The Celebration of Father's Day in Different Countries
The Celebration of Father's Day in Different Countries
Father's Day is not just an American holiday, but it is celebrated all over the world. Although the celebration varies from culture to culture, the starting point is uniform: to honor fathers for the love and support they have been giving to families throughout the years.
Rumor has it that the first Father's Day card was made 4,000 years ago in ancient Babylon. It conveyed a message carved in clay by a boy wishing his father a good health and a long life.
The concept of Father's Day in the United States was proposed by Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Washington in 1909. It wasn't until 1966 that President Lyndon Johnson set up the third Sunday in June to be Father's Day. In 1972 it became a permanently national holiday when President Richard Nixon signed it into law. Usually children take this opportunity to thank their fathers for their love and affection by sending a card. More often than not, a gift is presented to fathers and the most popular Father's Day gift is necktie.
The tradition of Father's Day spread to neighboring Canada. There, it is also celebrated on the third Sunday in June. Red roses are usually worn to show appreciation for their living fathers while white roses are for deceased fathers. Cards and small gifts are given to not just the father but grandfather and any other man that has played a father figure role.
In Ireland the celebration is much the same as in 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 charity act.
In Australia and New Zealand the date for Father's Day is the first Sunday of September. Just as in many other countries, many children send cards and buy gifts for their fathers to show their appreciation. Although most celebrations are kept within the family setting, there are many activities arranged to encourage the children and fathers to spend enjoyable quality time together.
Father's Day highlights the important role that fathers play in the family. A good father is important to physical as well as emotional well-being of a child. Father's Day gives children the opportunity to express their gratitude for his love and attention. Give your Halloween hosts a festive gift Paddington Hotels in London Are the Answer Top travel insurance tips Santa Nativities and Other Christmas Collectibles for the 2010 Holiday Season Make Shaftesbury hotel London your destination American Beauty Soundtrack - The American Beauty Soundtrack Has To Be In The All Time Top 40? Getting the legs and feet in shape for the summer Jerusalem trip from Sharm El Sheikh by bus Tour to Cairo and Luxor in two days from Hurghada London Removals Company Q/A Blackberry Torch 9800 : Let The Light Of Technology Light Up Your Christmas Affordable Villas in Cannes New Handbook for Miracle Fruit Flavor Tripping Parties