Father’s Day is an occasion to honor fathers, celebrate the father-child relationship, and acknowledge the influence of fathers in society. This day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in many countries.
When is Father’s Day 2024?
Depending on the culture, each country celebrates Father’s Day at different times. However, the most common months for celebration are March, April, and June each year. In Vietnam, Father’s Day 2024 falls on Sunday, June 18, 2024, which is the third Sunday of June this year.
The Origins of Father’s Day
Father’s Day has been widely celebrated since the early 20th century. In each country, the date of Father’s Day varies. In Catholic Europe, the celebration dates back to 1508. Here, Father’s Day is celebrated on March 19, which is also the feast day of Saint Joseph. Saint Joseph is known as “The Foster Father of the Lord”, or Nutritor Domini. According to Southern European legend, this saint is also considered the earthly father of Jesus Christ.
The Coptic Orthodox Church in Alexandria celebrates Father’s Day on the same day as St. Joseph, but the Copts also commemorate it on July 20.
Father’s Day has been popularly celebrated since the early 20th century to complement Mother’s Day in honoring parents. Father’s Day is celebrated on various days around the world and is often associated with gift-giving, special dinners for fathers, and family activities.
The earliest celebration of Father’s Day is known to have occurred in Fairmont, West Virginia, on July 5, 1908. The event was organized by Grace Golden Clayton, who wanted to honor her father, who had passed away a few months earlier in the Monongah Mining Disaster in Monongah, West Virginia, on December 6, 1907. Clayton may have been inspired by the first Mother’s Day celebration that year and chose the nearest Sunday to her father’s birthday for the occasion.
However, this event was overshadowed by other events in the city. The state of West Virginia did not officially recognize the holiday, and it was not celebrated again. All the credit for the later establishment of Father’s Day goes to Sonora Dodd from Spokane, who independently organized Father’s Day two years later, influenced by Mother’s Day.
One day in 1909, while listening to a sermon on Mother’s Day, Sonora thought of a day to honor fathers. As the eldest of six siblings, her mother had passed away during childbirth, so her father, William Jackson Smart, raised all six children alone. Sonora admired and respected her father for understanding his struggles. To her, he represented sacrifice, selflessness, and tolerance. Thus, she wanted a special day to honor him, choosing June 19 as “Father’s Day” because it was her father’s birthday.
In 1966, U.S. President Lyndon Johnson officially designated the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day across the United States. Father’s Day has been celebrated annually since President Richard Nixon signed legislation recognizing it as a permanent national holiday in 1972.
The Significance of Father’s Day
Celebrating family members like Father’s Day is a meaningful gift that embodies children’s love for their fathers. It is not only a beautiful aspect of interpersonal relationships but also a day that strengthens the bonds of affection among family members, fostering love and understanding within the family.
The purpose of this day, along with Mother’s Day, is for children to express and show their love and respect for their fathers. While the third Sunday in June is most recognized, many other days are celebrated for fathers worldwide; however, generally, any celebration includes flowers, gifts, cozy dinners with fathers, and intimate family activities.
For those who no longer have a father, this day is also an opportunity to remember the person who gave them life and raised them. From this, they educate their children and future generations on the importance of respect and gratitude towards their predecessors.
Father’s Day is most vibrantly celebrated in the United States. Across the states, festivals are held on this day. Children parade down the streets, drums and horns blaring in the proud gazes of adults. At the main festival in Kennewick, Washington, children enjoy activities similar to International Children’s Day, competing in games and more.
In other countries, Father’s Day is not celebrated as flamboyantly as in the United States, but gifts for fathers are available everywhere, and the spirit of the day is highlighted by media coverage.
In Japan, some stores sell products for fathers such as travel pillows, gym cards, vitamin bags, soft music CDs, sports shoes, sunglasses, fishing rods, and gardening tools.
In Canada, exemplary fathers are honored in newspapers…
In Germany, traditionally on Father’s Day, male groups (both young and old, usually excluding underage boys) embark on a hiking trip with a small cart called a Bollerwagen, pulled by human power. The cart is filled with wine or beer (depending on the region) along with traditional regional foods (Hausmannskost). However, nowadays, the religious significance has faded, and many people use the long weekend and holiday for a short vacation or picnic, while others see this day as an opportunity to indulge in drinking.
In Australia, on this day, most children give their fathers flowers, ties, chocolates, etc. Celebrations often take place at home, with some clubs and social organizations hosting programs to commemorate Father’s Day with entertaining performances. A family breakfast with all members present is very important on Father’s Day.
Father’s Day in Italy: In Italy, on Father’s Day, children often buy or make small gifts for their fathers. Some children may memorize poems or songs about fathers to participate in performances. Activities honoring fathers are often organized in schools.
Father’s Day in Thailand: Traditionally, Thais celebrate Father’s Day by presenting their fathers and grandfathers with Canna flowers (ดอก พุทธรักษา). In Thailand, Canna flowers are considered masculine. However, similar to some other countries, these traditions are becoming less common. Notably, on Father’s Day, Thais often wear yellow to honor the king, as per Thai customs and traditions, yellow is the color for Monday, the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
In some other countries, Father’s Day is not celebrated as grandly as in the United States or some European countries. However, gifts for fathers are still widely available, and many media outlets cover these days.
In Vietnam, although Father’s Day has not officially become a nationwide celebration, many young people have responded positively. Many people take leave to visit their families and show respect to their beloved fathers. Some take their families or fathers out for dinner at a restaurant or purchase meaningful small gifts like ties, shirts, or sunglasses. In many kindergartens, children are guided by teachers to make artificial flowers and greeting cards as gifts for their fathers on this special occasion.
There is no joy that compares to the smile of parents when their children are obedient and successful. So, let’s make any ordinary day a Father’s Day. Cherish and appreciate the moments with your father and family; don’t wait until you realize the true value of your father and family in your life, as it may be too late.
Meaningful and Heartwarming Father’s Day Wishes
Father’s Day is not just about giving gifts or organizing cozy parties. You can also choose from a few meaningful Father’s Day wishes below to send to your beloved father. Don’t miss out:
- On Father’s Day, I send my best wishes to the greatest man in my life. I wish you always have good health, happiness, and the love of both mother and me.
- Dad, you are the best father in the world, and I am proud to be your child. Today, I wish you endless energy, happiness, and peace in life.
- With all my appreciation and love, I send you the best wishes on Father’s Day. May you have a day filled with joy and happiness, and may you always achieve what you desire.
- Today, I want to send you the best wishes so that you always feel happy and enjoy life. I wish you remain forever young, healthy, and happy to always be with mom and the kids.
- You are the most wonderful father in this world, and I will always be proud of that. I wish you even more success in life and that you continue to love me, and may you always have good health and abundant energy to conquer all challenges in life.
