Father’s Day Around the World: Celebrating Dad in Different Cultures
Have you ever wondered what Father’s Day really means? Do you want to know about the different Father’s Day cultures across the world? We understand that Father’s Day is a beautiful tradition followed by most countries to honour and respect our beloved fathers. But how similar are we in celebrating our dad? Are curious gifting experts at Hampers Galore put together a list of Father’s Day cultures and practices followed by many citizens around the world? We have emphasised on the beautiful traditions and unique values each country adheres to embrace their father with love. Read along to find out the true meaning of Father’s Day and the significance of our dads in our lives!
The Origins of Father’s Day
Historical Background:
The very first Father’s Day dates back to the early 20th century when mothers took the initiative to compliment fathers, fatherhood, or any paternal figures in their children’s lives. This beautiful day was founded in Washington, USA, by Sonora Smart Dot in 1910. Sonora took this initiative to honour her dad for raising six beautiful, healthy children. Ever since Father’s Day has been an important day to families, could you remind children of the importance of their dad in their lives, and keep families connected to their paternal figure.
Global Adoption:
Just like in Australia, Father’s Day is globally recognized as a special celebration held to honour the beautiful dads in our lives. Across the globe there are numerous unique celebrations conducted to honour fathers while most of us celebrate Father’s Day to respect our own dads. Some nations celebrate Father’s Day to honour God or even a royal figure. This explains how important and significant a father’s role is to all of us!
Father’s Day in North America
United States:
The USA is the origin country of the Father’s Day celebrations and is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Therefore the US citizens take Father’s Day quite significantly. Families and children take this time to connect with their dads and celebrate their supportive and nurturing characters. Fathers are recognized for their unparalleled dedication throughout the lives of the children and the entire family. Families get together and children visit their homes to honour their dads. Celebrations are often fun and enthusiastic, filled with flowers, greeting cards, chocolates, cookies, grand Father’s Day dinners and so much more. Fathers are showered with gifts, love and support. Schools in the US celebrate Father’s Day by planning programs and activities to recognise their dads.
Canada:
Canadians follow a similar context to the Americans. However, Canadians like to take their celebration outdoors. Father’s Day usually entails activities like barbecues, picnics, sporting events and family gatherings. Like in the US, Canadians give their fathers incredibly touching gifts such as clothing, cool gadgets for dad, Father’s Day hampers, flowers, chocolates and thoughtful greeting cards. Families also like to take their dads on long vacations and trips, to spend more time closely with dad. Like in every other country Father’s Day in Canada is not limited just to their biological dads. Any male figures, new fathers, fathers-to-be, male family friends, male siblings and even male teachers are appreciated if they have been a source of influential support and encouragement to children.
Father’s Day in Europe
United Kingdom:
In the United Kingdom Father’s Day is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of every June. Fathers are often surprised with ties, dad tools and family reunion meals. Fathers are honoured by praising their paternal bonds and the influence they have on society. All fathers, biological or not, are recognized for their hard work. Gifts will follow as a tradition from children to all father figures. This can also be followed by grand dinners for Father’s Day, filled with your dad’s favourite dishes.
Germany:
In Germany, Father’s Day takes a religious approach and is called the Vatertag. It coincides with Ascension Day and is celebrated 39 days after Easter. Back in the Middle Ages, in Germany Father’s Day was a religious ritual to honour God the Father. In modern times, German men parade through the countryside with their favourite beers and snacks. These celebrations are enthusiastic and filled with cheerful music, focusing on connecting the community together!
Spain and Portugal:
Father’s Day is celebrated on the 19th of March in Spain, on the same day as St. Joseph’s Day. Families gather for religious ceremonies and gatherings reuniting them together. The father in this culture is regarded as the father of Jesus, as in the Christmas Tradition. At schools, children make arts and crafts to give to their dad representing the tradition. The gift giving process is constant between children of all ages’ teenagers and even adults.
In Portugal, Father’s Day is known as Dia do Pai. Like in Spain, this celebration is also a collaboration of religious and family traditions. It is celebrated on the 19th of March, honouring St. Joseph's Day!
Father’s Day in Latin America
Mexico:
Mexican people are known for their music and mariachi bands. Every third Sunday in the month of June, Mexican families get together and reunite to celebrate Father’s Day. All fathers and paternal figures are appreciated with special cooked meals, gifts and celebrations to light up their spirits. Family values are given strong importance in Mexico. As a tradition on Father's Day, Mexican people hold a citywide race for 21 kilometres. This takes place in the city of Bosque de Tlalpan, Which often includes hiking and jogging. Mexican people praise their dads with great food and music!
Brazil:
Celebrated on the second Sunday of August, dads are showered with traditions of gift-giving and family meals. Father’s Day is celebrated originally in Brazil on the day of St Joachim who was regarded as the patron saint of fathers. It was intended to hold large feasts and gatherings with food to never ending BBQs and so much more. Roasted beef, pork, chicken and sausage are often considered as a staple in these parties. Even though it might not be a national holiday, Father’s Day is considered a grand celebration for Brazilians!
Father’s Day in Asia
Japan:
In Japan, Father’s Day is called chichi no hi, which is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Although it is not a public holiday, Japanese citizens consider Father’s Day special and thoughtful. Fathers are praised with gifts such as handmade crafts, beautiful Japanese flowers and traditional meals that are often home-cooked. Flowers are given a strong prominence for Father’s Day celebrations in Japan. Japanese children extend their sweet gestures by handcrafting beer glasses or even gifting their dad champagne, bottles of beer, leather sandals, and everyday usable gifts. Japanese fathers also appreciate a good puddle of perfume or a perfectly seasoned gourmet dish, which can sometimes be enjoyed with the entire family!
Thailand:
In Thailand, the 5th of December is when the Father’s Day celebration takes place. While celebrating the royal birthday of King Bhumibol, the Thailand citizens honour their dads on the same day. Thai people often wear yellow and march through parades while holding glorious ceremonies to honour the king’s birthday. King Bhumibol is known as “The Father of the Nation”. Thai families feast together while children gift their dads or parental figures with the Canna flower. This flower is considered to be a masculine plant, hence representing the masculine counterparts of a family!
India:
The third Sunday in the month of June is considered Father’s Day in India. Fathers are expressed with gratitude and overpowering love by their children and the entire family, for their unwavering support and constant dedication. Food is a strong part of the Father’s Day celebrations in India. Children also show their love for Dad with hand-crafted gifts and flowers. In schools, Teachers and children celebrate Father’s Day by appreciating dads in front of their own children and the entire community. The core idea of these activities conducted at school is to teach children how to respect their dads and take care of them later in life. According to Asian culture, children look after their parents in their old age. On this day fathers are honoured for their hard work and children are thought to give back to their parents. Families arrange special prayers, get-togethers, picnics, movie nights, grand dinners, parties and a lot more to show their dad the affection they have for him.
Father’s Day in Africa and Oceania
South Africa:
Just like in India, South Africans celebrate Father’s Day on the 3rd Sunday of June. Father’s Day celebrations are grand and often involve outdoor activities such as picnics and braais in other terms barbecues. A common practice in South Africa followed by children is to present their dad with lovely neckties and other novelties. Greeting cards, flowers and cakes is quite mandatory and is a staple just like in most countries. Families gather around in South Africa and practise outdoor activities that dads usually love. Some such activities are fishing barbecues, picnics, playing in the park and more energetic engagements. With each activity, families and children hope to emphasise on the importance of a father’s role in their lives. It often translates into an act of honour and gratitude from the bottom of their hearts.
Australia:
Australians celebrate Father’s Day on the very first Sunday of September. In Australia, September marks the start of spring. Just like their gardens with blooming flowers and fruit each and every family and children participate in bestowing their father’s heart with love and admiration. To keep up with the tradition, Australians often give their fathers greeting cards and flowers as a simple gesture. Families often take their celebration outside with picnics, barbecues or even pool parties. Most households arrange beautiful dinners and gatherings to appreciate the paternal figure in the family. They also engage in sending thoughtful and meaningful gifts such as Father’s Day gift hampers filled with essentials and all their father’s favourite snacks and drinks.
New Zealand:
Similar to Australia, New Zealand also celebrates Father’s Day on the first Sunday of September. Keep in mind that although it is not a public holiday, celebrations for dads are done on a larger scale. They send out hampers, gifts, flowers, chocolates, cards and so much more to express their gratitude to dads.
Sending Love to Dads Everywhere!
Our fathers have played an important role in all our lives. They have been the pillar of support to the entire family, whilst managing a lot more in their own lives. From riding our first bike to driving our first truck and even facing our first job interview, our dads have always been with us. Therefore it is our responsibility to show our dad how much we love them in every possible way we can. Just like our moms, our dads have been incredibly nurturing and supportive in many ways. This is why different cultures all around the world hold Father’s Day celebrations to honour fathers in unique ways that suit their culture.
As an Australian brand, Hampers Galore takes pride in introducing you to an exclusive range of Father’s Day Hampers, curated for all your Father’s Day gifting plans. If you are looking for unique ways to appreciate your dad this September, visit Hampers Galore to explore an exciting range of wine hampers, beer hampers, whiskey hampers, pamper hampers and snack campers for your dad. Take this opportunity to bond with your dad and connect over Australian goodies!
Send our love to all your dads!
