Father’s Day in Australia
What do people do?
Many Australians celebrate Father’s Day by showing their appreciation for their fathers or father figures. Acts of appreciation are done in different ways and may include (but are not limited to):
- A day out in the park, at the movies, at a zoo, or another place of interest.
- Handmade or purchased cards.
- Presents such as food baskets, chocolates, clothing, equipment for hobbies, or gift vouchers.
- Breakfasts, brunches, lunches, or dinners either at home, at a restaurant, or at a café.
- Father’s Day charity activities, such as fun runs or purchasing special gifts, to raise money for causes such as services for the visually impaired or research on prostate cancer.
Some fathers and father figures receive adventures or experiences as Father’s Day gifts. They may include a quad bike adventure, swimming with whale sharks, or abseiling. Some magazines and newspapers choose this time of the year to publish positive Father’s Day stories that focus on the challenges that some men faced and achievements that they made to provide the best for children in Australia. Many of these articles are published both in print and online. Television and radio programs may also have Father’s Day specials during this period.
Public life
Father’s Day is not a public holiday in Australia. It falls on a Sunday, which is a day off for many workers so many offices and stores are closed. However, some shopping precincts and stores, as well as restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues, may be busy on Father’s Day, especially in areas where Sunday trading is allowed.
Background
There are some suggestions that the idea of Father’s Day may originate in pagan sun worship. Some branches of paganism see the sun as the father of the universe. Father’s Day in Australia occurs on the first Sunday of September. Father’s Day in some countries is on the third Sunday of June, which is close to the June solstice.
The idea of a special day to honor fathers and celebrate fatherhood was introduced from the United States. A woman called Sonora Smart Dodd was inspired by the American Mother’s Day celebrations and planned a day to honor fathers early in the 20th century. The first Father’s Day was celebrated in Spokane, Washington on June 19, 1910. Father’s Day has become increasingly popular throughout North America and other parts of the world over the years. Mother’s Day is also celebrated Australia on an annual basis.
Symbols
Images of fathers or father figures, and the words “Happy Father’s Day” are often seen on marketing material, such as posters, postcards, and advertisements, to promote Father’s Day.
Father’s Day Messages
Messages
Pa,
This will be my 16th years without you but then I can still feel your presence and now I begin to remember our old days. I know that you are REALLY PROUD of me for WHAT and WHO I am now. I am extremely blessed to have a father like you. Remember, I am your duplicate copy in so many ways from your aura to attitude (lol).Though I was not Noel Jr., but im proud to be same like you. The difference between us is I have a tearful eye. Anyway, our names were almost sounds the same- Noel and Jonnell hehehee.
Pa, you know, I missed your louder voice when you were angry. I missed your simple smile to cover-up your tiredness after work. Before, I don’t really understand you in being strict and being diplomatic in imposing discipline. Maybe, at my younger age I am not aware of anything that might cause problem to our family. My minds that time are set to play and to enjoy. Now I realized the reason why sometimes you scolded us and reprimanded about the things we do. We (your siblings) may not be a good person now without your guiding hands. I may not achieve my dreams without the big challenge you gave. And we were not be a good christian without your thorough advise about God. I am not vocal to you and it never been be trying to say how much I care and love you but you are really mean to us. Pa, you are more than a SUPERHERO to me. You are someone to look-up to no matter how tall I’ve grown. HAPPY FATHER’s DAY Papa..
love,
Jonnell
hi papa,
Happy father’s day Papa…muahh,,, it’s me Lauren
Lauren
Fathers are like the candles they make daylight out of darkness.
A father is someone who is concerned with every thing we do.
Lakshmi.N.K.
Dear beloved father,
This Year will be the fifth year without you.When ever I see my friends with their father I am little bit jealous because all friends enjoy with their father and I don’t have you with me.I ask God why did you take my father away. When I lost my father I was hardly 10 yrs. Baba I miss you very much.
Regards,
Nikita vineet
Dear Dad,
For u r the one,
For u r the one God counted on
For u r the one God counted on while sending me to this world
For u r the one God counted on while sending me to this world, for he
Knew i’ll always need someone to talk to when no one is there for me!
Love you dad!
Animan Randhawa
Daddy,
We wish we could tell you Daddy,
that how much you mean to us….
We have no words to say about
how much we appreciate you…
how much we admire you…
how much we thank you
for everything you’ve done.
We love you so much Daddy…
Happy Father’s Day
Love
Sonal, Yash
Hi Dad,
You are the best. I love you so much. I don’t think that even if I searched the world for years and years and years I would find someone that is as caring, as thoughtful, as hardworking as you. I love you. Happy Father’s Day Dad!
Kiamora
You have been a great hero in my life,the greatest strength. Today, because of you I’m been bless in so many ways. From the bottom of my heart I want to say ‘Thank You Dad for Everything’. I Love You.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad.
Robinnson Rong
My dad and I-we think alike,
He knows just what I mean
Before I even say a word
He reads well in between.
My dad and I-we like to fish
Or build a model plane,
Or fix a broken chair or two
Or just a windowpane.
My dad and I-we know the score
Of every single game;
Sometimes he’s really busy, too
But he takes me just the same.
My dad and I-we go swimming too,
Each year and sometimes twice.
My dad and I-we do everything,
My dad-he’s really nice.
Abhinaya
Dad I know that i don’t say you often enough but i love you very much. You are the greatest dad in whole world. I wouldn’t be where i am today without you. Thanks for all you have done for me
I love you.
Sanchita Ahuja
Dearest Papa,
Thank you making me laugh even when i was sad! Thank you for being that shining light in my darkest night! Thank You for encouraging me to waive a new dream each morning, Thank you for always being there for me in my sad days and also, the happy once..! Yes, i owe all that to you, You’re my SUPERMAN, BATMAN, and SPIDER MAN. Yes Daddy, You’re my BEST MAN!
Happy Fathers’ Day!
Love You Always
Your Little Baby
Kavya Jain
Dearest And World’s Best Papa,
Thank you for everything. We may not have said it often, but how could we let this day go by without saying how much you mean to us. We love our dad with all our heart. You are the greatest dad in the whole world. We always see a friend in you and consider ourself to be the luckiest daughters. Be like this forever. We love you a lot. You are the only inspiration in our life. Thank you daddy for being there always. It’s so hard to find a man that can love me like only you can! We appreciate everything you did for us. You are the greatest dad in the whole world. Sorry to the things,words or actions that we made by mistake to you.
At last we are giving love from our heart to our loving father. We feel we are the luckiest person in the world because we have got such a great and loving father.
Wishing you a very great Father’s Day with lots of love.
R.S.Pragya, R.S.Pankhuri
The greatest gift I ever had from God is my Dad! The role of a father is very important in shaping up the destiny of the child. Father is greater than Guru and God. One can have all the material and spiritual blessings in this world only if they have the best of relationship with their Father. It’s almost four months since I lost my dad. He is always with me in my heart. This is my first father’s Day without him. I love you dad. No one can replace you. Happy Father’s Day.
RM. Divyah
Dad,
I’m sorry for all the trouble i have brought to this family. I know its my fault but not all of you have to hit me…. If you treat me like one of the family I would do what I’m told and listen to you instead of laughing on your face but anyway.
Happy Father’s day love ya.
Katie
Dad, where do I begin to even scratch the surface of the impact you’ve had on my life. Dad, even in the midst of my successes, my problems (and there have been many) and my shortcomings, you have always accepted me as I am. I am in awe of your strength, your integrity, and your painful endurance you deal with daily, and mostly your faith in our Lord. I only ask God to keep you safe and pain-free for many, many years. You and my Lord and Savior are the biggest source of my strength, especially during the many conversations you and I have had during pivotal points in my life. And I pray too that with all I’m going through at this point in my life, I hope that I can somehow, someway come close to having your strength, your faith, your boldness and your wisdom to endure all! I am extremely blessed to have the presence of a beautiful, wonderful, loving father!!! YOU ARE MY HERO!!!!
I Love You
Belinda Garza Hernandez
Hi Papa,
I can never forget the hardships you have taken to bring me to the level I am today. I remember the time when I was ill, you carried me on your back & took me through hospitals. How can I forget that finger of yours through whose support I stood up and began to walk. You provided me the comfort even if you had to toil hard. Still, when I have grown up, you become worried even with my slightest sneeze. Well this shows itself your immense love for me. I can only say that I want you to be my father when ever i am born.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to MY DEAR PAPA
Happy Father’s Day. Great dad is a real dad. I love you in everything i do i will look forward to see you.
God Bless You
Bereket
I love you Papa. I know I am very rude at times but my love for you is endless. I cannot survive in this world if I don’t have your support and love. Please forgive me for my wrong deeds.
Bittu
Hi Papa Jesus. Happy Father’s Day.
Thank you for every thing that you have done for me,my parents and my siblings….Sorry to the things,words or actions that i made by mistake to you and to other people especially to my beloved Papa and Mama..and also to my siblings. Take care and we all love you so much…God…we love you so much.
From: The youngest daughter and siblings of Legaspi Molina…
Dear Dad,
I know I don’t say it often enough, but I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH. You are the greatest dad in the whole world. I wouldn’t be where I’m today had it not been for you showing me that I can do anything I want as long as I put God first. Thanks for all you have done for me.
I love you.
Kim
Thank you for everything. We may not have said it often, but how could we let this day go by without saying how much you mean to us. We appreciate everything you did for us. Thank You!
May
Hey Dad…
You are the greatest influence in my life. Thank you for being that shining light in my darkest night, and thanks for always trying to make my loads light. Thank you for the confidence you gave me while growing up. Yes, I owe it all to you dad. Superman, Batman, Spiderman….you always were and will always be my BESTMAN…and you know what dad, it’s so hard to find a man that can love me like only you can!
Love you daddy…
Your “Baby”
Nikki
Hey Dad,
Love u so much.. however far from u but still i know u r always there for me as before. I remember all those days which we spend together happily. I know u r busy, even I m also but yet I miss u so much & don’t think i forget this day bcoz u r only the person who taught me how to live life & how to fight against problems in your life…. thanks dad…thank u so much….I LOVE YOU.
Rehana
To my father,
I am giving love from my heart to my loving father. I feel I am the luckiest person in the world b’cause I hove got such a great and loving father.
Wishing u a very great Father’s Day.
With lots of love
Muthu
Thank you daddy for being there always. Everytime I see my children growing I have the need to look back to those things you taught me when I was a child. Even now I recognize that I’m still your little boy.
Manuel
Dear Papa
Love you a lot. Thank you for every thing you did for me.
Keerthi
Hi Papa,
I love you very much. You are the only inspiration in my life. Pls forget the mistakes I have made. I will love you always.
Regards,
Your daughter
Nitika khanna
Dear,
I just wanted to say that I love you and hope that you have a great Father’s Day. I really hope that one day we will be having Fathers Day with a new baby. I can’t wait that’s my dream. Once again I love you and thank you for loving me and being such a great daddy.
Sarah
I love you Papa. I know I am very rude at times but my love for you is endless. I cannot survive in this world if I don’t have your support and love. Please forgive me for my wrong deeds.
Aishwarya
You are the greatest dad in the whole world. I always see a friend in you and consider myself to be the luckiest daughter. Be like this forever. I love you a lot.
Deepa
I love my dad with all my heart and thats all I have to say:
Bird
Daddy
This is our first Fathers day together and the start of many many more. I Love you daddy. You are the best daddy in the world.
Lots of Love and cuddles
Oliver
Dear Daddy
I love you so much,
I wish I could prove it to you.
I don’t know where to start,
all I want to do is prove that I can do all I wish for
and all you wish for me to do.
I also want to prove that I can put my way through to the next level.
If so it be, may god help me and you and see you through.
I sent this song though Father’s Day is on third Sunday of June. I believe I have not been living up to your expectations. I hope you keep on praying for me.
Have a pleasant and wonderful day.
Chinasa (Natasie)
Just a short message to say Happy Fathers Day! Have a great day. We both love you very much.
Love Asifa and Aisha
Dear Papa
Thank you 4 everything. We may not have said it often, but how could we let this day go by without saying how much you mean to us. We appreciate everything you have done for us. Thank You.
Lots of Luv
Ruchi Batheja
Dear Papa
You are the guiding star of my life who held my finger and showed me the path of knowledge and life.
At times when my life was like a candle in the wind you put your hands around so that all all the burns were your and all the light was mine.
Thanks for everything You did Papa
With lots of love
Jayshree
Almora
Respected Papa
I have always admired you and respected you for being the most upright person I have known in my life. I know you do not show your love for your daughters so openly but you love us a lot. I know I have hurt you a lot at times and let you down when you expected that I will prove myself. I am really Sorry Papa, but I did what I thought was good for me. I take responisibility of every decision I made.
We might not have had a lot of interaction but you have made a maximum impact on the way I think and react. Your principles have been the guiding force in my life. I hope I will follow them all my life.
Best part about you as a father has been that you never really taught us anything. You just lived your life and showed us the path of rightful living. You provided us with all the essentials of good life and never made us compromise on anything. Without ever showing how hard it could have been for you to provide such a decent life to all of us.
Thank You for Everything
Your youngest daughter
Mitali Mishra
Dear Papaji
You are so selfless. Pouring unconditional love and blessings upon me. The kingdom of heaven abides in you and I hear God’s voice each time u call me. My heart rejoices listening to your voice. You are the reason for the dreams I see. I believe in myself because you believe in me.
With lots of Love
Amit Jain
Dear Dad
How are you?
I miss you so much after coming to Delhi. Take care of Mama and yourself. I wish I could spend more time with you when I came down to Bangalore. Staying away from you I have realized the importance of you in my life. Thank you for loving and caring for me so much.
Yours lovingly
Tarun
Dear Baba
Seeking knowledge under your shelter was like drawing from an ever-widening pool of wisdom and joy. The youngest of cherished memories I draw from my childhood clearly reflect the high values you taught us to live with. Its indeed an art I learnt from you – to balance priorities in life and stand for what I believe in. You have always been the guiding force in my life.
I learnt the true meaning of freedom from you. Freedom, like you say is not what it looks like – it brings choices and many responsibilities. I cannot agree any more on it. I know I have been nurtured and when I turn around, I can feel your silent presence with me always. Thanks for being there.
With Love
Ninah
Dearest Papa
Miss you a lot. My B’day is coming closer, I wonder what gift you will give me. By the way, from the past few days my watch is giving me trouble. This Fathers Day I am sending you my best wishes as always.
Your Son
Pradeep Dhaka
Daddy u r no longer in my life but u will always be in my heart the only thing that i regret is u not being here when i have my first boyfriend.
Silvia Garcia
DAD,
When I was born,
You were there to catch me when i fall, whenever and wherever.
When i said my first words,
You were there for me,
to teach me the whole dictionary if need be.
When i took my first steps,
You were there to encourage me on.
When i had my first day at school,
you were there to give me advice and help me with my homework.
I still haven’t finished school,
or walked down the aisle, or had my first child.
But i know you will be there for me through all these times and more, the good and bad.
So i just wrote this to say ‘I LOVE YOU DAD!!!’
Louisa Mansfield
Father’s Day Prayer
A Special Prayer for Father
God, bless all the fathers in the world. Guide them to be good role models and loving to all their children. Help them to be a father like You are. Give them grace and patience to handle situations in a loving way.
Amen
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Father’s Day Prayer of Remembering
“Fathers young, fathers old
Remembering good times are our gold.
Value earned through guidance given
Helping us go forth in livin’.
Each father adding to our trove
A treasure chest of love untold.
Remembering fathers in our lives
Taking time to realize.
Fatherly love brings wealth to living
Remembering this, we go forth in giving.
Fathers young, fathers old
We remember you all
As life unfolds.”
Susan Kramer
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President Bush’s Father’s Day Proclamation
“Fathers play a unique and important role in the lives of their children. As mentor, protector, and provider, a father fundamentally influences the shape and direction of his child’s character by giving love, care, discipline, and guidance. As we observe Father’s Day, our nation honors fatherhood and urges fathers to commit themselves selflessly to the success and well-being of their children. And we reaffirm the importance of fathers in the lives of their children. Raising a child requires significant time, effort, and sacrifice; and it is one of the most hopeful and fulfilling experiences a man can ever know. A father can derive great joy from seeing his child grow from infancy to adulthood. As a child matures into independence and self reliance, the value of a parent’s hard work, love, and commitment comes to fruition.
Responsible fatherhood is important to a healthy and civil society. Numerous studies confirm that children whose fathers are present and involved in their lives are more likely to develop into prosperous and healthy adults. Children learn by example; and they need their father’s presence as examples of virtue in their daily lives. A child’s sense of security can be greatly enhanced by seeing his parents in a loving and faithful marriage.”
George W. Bush
President, USA
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A Father’s Day Prayer -1
Thank you, friend Jesus,
for my father who loves me,
for my grandfather who cares for me,
and for God, your father and mine,
who made me and is always with me.
How lucky I am!
Gaynell Bordes Cronin
From Friend Jesus: Prayers for Children
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A Father’s Day Prayer -2
Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice. Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a good father.
Let us praise those fathers who by their own account were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support. Let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children.
Let us praise those fathers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children’s lives. Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has offered healing.
Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their step children’s love and respect. Let us praise those fathers who have lost a child to death, and continue to hold the child in their heart.
Let us praise those men who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own.
Let us praise those men who have “fathered” us in their role as mentors and guides.
Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children.
And let us praise those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.
Kirk Loadman
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Father’s Day Prayer – 3
God our Father,
in your wisdom and love you made all things.
Bless these men,
that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.
Grant that we, their sons and daughters,
may honor them always
with a spirit of profound respect.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Father’s Day Flowers
In several countries, people follow the custom of wearing rose on Father’s Day to express gratitude for their dads. According to the tradition, if a person wears red rose, it indicates that his father is alive while white rose has come to symbolize that that he is deceased.
About Rose
Rose is regarded as most beautiful of all flowers. The plant rose comes from a shrub of the genus Rosa. Popular color of Rose is red but roses of other colors like yellow, pink, white and peach can be found. Shaded roses are also quite popular these days. The Old English form rose came from Latin rosa, which may have been an adoption of the Greek word rhodon, “rose.”
Father’s Day Flower Lily
Lily is also regarded as the traditional flower for Father’s Day because J.H. Berringer, who also held Father’s Day celebrations in Washington State as early as 1912, chose a white lilac as the Father’s Day Flower.
Trend
There exists a strong tradition to express love and gratitude for father with a bouquet of flowers. Though rose is the preferred choice for the occasion bouquets of several other flowers are also given as a Father’s Day gift. To cash in on the demand florists prepare fascinating bouquets and sell them at a premium.
Story of Father’s Day
Father’s Day is a beautiful festival that acknowledges and appreciates the important role played by a father in raising the child and consequently building a stronger society. Though fathers have been revered at all times by civilizations across the globe ironically what was missing until the last century was the official recognition of the significance of fathers in ones life. Father’s Day story is the tale of realization of the need for a Father’s Day festival primarily by Ms Sonora Louise Smart Dodd of Washington. The story narrates Sonora’s unflagging struggle to officially set a day to honor all fathers. Thanks to Sonora, today Fathers Day is celebrated in a large number of countries around the world.
The Beginning of Father’s Day Story
Historians have recorded that there was a tradition to celebrate Father’s Day even thousands of years ago. Their study say that 4,000 years ago in Babylon a son called Elmesu carved a father’s day message on a clay card. In his message Elmesu wished his father a long and healthy life. There is no knowledge as to what happened to this father son duo but it is believed that several countries retained the custom of celebrating Father’s Day.
Genesis of Father’s Day in Modern Society
The tradition of celebrating Father’s Day as seen today originated in the last century. Though there are several people who are credited for furthering the cause of Father’s Day, there is far greater acceptance for Ms Sonora Louise Smart Dodd’s contribution. A doting daughter from Spokane, Washington, Ms Dodd is recognized as the Founder or Mother of the Father’s Day Festival.
Inception of the Father’s Day took place in Sonora’s mind when she happened to hear a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. Sonora, who was 27 then, had begun to recognize the hardships her father must have gone through while bringing up his six children alone. When Sonora was 16, her mother had died during childbirth. Sonora’s father a Civil War veteran by the name of William Jackson Smart raised six children including the newborn on his own. Sonora questioned that if there is a day to recognize mothers then why is not there a day to honor fathers?
Many people laughed and joked at Sonora’s idea. But her will did not droop. She began a sincere campaign lobbying for the cause of Father’s Day. Her hard work began to show signs of success when Spokane celebrated its first Father’s Day on June 19, 1910 with the support of Spokane Ministerial Association and the local Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). To pay tribute to her affectionate father, Sonora wished that Father’s Day be celebrated on her father’s birthday on June 5, but it so happened that there was not enough time for preparation and the day came to be celebrated on third Sunday in the month of June.
The noble idea of celebrating Father’s Day became quite popular in US so much so that President Woodrow Wilson approved of the festival in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge too supported the idea but it was President Lyndon Johnson who signed a Presidential Proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day in 1966. Then in 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father’s Day to be held on the third Sunday of June.
Fathers Day Celebration in Present Time
Father’s Day has become a hugely popular festival. World over people thank their father and pay tribute to them. Most commonly children gift Father’s Day cards and flowers to their father. Neckties are a popular gift on the occasion of Father’s Day. Due to the tradition of giving gifts, cards makers, florists and gift sellers campaign for Father’s Day Festival in a big way and cash in on the sentiments of the people.
History of Father’s Day
Earliest History of Father’s Day
Scholars believe that the origin of Father’s Day is not a latest phenomenon, as many believe it to be. Rather they claim that the tradition of Father’s Day can be traced in the ruins of Babylon. They have recorded that a young boy called Elmesu carved a Father’s Day message on a card made out of clay nearly 4,000 years ago. Elmesu wished his Babylonian father good health and a long life. Though there is no record of what happened to Elmesu and his father but the tradition of celebrating Father’s Day remained in several countries all over the world.
History of Father’s Day in US
Modern version of Father’s Day celebration originated in United States of America and thereafter the tradition spread in countries around the world. The world owes thanks to Ms Sonora Louise Smart Dodd a loving daughter from Spokane, Washington as it is because of her struggle that Father’s Day saw the light of the day.
The idea of Father’s Day celebration originated in Sonora’s mind when she per chance listened to Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. Fairly mature at the age 27, Sonora pondered if there is a day to honor mother then why not for father? Sonora felt strongly for fathers because of the affection she received from her own father Mr William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran. Sonora’s mother died while childbirth when she was just 16. Mr Smart raised the newborn and five other children with love and care.
Inspired by Ms Anna Jarvis’s struggle to promote Mother’s Day, Ms Dodd began a rigorous campaign to celebrate Father’s Day in US. The Spokane Ministerial Association and the local Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) supported Sonora’s cause. As a result Spokane celebrated its first Father’s Day on June 19, 1910. Though there was initial hesitation the idea gained gradual popularity all over US and Fathers Day came to be celebrated in cities across the country.
Looking at the heightened popularity of Father’s Day in US, President Woodrow Wilson approved of this idea in 1916. President Calvin Coolidge too supported the idea of a national Father’s Day in 1924 to, “establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations”. After a protracted struggle of over four decades, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day in 1966. Then in 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father’s Day to be held on the third Sunday of June. Sonora Smart Dodd was honored for her contribution at the World’s Fair in Spokane in 1974. Mrs. Dodd died in 1978 at age 96.
Other Theories of Fathers Day Origin
There are several theories behind the origination of Father’s Day.
Some believe that the first Fathers Day church service was held in West Virginia in 1908.
Others opine that the ceremony was first held in Vancouver, Washington.
The president of Lions’ Club, Chicago, Harry Meek is said to have celebrated the first Father’s Day with his organization in 1915 to stress on the need to honor fathers. He selected third Sunday in June for celebration, the closest date to Meek’s own birthday. In appreciation for Meek’s work, the Lions Clubs of America presented him with a gold watch, with the inscription “Originator of Father’s Day,” on his birthday, June 20, 1920.
Some historians honor Mrs. Charles Clayton of West Virginia, as the Founder of Father’s Day.
In 1957, Senator Margaret Chase Smith wrote Congress that, “Either we honor both our parents, mother and father, or let us desist from honoring either one. But to single out just one of our two parents and omit the other is the most grievous insult imaginable.”
In countries where Catholic Church holds greater influence Father’s Day is celebrated on St. Joseph’s Day (March 19).
Father’s Day Festival has gained amazing popularity over the years. The festival is considered to be a secular one and is celebrated not just in US but in a large number of countries around the world including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Norway and India though on different dates. World over people take Father’s Day as an opportunity to thank father and pay tribute to them. On this day children present Father’s Day cards not just to their dads but also grandfathers, uncles, stepfathers or any other person who commands the position of a father in their life. There is also a trend to present Father’s Day gift to dad, most popular of all being necktie. Other popular gift being roses, the official Father’s Day flower. Many people rue that the trend of presenting gifts to fathers has led to over commercialization of the festival relegating the noble idea behind Father’s Day celebration.
Father’s Day Celebrations
How is Father’s Day Celebrated ?
People start the preparation of Father’s Days in advance. Some prepare beautiful hand made cards with inspirational quotations to express their love towards their dearest dad. Those who stay away from their father feel like spending that day with their dad. Hence, Father’s Day can also be termed as an occasion for reunion.
Generally, children present a bouquet of fresh flowers, a greeting card, a gift hamper, etc to their father. This can be made better by accompanying with his favorite breakfast, lunch or dinner. After such a beautiful start of the day, children usually spend a full day with dad by going out for a picnic or for a treat in a restaurant. Some people also like to throw a great party on Father’s Day and invite friends and relatives on this auspicious day.
Those who stay at home with their father try to assist them by completing pending works. To many children, this is the most special way of expressing affection for dad on Father’s Day and to let him know how that everything he does for the family is appreciated from the core of the heart.
Father’s Day Commercialization
In this high-tech era of commercialization, the festival of Father’s Day has been also commercialized to a great extent. Gift sellers start campaigning days before the commencement of Father’s Day to cash in on the sentimental value of the occasion. The most advertised gift options includes greeting cards, neckties, toolkits and gourmet gift baskets. According to a class of people, commercialization of the day helps in spreading awareness about Father’s Day while some critics feel that extensive commercialization has made the celebration of this occasion a mere formality in many families.
When is Father’s Day ?
Fathers Day Festival is celebrated on different dates in different countries. Most countries including US, UK, Canada, Chile, France, Japan and India celebrate Fathers Day on the third Sunday in June. President Richard Nixon declared the date of Father’s Day festival in US in 1972.
Though the date of Father’s Day is not fixed in countries around the world and even the manner of celebrations differ in several countries but everywhere the spirit behind the celebration of festival is just the same. All over the world people celebrate Father’s Day to honor their father and express love for them. To celebrate the occasion of Father Day children give cards, flowers and other gifts of love to their father.
Father’s Day Date in Different Countries
Argentina: Third Sunday in the month of June
Canada: Third Sunday in the month of June
Chile: Third Sunday in the month of June
France: Third Sunday in the month of June
Japan: Third Sunday in the month of June
Netherlands: Third Sunday in the month of June
United States: Third Sunday in the month of June
United Kingdom: Third Sunday in the month of June
Malta: Third Sunday in the month of June
Austria: Second Sunday in the month of June
Australia: First Sunday in the month of September
New Zealand: First Sunday in the month of September
Belgium: St Joseph’s Day (March 19), and the second Sunday in June “Secular”
Portugal: St. Joseph’s Day – March 19
Spain: St. Joseph’s Day – March 19
Brazil: Second Sunday in the month of August
Bulgaria: June 20
Denmark: June 5, same day as Constitution Day
Germany: on Ascension Day (40 days after Easter)
Republic of Korea: May 8, Parents’ Day
Lithuania: First Sunday in June
Republic of China (Taiwan): August 8
Scandinavia: Second Sunday in the month of November
Finland: Second Sunday in the month of November
Norway: Second Sunday in the month of November
Sweden: Second Sunday in the month of November
Thailand: December 5 (Birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej)
Vietnam: Third Sunday in the month of June