Where does Father's Day come from today?
The origin of Father's Day is generally known from America. In 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd wanted to highlight and honour her father. Her father was a war veteran and to show his perseverance and strength, she devised Father's Day. She was inspired by Anna Jarvis, who had devised Mother's Day a year earlier. Only in
When do we celebrate Father's Day?
Father's Day is celebrated on different dates in different countries. In England, France and the Netherlands, we celebrate Father's Day on the third Sunday of June. In Belgium, Father's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of the month of June. In Germany, it is celebrated on Ascension Day. This is related to the idea of Jesus' return to his Father. In Roman Catholic countries such as Spain and Italy, as well as Roman Catholic Antwerp, Father's Day is celebrated on 19 March, the name day of Joseph of Nazareth, the godfather of Jesus Christ.
How do we celebrate Father's Day in Europe?
The message of Father's Day is to highlight the father figure in our lives. This is often accompanied by gifts such as electronics, a snack box or a barbecue set. But of course, this day is more about the gesture than the gift. Besides buying a gift, you can also make a meaningful one yourself. Think of a personalised T-shirt with a cute photo, a self-made box with his favourites or a DIY project.
Besides giving gifts, Father's Day is a day for many dads to do something for themselves. Think of a day at the golf course, trying out a unique sport (with friends) or getting together with other dads to celebrate.
Is Father's Day an official holiday?
Father's Day is not an official holiday, but it is celebrated in a lot of countries. Its origins, as explained above, are traditionally based on a Roman Catholic custom. Nowadays, like Mother's Day and Valentine's Day, Father's Day is days when shops devise special promotions, actions and displays to advertise products.
