Father’s Day Around the World

Father’s Day is a holiday that commemorates fathers and their contribution to their families and also society.

Credit for originating the holiday is generally given to Sonora Smart Dodd. Her father was a  Civil War veteran, meanwhile, he also raised her and her five siblings after their mother died in childbirth.

In the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom the holiday is celebrated on June 18, with cards and Fathers Day gifts. 

In Australia and New Zealand, they celebrate on the first day of spring and families spend the day giving cards and gifts to their fathers. 

In Brazil, the holiday is celebrated on the second Sunday of August in honor of St. Joachim, the father of Virgin Mary. Children write their fathers handmade letters expressing their thankfulness.

In Spain, Portugal, and Italy, fathers day is celebrated on March 19th, or, on the feast of St. Joseph, a holiday that honors Joseph of Nazareth, Jesus’ father. A religious service is usually held, and fathers receive gifts and letters from their loved ones.

In Sweden, Iceland, and Norway, the holiday is also referred to as Fars Dag, and is celebrated on the second Sunday in November. It was traditionally celebrated in June, but businesses requested for it to be moved to November, where the economy is typically slow. 

In Germany, Father’s Day, or Vatertag, is celebrated on ascension day, a Christian holiday on the 40th day after Easter, so it typically falls on a Thursday in May. Families enjoy a four day weekend together.

In Thailand, the holiday is celebrated on December 5, the birthday of  King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The children hand out Canna lilies to both their grandfathers and fathers.

In Russia, fathers day began as a military celebration which later evolved into a celebration of men. Because of the holiday’s history, the day is referred to as Defender of the Fatherland day. It is celebrated on February 23, and many parades take place.