No other relationship in the world is as fulfilling and gratifying as fatherhood. Father's Day is celebrated with great fun and fervor all across the globe, though its origin can be traced to United States of America. The emotions behind these observations are same everywhere, though the day of celebration varies from country to country. Not just the dates, even the history of Father's Day vary from nation to nation. Although countries like Canada, USA, UK, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Indian, Japan, Ireland, and Netherlands commemorate Father's Day on the third Sunday of June, several other countries like Thailand celebrates Father's Day on December 5. Popular among youth, the day has its roots in the Babylonian period. The story of advent of Father's Day revolves around the story of a young boy called Elmesu who carved blessings for his father on clay made card 4000 years ago. With this card, he prayed for the well-being and good health of his Babylonian father. This passed on among generations and sooner became a custom adapted by many countries. The countries with great influence of Catholic Church celebrate it on St. Joseph's Day, which falls on March 19.
Father's Day Celebration Around The World
United States Of America
Father's Day is commemorated on the third Sunday of June in United States of America, although it isn't a federal holiday. The day was the result of unwavering efforts of Sonora Smart Dodd, a loving daughter who wanted to honor her father by paying him a tribute for rearing his six children as a single parent. The origin of this day lies in a memorial service solemnized for a large group of men, many of them fathers, who were killed in a mining accident in Monongah, West Virginia in 1907.
United Kingdom
Not seen as a public holiday, Father's Day is celebrated in UK on the same day as USA, that is on the third Sunday of June. On this day, children make it a point to make their dads feel special by bringing them personalized gifts and cards, taking them out for lunch, dinner or weekend trips and helping them in their household chores. Many clubs organize activities to honor the fathers. Although some people trace the origin of this day to the worship of pagan sun god that occurs around the same time of the year, there is no denying that officially, the credit goes to Sonora Smart Dodd for giving the English this day.
Brazil
Dia dos Pais or Father's Day is celebrated in Brazil on the second Sunday of August, unlike the U.S. and the U.K. The roots of this day in Brazil can be traced back to the Christian Saints. The day was selected by the famous publicist Sylvio Bhering in mid 1950 with the purpose of honoring Saint Joachim. This is also a catholic day for Godfathers. The celebration of Father's Day in Brazil takes place in the same fashion as in USA with family gatherings, dinners, gifts and flowers.
Canada
The day is meant for enjoying fatherhood and respecting fatherly figures in one's life. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of June every year. Small celebrations coupled with gifts, cards and flowers are the most preferred ways of the Canadians to pay homage to their fathers and fatherly figures on this day.
Thailand
Father's Day in Thailand is celebrated with huge fun and fervor on the birthday of King of Thailand, King Bhoomibol Adulyadej, which falls on December 5 each year. The day has a strong relevance for the Thais, as it instills in them the feeling of patriotism. Cultural programs including skits, rhymes and songs are organized by various schools and communities who silently pay homage to the head of the family, the father.
India
It is a concept new to India, and is celebrated here on the same day as is celebrated in the USA. Third Sunday of June is the day dedicated to remember the hardships and struggles undergone by fathers in rearing their children. The celebration includes giving charity in the name of the father, gifting him and doing creative and memorable things for him.
Father's Day is celebrated across the world with full gusto. However, the custom and style may differ from country to country. Read on to learn about Father's Day celebrations around the world.