Father’s Day – A  Day to Remember

Father’s Day is a holiday recognizing the paternal bond between a father and his children. It is complementary to the holiday Mother’s Day. While Father’s Day is not an official holiday in many countries, it is celebrated by many countries the world over. This day is traditionally celebrated in the United States the third Sunday in June; however, many other countries celebrate throughout the year.

In the United States, the first documented Father’s Day celebration was documented in Spokane, Washington, on June 19, 1910. Sonora Smart Dodd is the creator of the modern Father’s Day celebration in the United States. Her father was a single father of six; he raised his children while being a Civil War veteran. Her largest inspiration to celebrate this day was Anna Jarvis, the founder of the modern Mother’s Day holiday. Although President Lyndon B. Johnson declared Father’s Day a national holiday in the United States in 1966, it was not officially recognized until Richard Nixon was President in 1972.

Both Canada and Costa Rica also celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June. Costa Rica has currently proposed a bill to change Father’s Day to March 19. This is to allow the country to celebrate St. Joseph’s Day the same time as Father’s Day. St. Joseph’s Feast of the Worker would be the main meal during that day. Costa Rica’s newly timed Father’s Day would be celebrated the same time and way as in Italy. St. Joseph’s Day is a large Roman Catholic traditional holiday in Italy.

Germany celebrates Father’s Day on Ascension Day, or forty Days after Easter. The date changes every year, much the same as it does with Easter. It is not only a celebration of fathers, but of manhood in general. Each year, men pull wagons filled with beer, wine, and traditional foods. Many men traditionally used this holiday to become drunk. In recent years, more men are deciding to spend Father’s Day with their families. Many schools and businesses are closed on the Friday before Father’s Day. This is a popular weekend vacation time.
Many other countries, such as Thailand and the United Kingdom celebrate Father’s Day each year. It occurs on the same day each year. This is regardless of the fact that it is not a recognized public holiday.

Father’s Day is celebrated in much the same way as Mother’s Day. Many calls are made on this day. Ironically, the most collect calls are made on this day. Gifts are popular on this day. Masculine items, such as tools, have increased in popularity in the last several years. Electronics, such as TV’s have also traditionally been a big hit on this day. Many schools, churches, and other establishments have set up crafts or other activities for children to make their father a handmade gift. As the weather is slightly warmer in June, it is also a good time to enjoy a picnic, sports game, or other outdoor activity. A BBQ has been traditionally popular.

In recent years, there has been a decline in the popularity of Father’s Day. Similarly there has been a substantial increase in the popularity of Mother’s Day. This is being blamed largely on the change in modern society. Absent fathers and single mothers are becoming more and more prevalent. Other factors such as father’s working long hours and not being home very often is also leading to the holiday losing popularity.