by Anishametra Saravanan  

In 1910, Sonora Smart Dodd was attending one of the first official Mother’s Day services at her church in Spokane, Washington, when she had an epiphany—if mothers deserved a day in honour of their loving service, why not fathers? Hence, she created a day to celebrate her devoted and selfless father, a Civil War veteran and single father of 6 children; and the rest you could say, is history. 

More than a century later, this wonderful day dedicated to celebrating the paternal figures in our lives has taken on various forms and traditions across the globe. Here’s a closer look at what other countries get up to for Father’s Day and who knows, these traditions may just spark some inspiration for you to plan the perfect gift or celebration for Dad this year! 

Holidays are often a big affair in Mexico, and Father’s Day is no exception. The special day is observed on the third day in June and dads participate in a 21-kilometer race called Carrera Día del Padre 21K Bosque de Tlalpan, a wonderful bonding experience between generations of fathers and children who honour and support one another. 

Father’s Day in Thailand is celebrated on December 5. The day falls on the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was fondly known as the father of Thailand. The tradition dictates that everyone wears yellow and show their appreciation to their fathers by presenting them with canna lilies.  

While most countries may be celebrating Father’s Day (or Fars Dag) in June, Scandinavian dads will have to wait until year end to celebrate their special day. The day is observed on the second Sunday in November since Scandinavian businesses lobbied for the day to be moved to November when business is slow to enjoy the day at its fullest.   

France may be another country that celebrates Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June but did you know lighters are one of the most popular gifts given to dads on this special day? 
 
When traditional feasts and celebrations around Saint Joseph began to fade in the years after World War II, a French lighter company called Flaminaire came up with the brilliant idea to reignite consumer interest in spending money on a new lighter for dear ol’ dad. With the help of an expansive ad campaign, the company drummed up brand awareness in the guise of a holiday, and Father’s Day (called Fête des Pères) has been observed in France ever since! 

In a unique twist, China decided to break away from the traditional Father’s Day celebration in June and instead chose August 8th as their day to honour fathers, all because of a fascinating linguistic connection. 

China Highlights explains: “They chose that date because in Chinese August 8 can be shortened to ‘bā bā‘ (八八 ‘eight eight’). This sounds similar to the informal word for father (爸爸, bàba). This tradition dropped off in the Mainland but was continued in Taiwan under the Republic of China government.” 

In Germany, Father’s Day (or Vatertag) is celebrated on Ascension Day; a Christian holiday celebrated on the 40th day after Easter. It always falls on a Thursday in May. Notably, Vatertag holds significance as it’s observed as a public holiday, and in most regions of the country, the subsequent Friday is also declared as a day off. Consequently, many people get to enjoy a 4-day weekend, indulging in outdoor Father’s Day activities while savouring a few refreshing beers along the way. 

Sure, gifts may be exciting to gift Dad but no Father’s Day celebration in Malaysia and Singapore is complete without spending time with the family over a good makan (meal)! 

Source:

History

Little Things

Mental Floss

Better Homes & Gardens