June 20th marks Father’s Day, a holiday dedicated to the fatherly figures in our lives. Where did this holiday start? And what are some ways we can commemorate people we look up to on this day and every day? Read on to find out!
Image is courtesy of Juan Pablo via Pixels.
History
According to the History Channel, the first-ever "Father's Day" was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Washington, DC. However, it only officially became a holiday in 1972, when President Richard Nixon declared it. While its counterpart, Mothers' Day, had received much enthusiasm when it was first celebrated, it seemed that the idea of Father's Day did not match this. Historians say it is because the sentimental appeal that paralleled Mother's Day did not appeal to Fathers. They traditionally had a different role in the household according to society's expectations. Yet, the Almanac explains that the onset of the Great Depression and later World War II pushed the idea of Father's Day ahead, from both an economic and familial perspective. This is because this time now allowed people to show their appreciation for dads, while companies could make money.
Present-Day
In the USA, Canada, and many countries, Father's Day is held every third Sunday of June. But, this celebration is commemorated in different ways across the world, according to Office Holidays. For example, it's held on March 19th in Spain, Portugal, and Italy, as this day marks the Feast of St Joseph (the patron saint of Fathers). In Taiwan, August 8th is when this celebration occurs since the Chinese for eight is "ba," which is similar to a colloquial word for father.
Ways to Celebrate Father's Day
COVID-19 restrictions across Canada vary, but there are many ideas of ways to celebrate this day. Going beyond a gift and card (which are amazing items), there are multiple ways to spend quality time with a fatherly figure in your life, whether it be in-person or virtually. Here are some ideas from Good Housekeeping:
Plan a movie night together, either through video sharing services (such as Netflix Party), or at an outdoor venue (your backyard, or even a drive-in movie).
Partake in a physical activity session, such as playing a certain sport together or going for a hike in nature.
Cook a favourite meal together, whether in your living room or a picnic at a park. You can choose anything from brunch to a barbecue.
Whip out some board games (or online games like Backyard.co), and have a games night full to bring out laughter and your competitive spirit.
Bring out your creative side by doing something artistic–play some music, paint a canvas, or even do some karaoke.
Overall, while there has been a particular day dedicated to commemorating the fatherly figures in our lives, it's important to show appreciation to the people we love any and every day!
Article Author: Asima Hudani
Article Editors: Valerie Shirobokov, Maria Giroux