Happy Father’s Day: Let’s Pay Tribute to All Fathers

Father’s Day is a special occasion observed in many countries on the third Sunday of June. On this particular day, which is just like any other day, people appreciate the tremendous roles fathers play in a family. Before you prepare to celebrate Father’s Day 2024, which falls on June 16, you should take your time to learn more about the background of this special day and how you can make it special for your father this year.

Introduction: The Significance of Father’s Day

Fathers play a significant role in a child’s life. Over the years, fathers have not only been providers but also diverse and complex role models for their children. From attending to babies to dropping children off at school, providing emotional support to their wives, and motivating their teenagers, fathers have shown what it takes to rise to the expectations of modern families. This underlines the necessity of dedicating a single day to celebrating the impact and efforts of those individuals.

History and Origins

Father’s Day celebrations date back to the early 1900s. This celebration was advocated by Sonora Smart Dodd, a woman from Spokane, Washington, who wanted to honour fathers like they honour mothers on Mother’s Day. The first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, under the patronage of the clergy in the United States and the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA).

However, just like with Mother’s Day, the attempts at passing Fathers’ Day as a holiday were at first rejected by Congress. Although the roots of the celebration may be traced back to the early 20th century, Father’s Day was officially recognised in 1966 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, who dedicated the third Sunday of June to celebrating fathers. It was later passed by Congress and signed into law by then-President Richard Nixon in 1972, making it a national holiday. Since then, Father’s Day has been accepted worldwide, and many countries, including India, Japan, Ireland, the United Kingdom, etc., have joined in the celebrations.

The celebration of Father’s Day is significant because fathers need to be appreciated just like mothers

It is also crucial to observe said day. Father’s Day can be a great chance to show your dad how much you care about him and how grateful you are for everything he has done in your life. Furthermore, Father’s Day can even go a notch higher to embrace other male role models such as granddad, uncle, stepdad, and many others.

Staying at home and celebrating Father’s Day

Family Activities

Days such as Father’s Day are perfect for the family to reunite and spend time together. You could have a movie night where everyone is suggested to watch a favourite film, go for a sunrise walk, just lay on the beach and watch the sunset, or sing a favourite tune at karaoke in your family’s living room. Such experiences can help create happy moments in families and bring them closer.

Special Meals

Food is considered very sacred in Indian culture. On this special day, do not miss the opportunity to entertain your father with a heartwarming meal. You can either prepare a meal for him or order what he loves. Cooking by itself, too, can be a fulfilling bonding session between partners.

Creating Lasting Memories

You might’ve had so many wonderful childhood memories with your father. It is time to create new ones for him. What about going on an unforgettable father-child vacation that will be remembered for a lifetime? To make the day even more meaningful, indulge in tea and heartfelt conversations in the morning. For instance, you could assist him in buying his favourite car, something he might have been planning for years. These gestures are a way to express your gratitude and also create some of the fondest memories you will come to cherish for a lifetime.

Celebrating Fathers Who Are Far Away

Employment responsibilities mean that individuals reside in different cities or even countries, hence the challenge of celebrating this special day together. But you do not have to let distance stop you. One can order a cake or schedule a meal together over a video call to ensure that you and your father are together, even if not physically.

Father’s Day in Different Cultures

Global Celebrations

Even though the celebration of Father’s Day started in the United States only, over time, it has become significant worldwide. While many countries mark the day on the third Sunday of June, other countries celebrate this day on different dates. For instance, while most Spanish, Italians, and Portuguese celebrate their fathers, father figures, and male role models on March 19, most of the Nordic countries do it on the second Sunday of November. In Taiwan, Father’s Day falls on August 8. This difference in time is due to historical factors which include political and cultural aspects.

Cultural Significance

Interestingly, this concept is Western, but in today’s world, it has somehow managed to become a part of Indian tradition as well. It has been fit into the fabric of Indian culture and resonates with the time-tested virtues of Indian ethos, which can be summed up in “pitru devo bhava,” which means ‘father is god’ in Sanskrit.

Tips for Making Father’s Day Special

Planning Ahead

Ensure that you begin preparations several weeks earlier to avoid hitches on the day that you have planned for the event. Just for a few minutes, close your eyes and try to recall what your dad likes and then try to come up with a plan. This proper approach will make certain that we have the best celebration of father’s day ever!

Involving the Family

Include other family members like your mother and siblings to ensure the whole family comes together to celebrate the great man. Their presence and participation can add to the joy of the occasion.

Focusing on Quality Time

Father’s Day has become increasingly commercialised in recent years. However, the true essence of the day lies in appreciation and acknowledgement. Instead of focusing on expensive gifts, take the opportunity to show your dad that you are thankful for his presence in your life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is Father’s Day celebrated?

Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June every year.

How can I celebrate Father’s Day if my dad is far away?

You can take the time to connect with your father on this special day. Sending gifts, handwritten letters, cakes, or flowers can also be wonderful ways to express gratitude and love.

Happy Father’s Day!