Today, June 20, the third Sunday of June, many of us will celebrate Father’s Day. According to the British Broadcasting Corporation FD is celebrated in some 70 countries around the world.
In the US, FD is commonly viewed as an opportunity to gather with family for barbecues, picnics, sporting activities (e.g. baseball, golf or fishing), eat at a favorite restaurant, or attend a Broadway show. Generally, it is a fun day with family and friends.
Last year celebrations were muted due to the restrictions imposed by state governors to combat the COVID pandemic. This year celebrations should be especially joyous since it appears that the worst is over. Many people are sick and tired of the various restrictions, which they viewed as draconian, and are ready to “let loose.” More than 52 million doses of the COVID vaccine have been administered in the US, and The Mayo Clinic has reported that more than 40% of the population has been fully vaccinated. (I have seen other estimates that were slightly higher, but I will go with the Mayo.)
Even better, we are approaching herd immunity. (Medical and epidemiology experts differ on the required percentage. I have seen estimates as low as 70% and as high as 90%. No one really knows for sure.) Moreover, many governors have relaxed restrictions. In most areas the mask mandate has been eliminated in favor of “mask optional,” and restrictions on gatherings have been relaxed. Sports are back, and Broadway shows are coming. All this augurs a return to normalcy regarding FD.
The idea of an annual day to recognize fathers was first proposed by Sonora Dodd a resident of Spokane, WA, in 1909. She wanted to honor her own father who had raised her and five siblings as a single parent. In her opinion, mothers had their “day,” so why shouldn’t fathers. At first, she approached her pastor about organizing a special service on her father’s birthday, June 5, but for some reason, perhaps, time constraints, the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June. The initial celebration was held in 1910.
For many years the idea of a “day” for fathers did not catch on with the general public. The major reason was the fear that it would become overly commercialized like Mother’s Day and Christmas. In addition, the media was not behind the concept. Rather than support the idea, they attacked it with sarcastic and cynical articles and cartoons.
FD did, however, have its supporters. Congress debated a bill as early as 1913, but it did not pass. Presidents such as Woodrow Wilson and Calvin Coolidge supported it publicly.
Some years later, Margaret Chase Smith, a longtime influential senator from Maine, criticized the inequity of Congress’ ignoring fathers while honoring mothers. Finally, in 1966 LBJ issued a Presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday in June as FD. It became a permanent holiday in 1972.
According to the British Broadcasting Corporation FD is celebrated in some 70 countries around the world. The timing and characteristics of the celebrations differ depending on seasons and various traditions and cultures, as follows:
- United Kingdom – It is also celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is recognized as a day to honor not only fathers, but also other father figures, such as grandfathers and fathers-in-law. As in the US, typically, people pay a visit and give cards and gifts. Other activities might include male-only outings [golf, football (soccer), or cricket], or trips. One significant difference is that the day is not considered to be a holiday, just a normal Sunday.
- Canada – Very similar to the UK. Popular activities would include going to the park, the zoo, or eating out in a restaurant.
- Russia – The holiday, celebrated on February 23, is called Defender of the Fatherland Day. All men are honored, not just fathers. It began as a military celebration and is still marked by military parades.
- Mexico – Celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is marked with parties and gifts for dads and a 21 kilometer Father’s Day race.
- Brazil – It is celebrated on August 2 in honor of St. Joachim, patron saint of fathers and grandfathers.
- Bulgaria celebrates the day in December.
- According to The Sun various countries in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia and New Zealand, celebrate the holiday in September.
- Northern European countries, such as Norway, Sweden and Finland, celebrate the day in November.
In the US, FD is commonly viewed as an opportunity to gather with family for barbecues, picnics, sporting activities (e.g. baseball, golf or fishing), eat at a favorite restaurant, or attend a Broadway show. Generally, it is a fun day with family and friends. Of course, this year FD celebrations will be somewhat restricted. Due to the Coronavirus there will be no baseball, no Broadway shows, and limited family gatherings.
The idea of an annual day to recognize fathers was first proposed by Sonora Dodd a resident of Spokane, WA, in 1909. She wanted to honor her own father who had raised her and five siblings as a single parent. In her opinion, mothers had their “day,” so why shouldn’t fathers. At first, she approached her pastor about organizing a special service on her father’s birthday, June 5, but for some reason, perhaps, time constraints, the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June. The initial celebration was held in 1910.
For many years the idea of a “day” for fathers did not catch on with the general public. The major reason was the fear that it would become overly commercialized like Mother’s Day and Christmas. In addition, the media was not behind the concept. Rather than support the idea, they attacked it with sarcastic and cynical articles and cartoons.
FD did, however, have its supporters. Congress debated a bill as early as 1913, but it did not pass. Presidents such as Woodrow Wilson and Calvin Coolidge spoke out in favor of it.
Some years later, Margaret Chase Smith, a longtime influential Senator from Maine, criticized the inequity of Congress’ ignoring fathers while honoring mothers. Finally, in 1966 LBJ issued a Presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday in June as FD. It became a permanent holiday in 1972.
FD is celebrated differently in other countries around the world depending on seasons and various traditions and cultures, as follows:
- United Kingdom – It is also celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is recognized as a day to honor not only fathers, but also other father figures, such as grandfathers and fathers-in-law. As in the US, typically, people pay a visit and give cards and gifts. Other activities might include male-only outings [golf, football (soccer), or cricket], or trips. One significant difference is that the day is not considered to be a holiday, just a normal Sunday.
- Canada – Very similar to the UK. Popular activities would include going to the park, the zoo, or eating out in a restaurant.
- Russia – The holiday, celebrated on February 23, is called Defender of the Fatherland Day. All men are honored, not just fathers. It began as a military celebration and is still marked by military parades.
- Mexico – Celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is marked with parties and gifts for dads and a 21 kilometer Father’s Day race.
- Brazil – It is celebrated on August 2 in honor of St. Joachim, patron saint of fathers and grandfathers.
- Bulgaria celebrates the day in December.
- According to The Sun various countries in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia and New Zealand, celebrate the holiday in September.
- Northern European countries, such as Norway, Sweden and Finland, celebrate the day in November.
CONCLUSION
The National Retail Federation estimates that Americans will spend about $174 per person on FD gifts in 2021, which would be a $26 increase over 2020’s amount. The NRF estimates the overall total will be some $20.1 billion.
As you might expect, according to the NRF this total pales next to the $28 billion we spent on mothers last month. Why do we spend so much more money on our mothers than on our fathers? There are many theories, but no one knows for sure?
We don’t take our dads to restaurants as we do our moms. Instead, we put them work barbecuing. The National Restaurant Association reports that FD is one of the slowest days of the year whereas MD is the busiest. Not surprising.
What are the most popular FD gifts? According to the NRF #1 is a greeting card. #2 is a special family outing, for example, taking a trip or attending a sporting event. Other popular gifts include clothes, tools, appliances and “personal care” items.
Dads, remember it is your day. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy it.
We Built It Blog by Larry Jacob 