Celebrating Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June across the world started from America.
The world has been celebrating Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June. This trend has been going on for years. Rich and poor, everyone respects their father in their own way. love. find love. The practice of gift giving has also increased in recent years. This time there is also a pairing of Father’s Day and International Yoga Day i.e. both are being celebrated on 21st June. Do you know that many countries of the world do not celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June. Their dates and methods are completely different in many countries. Why is this so and what are the stories behind it in different countries?
Father’s Day formally started in America. Its inspiration came from Mother’s Day. In the year 1909, a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd came up with the idea. His father William Smart raised his six children single-handedly. Sonora wanted that just as there is a day for the mother, there should be a day for the father’s struggles too. Due to his efforts, Father’s Day was officially celebrated for the first time on 19 June 1910. Later in the year 1966, President Lyndon Johnson declared the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day. In 1972, President Richard Nixon gave it permanent recognition.
Why do most countries celebrate in June only?
More than 80 countries of the world celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June. These include big countries like India, Pakistan, America, Canada, Britain, France and Japan. The main reason for this is the deep influence of American culture and media. Since the modern origin of this day was in America, this date has gained the most popularity globally. This day has become an international symbol of expressing respect, love and gratitude towards the father.
Father’s Day was celebrated officially for the first time on June 19, 1910. Photo: Pexels
India: changing tradition and modernity
There was no ancient custom of celebrating Father’s Day in India. There are religious traditions like Pitru Paksha in India where ancestors are remembered. But the modern trend of Father’s Day has increased in the last two-three decades. In India also it is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is given more importance mainly in cities. Children cut cakes for their father or give him surprise gifts. With the advent of social media, it has now reached even villages and towns. People express their love by putting their father’s photo on WhatsApp.
Thailand: December 5 and honoring the king
The story of celebrating Father’s Day in Thailand is completely different. Here this day is celebrated on 5th December. This date is the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The people of Thailand consider their king as the father of the nation, hence Father’s Day is celebrated in his honour. On this day, Thai people wear yellow clothes because yellow color symbolizes Monday. Raja was also born on Monday. Children gift a flower named Kanna to their father and grandfather, which is considered a symbol of love and respect.
Father’s Day in Russia It is called Defender of the Fatherland Day. Photo: Pexels
Germany: celebration of religious beliefs and beer
In Germany, Father’s Day is called Watertag. Here this day is celebrated 40 days after Easter, which is also called the day of ascension of Jesus Christ. In Germany this day falls in the month of May. The way of celebrating here is very unique. German men go out in groups. They go on tour carrying beer and food in a decorated bullock cart or cart. It is like a celebration for the father as well as all the men. In many places it is also known as Men’s Day.
Russia: military glory and fatherhood
What we call Father’s Day in Russia is actually called Defender of the Fatherland Day. It is celebrated on 23rd February. Originally it started in honor of men serving in the Russian Armed Forces, but now it has become a special day for all men. On this day, women honor their fathers, husbands and sons by giving them gifts.
South Korea: Parents’ Same Day
The tradition of South Korea is most unique. Father’s Day or Mother’s Day are not celebrated separately here. Instead, Parents Day is celebrated on 8th May. The South Korean government decided to honor both of them on the same day. On this day, children put carnation flowers on the chest of their parents and express their gratitude towards them.
Australia and New Zealand: September Spring
While countries in the Northern Hemisphere celebrate in June, in Australia and New Zealand Father’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September. There is no specific historical reason behind this, rather it is related to the weather there. September marks the beginning of spring there. People there believe that there are already many holidays in June, so they decided to celebrate this festival in the second half of the year.
Italy and Spain: memory of Saint Joseph
In Catholic-dominated countries of Europe such as Italy, Spain and Portugal, Father’s Day is celebrated on St. Joseph’s Day. This date is 19 March. Saint Joseph is considered the foster father of Jesus Christ, hence this day has great religious significance in these countries. People pray in churches and organize family reunions.
Same feeling despite different dates
It is clear from these stories from different countries that no matter what the date is, the feeling is the same everywhere. Be it paying respect to their king in Thailand or celebrating with beer in Germany, every culture appreciates the role of father in its own way. Fathers often do not reveal their struggles. Days like Father’s Day remind us to stop and say thank you. A child learns to walk by holding the hand of a father and by living in his shadow he feels safe.
Importance of respecting father
In today’s busy life, children often become busy. In such a situation, special days like Father’s Day bring families closer. It doesn’t matter whether you are celebrating in June or December. What is important is that you spend some time with your father and make him realize how important he is in your life. In simple words, Father’s Day is not just a date but a way to salute the sacrifice and love of the father.
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