Father's Day (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain what Father's Day is, its origin and when it is celebrated in different countries. Plus, gift ideas for Father's Day.

father's day celebration — Father's Day calls for families to get together and entertain fathers.

What is Father's Day?

Father's Day is an international celebration dedicated to paying tribute to fathers in a similar way to what is done with mothers on “Mother's Day”. This day is a family celebration, with religious roots, but in recent times it has become a date of especially commercial interest, given the significant rise in consumption that it brings with it in almost all countries.

This annual celebration is part of the calendar of a large number of countries, although not necessarily on the same day. In general, it is not a holiday, but rather the commemoration of the vital role that parents play in the construction of societies since these have the family as a base. That is why this day calls for families to get together and entertain parents with food, parties, gifts or simply company.

Origin of the celebration

Originally, The day dedicated to the father in the Catholic Christian calendar was the day of the birth of Saint Joseph, father of Jesus of Nazareth so March 19 was dedicated to parents. In fact, many countries still celebrate it that way.

Other countries, however, adopted the convention that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in the United States, through which tribute was paid to parents on a different date, as proposed by local actors from the state of Washington that had an echo in the religious authorities and, later, in the government of Calvin Coolidge. However, It was Richard Nixon's government that officially designated the day in 1972, establishing that Father's Day should be celebrated every third Sunday of the month of June.

Father's Day in different countries

The exact date of Father's Day varies according to the calendar of each country. The following is a list of when Father's Day is celebrated in different countries:

Father's Day in Mexico. As in the United States, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June.
Father's Day in Brazil. It is celebrated on the second Sunday of the month of August, the day of Saint Joachim, father of the Virgin Mary and grandfather of Jesus of Nazareth.
Father's Day in Spain. Along with Italy and other countries with Catholic culture, Father's Day is celebrated in Spain every March 19, Saint Joseph's Day.
Father's Day in Argentina. Originally, in this country Father's Day was celebrated every August 24, in honor of José de San Martín, considered the Father of the Country. However, starting in 1960 the American day was adopted and since then it has been celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
Father's Day in Uruguay. It is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of the month of June, and is usually celebrated with fireworks and yellow clothing.
Father's Day in Australia. It is celebrated on the first Sunday in September, just like in New Zealand.

Gift ideas for Father's Day

father's day ideas to celebrate gift — A good way to celebrate is to share an activity.

It is customary to entertain our parents and grandparents every Father's Day, and one way to do it is through gifts and special events. Many times a good gift is not something purchased and wrapped in gift paper, but rather an experience or a gesture that best expresses the love and respect we profess to our parents.