: perfect happiness, please believe me
• Daffodil: you are the only one, regard, rebirth, new beginnings, unrequited love; you're the only one, chivalry.
• Iris: wisdom, your friendship means so much to me, faith, hope, valour, and my compliments.
• Orchid: rare beauties, love, refinement, beautiful lady, Chinese symbol for many children, mature charm, beauty, long life.
• Azalea: love, romance and fragile passion, temperance. It is also the Chinese symbol of womanhood.
• Gladiolus: strength of character
• Lily: Majesty, wealth, pride, innocence, purity.
• Stock: lasting beauty, bonds of affection, promptness, you'll always be beautiful to me
• Sunflower: a statement of pure love, longevity, and adoration
• Tulip: pink – caring, purple – royalty, red - declaration of love, white – forgiveness, yellow - hopelessly in love