This weekend, millions of people around the globe will be honouring and celebrating fatherhood; showering their dads in gifts, taking them on outings and showing them the appreciation they deserve.
But where did the holiday originate? Why is it always held on the third Sunday of June? And across how many countries is the holiday celebrated?
Read on and find out everything you need to know about the history of Father’s Day
They say that “behind every great man is a great woman”, this also happens to be a good way to describe the origins of Father’s Day. The holiday was first introduced in the early 20th century to complement Mother’s Day after the holiday saw widespread commercial success across Europe and the United States.
The first known Father’s Day celebration was held in Spokane, Washington on June 19th 1908. Organised by Sonora Dodd, whose single-parent father raised six children by himself, she thought that fathers should have a holiday honouring them after hearing a Mother’s Day sermon in church.
That same church agreed to hold an event which honoured fathers, and hosted a sermon in the memory of 362 men which had died in a mining accident the previous year. The event was a success and enthusiasm spread throughout the country, and the entire country celebrated a nationwide Father’s Day on July 19th 1910.
In 1924 Father’s Day officially became an American holiday when President Calvin Coolidge urged state governments to observe the holiday.
How Father’s Day Is Celebrated Around The World
Although the holiday falls primary on the third Sunday of June, there are some countries that celebrate Father’s Day later in the year. Some Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden and Finland observe Father’s Day in November by giving out small gifts and eating traditional meals.
In Thailand Father’s Day is always celebrated on the birthday of the current king. Traditionally, fathers and grandfathers are given a yellow canna flower, the Thai symbol of masculinity.
Romania was the last country in the European Union to officially observe Father’s Day when in 2010 it was celebrated after campaigning from the Alliance Fighting Discrimination Against Fathers (TATA).
In Nepal, the holiday is honoured in a more religious sense. Celebrated in late August, the largely Hindu and Buddhist population pay respects to deceased fathers by visiting their respective places of worship.
German citizens celebrate Father’s Day a bit more jovially. In a tradition known as Herrentag, groups of males will go on a hike while pulling a wagon filled wine, beer and traditional regional food. Once they reach their destination a feast ensues and the men bond over a few drinks.
