The Reason We Celebrate Father’s Day

Submitted By: Hendrik Pohl

Did you know that Father’s Day is not just an American holiday? It is a day that is celebrated throughout many different cultures and different parts of the world. Even though the dates and the way it is celebrated varies from culture to culture, the concept is the same: To honor one’s father and to show gratitude for what he has done.
The earliest records of fathers day date back over 4,000 years ago in ancient Babylon. The message a son carved in clay wishing his father good health and a long life is still preserved today and is said to be the first father’s day card.
The idea of Father’s Day in the United States dates back to only the beginning of this century. A women named Sonora Dodd in Spokane, Washington was listening to a sermon on Mother’s Day and thought about her father. Her father, William Smart, was a widowed Civil War veteran and raised his six children by himself on a farm. Bot having a mother, she felt that she should honor her father instead. In response to this, Spokane’s mayor chose a day in June for the celebration since William Smart’s date of birth was June 19, 1910.
It wasn’t until 1966 that there was a presidential recognition of Fathers day. President Lyndon Johnson set up the third Sunday in June to be Father’s Day. Father’s Day became an annual national holiday permanently in 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed it into law.
Not much has changed since 1972. Fathers day is still celebrated each year on the Third Sunday in June. It is still the day when children show how thankful they are for their father’s love and affection. Usually a card is given saying how thankful the child is for the father. Many times a small gift will be given as well. One of the most popular Father’s Day gifts are neckties.
Our neighbors in Canada also celebrate father’s day on the 3rd Sunday in June. In Canada it is the tradition to wear red roses on Father’s day to show appreciation. If the father is deceased, a white rose is worn instead. Just as done in the US, cards are commonly sent out, and small presents are given. This is not only done for one’s father, but also for grand, and grand-grand fathers.
In Ireland much is the same as the U.S. and Canada. One striking difference is that if the father is deceased, his children will honor him by sending donations in his name or by doing acts of voluntary service.
In Australia and New Zealand the date for Father’s Day is the first Sunday of September. Like other countries, many send cards and buy gifts for their father to show their appreciation. Although most celebrations are kept within the family setting, there are many programs and activities, which encourage the children and fathers to spend quality time together.
Unfortunately good parents are often times taken for granted. Both, father’s and mother’s day give us the opportunity to show our appreciation to what out parents are giving us every single day.

About Hendrik Pohl
Mr Pohl is enjoys writing articles that are related to his online retail business: Cheap-Neckties.com/ - An online specialist for quality cheap mens ties, cheap neckties, cheap bow ties, and cheap designer cuff links
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