Father’s Day is a pretty straightforward Holiday; we show appreciation and thanks to the men in our lives who helped shape us into who we are. But did you know Father’s Day was created by a woman in response to Mother’s Day? Or that it is celebrated on different days in different countries?
Today, we will be looking at some fun facts about Father’s Day that you can bring up at the dinner table to impress your Papi.
Father’s Day Origins
A woman named Sonora Smart Dodd was the daughter of a Civil War hero. Sonora’s father dedicated his life to his children after the passing of his wife in 1858. Dodd was so grateful for his actions, that after hearing about the establishment of the new holiday Mother’s Day in 1905, she proposed to the Church Spokane Washington, her town. After her proposal, they established a holiday to celebrate fathers as well. In 1908, the first Father’s Day was celebrated in Spokane, and in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge supported the founding of the national holiday.
Outside of the United States, a 19-year-old Mexican woman named Carmelita Tostado Gamboa spent time convincing other Mexicans to adopt the holiday in their own country, having it become nationally recognized in 1946. Soon after, more Latin nations followed suit, leading to the worldwide celebration we see today.
Different Country = Different Day
Surprisingly, Father’s Day is not actually celebrated on the same day worldwide. For some countries like Spain and Italy, they base their celebration on the Catholic Feast of St. Joseph, and for many others, they follow a similar model to the United States’ day of the third Sunday in June. Here is a list of the days some different countries celebrate Father’s Day:
- March 19th- Spain, Honduras, Italy
- June 17th- El Salvador, Guatemala
- Third Sunday in June- Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, United States, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Belize, Surinam
- June 23rd- Nicaragua
- July 26th- Dominican Republic
- August 9th- Brazil
Common Traditions for Father’s Day
The purpose of Father’s Day is to celebrate our fathers, but of course, it differs from place to place. For those celebrating the feast of Saint Joseph, some traditions include wearing red, attending church, and carrying fava beans in your pocket. For many nations including the United States, there are no ‘traditions’ as you’d see with holidays like Christmas and Easter, rather, people take the time to do whatever it is they enjoy doing with their father. Fishing, sports, DIY projects, sharing stories, and any kind of quality time are the staple activities worldwide. Whatever activity it is, if it’s enjoyed by a father somewhere, you’d bet it will be done on Father’s Day.
The Rose is the Official Flower of Father’s Day
Go ahead, give him a rose! Most men receive flowers only once in their life, and that is at their funeral. Men like flowers too!
Lose the Tie, Grab a Card Instead
Ties are the most frequently purchased gift on Father’s Day, so if you want to be original, skip the tie and go for something a bit more personal.
Also, Father’s Day is the fourth largest card-selling holiday in the United States, and similar to the flowers, this is an often underappreciated gesture that all dads will appreciate. Pairing a meaningful card with a creative and original gift will surely put a smile on any man’s face.
Have Fun!!
No matter where you live, when or how you celebrate, if you have or know of a father, make them feel special this Father’s Day. Life is short, and many people wish they had the opportunity to see their fathers again and spend quality time with them, so take advantage of the precious time you have!
If they live too far, give them a call, if you’re not on the best of terms, try to amend them. We are given two parents in our lives and you can’t get any more, so take the time this year to show your gratitude, love, and appreciation to those men who have done so much for us.