Father's Day: A Celebration Honoring Dads Everywhere!

Did you know that it took nearly 60 years for Father's Day to become officially recognized in the United States? (NY Daily News) Father's Day is celebrated around the world pretty much every month of the year, with the exception of January. Although Father's Day is celebrated around the world, some countries do not recognize Father's Day as a public holiday. (Wiki)

"In America, Father's Day was founded by Sonora Smart Dodd" (Wiki) "who felt that fatherhood needed recognition." Originally Sonora had proposed June 5, her father's birthday, as the day to celebrate fatherhood, however the Spokane Ministerial Alliance chose the third Sunday in June as the official day to celebrate Father's Day. (Wiki)

In Catholic Europe, fatherhood has been celebrated since 1508. It is customarily observed on March 19. In the Roman Catholic church, Father's Day is referred to as the Feast of Saint Joseph, which is celebrated on Saint Joseph's Day. (Wiki) Catholic countries, such as Italy, Spain, and Portugal honor their fathers on Saint Joseph's Day which relates to Joseph as the father figure of Jesus Christ.

In America, Father's Day was not celebrated until the 20th century. "The first observance of a day honoring fathers" was held at a United Methodist church in West Virginia on July 5, 1908, but the established Father's Day holiday was first celebrated in Spokane, Washington on June 19, 1910. Later, in 1913, the holiday was introduced to Congress, however it was not until 1972 that it became a permanent national holiday, nearly 60 years later when President Richard Nixon signed the holiday into law. (Wiki)

Fun Facts: Father's Day Traditions Around The Globe

In México, Father's Day, known as "El Dia Del Padre," is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, as it is in the United States. Although it is not an official holiday, festivities take place in México City where fathers can participate in a 21 kilometer race called "Carrera Dia del Padre 21K Bosque de Tlalpan," which is a 13 mile Father's Day run. Mexicans hold festivities and celebrate their fathers with food and music and delicious "pan dulce" or sweet bread. Huff Post

In Thailand, Father's Day is celebrated on December 5, which is the birthday of King Bhumbol Adulyadej who was considered the Father of the Nation. Traditionally, the King would give a speech on this day and the people would wear yellow and present canna flowers to their fathers and grandfathers. The canna flowers are "considered to have a masculine association." Huff Post

In Russia, Father's Day is celebrated on February 23 and is known as "Defender of the Fatherland Day." The Defender of the Fatherland Day started as a military tribute as Russians honored soldiers in parades throughout the country. Today all men are celebrated on this day. Huff Post

What are some of the traditions that your family holds for honoring your father?

Do you celebrate like México City does with physical activities, such as bike riding, swimming, or running?

Food is also a big part of most cultures. Brazil traditionally celebrate with a barbeque or steakhouse meal. Japan has a large meal where seafood is served. Which meal does your father enjoy most, barbecue or seafood?

In Victoria, Canada, 32 father's are honored as "Father's of the Year." Consider honoring your dad with a "King of the Day" certificate or a fun day where he calls all the shots and has a day without responsibilities.

How will you make your dad feel special today? After all, he's not really just "King of the Day" today. He is king everyday of our lives!

As for me, both my husband's dad and my dad are out of state and we send cards and goodies to honor them and let them know they are being thought of in a very special way. At home, on Father's Day, my husband decides how he wants to celebrate. In addition, we give the customary, but very special cards and gifts that say, "I love you dad!" and bring on the extra pampering that say, "You are king, every day!"