Father's Day: Origin & Customs - How is Father's Day celebrated worldwide?
Father's Day is an important holiday for families, where children and adults alike can express their love for their dad. This doesn't require expensive gifts as it is much more important to show dad you've been thinking of him. The most valuable gift for Father's Day could simply be some time spent together. So whether you're looking for the right Father's Day gifts yourself or helping your children make something for their dad, you'll find ideas in our guide. In our guide, you'll find ideas for Father's Day gifts that come from the heart and are guaranteed to delight dad. We also provide insights into the origins of Father's Day and explain how Father's Day is celebrated around the world.
When is Father's Day?
Although Father's Day is celebrated worldwide, the dates differ from country to country. Germany, for example, is the only country that celebrates Father's Day on Ascension Day. In many European Catholic countries such as Spain, Italy and Portugal, Father's Day is celebrated on St Joseph's Day, i.e. 19 March, as this day is dedicated to Jesus' foster father.
Another date on which Father's Day is celebrated in many countries is the third Sunday in June. On this day, Father's Day is celebrated in various European countries such as France, Ireland, Greece, and the United Kingdom, as well as in many North and South American and Asian countries.
This date originated in the United States, where the idea of a Father's Day was first created by Sonora Smart Dodd to recognise and honour her father for raising his six children alone after his wife died giving birth to their last child. On 19 June 1910, Father's Day was celebrated for the first time in Washington State and continued to grow in popularity across the US over the years. In 1966, the third Sunday in June was recognised as a nationwide Father's Day and was officially declared a holiday in 1972. The United States is not only considered the birthplace of Mother's Day but has also shaped the tradition of Father's Day.
Although Father's Day is celebrated at different times around the world and many countries have their own traditions associated with the holiday, many of the basic ideas behind the celebrations are similar. In many countries, for example, it is traditional to surprise fathers with homemade cards or small gifts. In many ways, Father's Day is celebrated as a counterpart to Mother's Day and honours the role of the father. Therefore, Father's Day is a family holiday all over the world that is used for cosy get-togethers or a day out.
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Did you know that...
Instead of Mother's Day and Father's Day, in South Korea, they have a "Parents' Day", although it is not a public holiday. Parents' Day is celebrated both in a family setting and with state ceremonies and is intended to pay tribute and respect to parents, and for older fellow citizens as an important cultural value for South Koreans.
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Tips for a nice Father's Day out
Spending time together as a family is often the best Father's Day gift: if you're lucky, you'll also enjoy some sunshine and early summer temperatures - so it's the perfect time to plan a family day out. To make Father's Day a special memory for Dad, we give various outing ideas and activities that you can try together as a family.
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Don't forget...
For many families, going on outings or doing outdoor activities together is simply part of Father's Day. If you're planning a hike or bike ride for Father's Day, or if you're going to be outside for any length of time, be sure to remember to wear a high-factor sunscreen.
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Make your own Father's Day gifts
For children, making crafts for Father's Day is a great activity idea where they can let their creativity run free. If you're still looking for inspiration, our article has several craft ideas that can be done with young children, as well as more challenging gift ideas that older kids can try their hand at.
Create Father's Day greeting cards
A homemade greeting card is a wonderful way to say a few kind words to dad. At the same time, Father's Day cards serve as mementoes that fathers can look at again and again, even when the children are long grown up and out of the house. We have collected some ideas in this article that can also be made with small children. Of course, very young children still need support from their mothers or grandparents. Older children, on the other hand, can be creative themselves.
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Bear in mind that...
To express your affection, it's not how much money you spend on a Father's Day gift that counts, but what you thought of it.
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Last-minute gift ideas for Father's Day
If you want to give your dad a creative and personalised gift, DIY ideas or gifts can be just the ticket. A homemade gift basket is a classic, which you can tailor exactly to your dad. Plus, it's always a good idea to give the gift of time together. Are you still looking for the perfect Father's Day gift, but don't have much time to prepare? Then you'll find several ideas for last-minute Father's Day gifts that come from the heart in this article.
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References:
https://www.firstpost.com/world/know-why-third-sunday-of-june-is-designated-as-fathers-day-in-most-countries-9734491.html
(Accessed on 14.02.2022)
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/501810/12-things-you-probably-dont-know-about-fathers-day
(Accessed on 14.02.2022)
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Fathers-Day
(Accessed on 14.02.2022)
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