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As Father’s Day approaches, I followed my curiosity to see what other countries do to honor their dads.
The result is this post, Father’s Day Traditions Around the World.
Have fun reading about other customs and perhaps choosing a few to add to Dad’s special day on June 20.
Thailand
Father’s Day in Thailand is celebrated on December 5, the birthday of King Bhumidol Adulyadej. He is considered the Father of the Nation. Traditionally, children wear yellow as they present canna flowers to their fathers.
United States
The third Sunday in June is Father’s Day in the US. It celebrates the contributions fathers and father figures make to their children’s lives.
Common customs in the US include gifts, either handmade or purchased, cards, outings or dinner with the family. The first Father’s Day, inspired by the work of Sonora Smart Dodd, occurred in June, 1910. However, President Johnson made the proclamation declaring Father’s Day the third Sunday in June. And President Nixon made the holiday official in 1972.
Russia
Russia’s Father’s Day began as a military commemoration known as Defender of the Fatherland Day. Soldiers received honor as they marched in parades throughout the country.
Now all men are celebrated on this day, which is February 23. Women give gifts to the important men in their lives.
Germany
Vaterag, or Father’s Day, is celebrated in Germany in connection with Mannerag…Man’s Day. On this fun day, men gather and spend the day together hiking, biking and drinking. It’s common to fill a wagon with beer and head out while the wives stay home with the children.
This event takes place on the sixth Sunday after Easter.
Nepal
In late summer the Nepalese celebration of Gokarna Aunsi honors fathers. Children give gifts to their dads. And a ceremony is performed. Sons bow, touching their heads to their father’s feet. Daughters touch their heads to their father’s hands.
Finland
The second Sunday in November is Father’s Day in Finland. Fathers sleep in and enjoy a favorite breakfast in bed, prepared by their children. Finnish schools offer cakes and coffee to all dads on the Friday before Father’s Day.
Mexico
Father’s Day falls on the third Sunday in June. Fathers participate in a 21 kilometer race. Families also gather for feasts that honor dads, with sweet bread as dessert.
Japan
Japan also celebrates dads on the third Sunday in June. Japanese children gift their fathers with flowers, handmade beer glasses and sweets. The celebratory meal is usually seafood such as crab or prawns.
Brazil
Brazilians celebrate dads on the second Sunday in August, in honor of St. Joachim, the father of Mary and the patron saint of fathers and grandfathers. Children give gifts to their fathers. And the family gathers for food, fun and relaxation.
France
La Fete des Peres is held on the third Sunday in June. The holiday supposedly originated in the mid-20th century when an ad campaign suggested lighters as the perfect gift for dads.
What Are Your Father’s Day Traditions?
Sadly, my father passed away 11 years ago. I still spend the day thinking about him and remembering the fun Father’s Day cookouts we used to have.
I’ll take my stepdad out to dinner and present gifts to my son and son-in-law, who is celebrating as a first time daddy this year.
I find Germany’s custom of allowing the dads to have a fun day to themselves fascinating! That’s an amazing gift. I checked to see what German mothers receive on Mother’s Day. Children often gift Mom a trip. I’m liking these German traditions!
If you still need gift idea for the fathers in your life, check out this post. It’s not too late to surprise Dad with one of these unique presents.
How do you celebrate Father’s Day with your dad?
Additional Gift Ideas for Dad from Amazon
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