Father’s Day – A day for dad to remember

CELEBRATIONS of fatherhood date back to the Middle Ages, with the idea of Father’s Day being very different depending on the culture.

But when was it established? We know that Mother’s Day has its own history going back to the early 1900s in the US.

The same can almost be said of Father’s Day history, as President Coolidge, one of the lesser known US presidents, announced that the third Sunday in June was hereafter to be known as Father’s Day. That was in 1924, although the idea of celebrating Father’s Day and honouring them by giving them presents had been around since 1909.

In New Zealand, it was first observed in the late 1920s, and was soon officially adopted, to be held on the first Sunday of September.

In 1972 President Nixon announced a permanent observance of this date as Father’s Day.
The tradition has not only remained, but grown and is now a part of many societies’ culture. Even though it is named Father’s Day, the accepted practice has been to give thanks not just to fathers as caretakers, but also to patriarchal figures who have performed the same duty for a dependant.

An uncle, a godfather or big brother can be honoured on this day if they have been seen as having provided the care and protection of a traditional father.

Today Father’s Day is celebrated around the world, albeit on different dates throughout the year. Following are four dates on which 24 countries celebrate Father’s Day. Third Sunday in March: Andorra, Bolivia, Honduras, Italy, Liechtenstein, Portugal, Spain.

Second Sunday in June: Austria, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden. Third Sunday in June: Bulgaria, Canada, France, Ireland, Malta, Netherlands, Slovakia, UK, US. First Sunday in September: Australia, New Zealand.

The Father’s Day tradition has endured and evolved, so make this Sunday special for the dads in your life.