Father's Day facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Father's Day |
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Paternal Advice, painted by Josephus Laurentius Dyckmans
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| Observed by | 112+ countries |
| Type | Worldwide |
| Significance | Honors Fathers and Fatherhood |
| Date | Varies by country |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to |
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Father's Day is a special day to celebrate fathers and father figures. It's a time to honor the important role they play in families and society. This day is like other celebrations for family members, such as Mother's Day or Grandparents' Day. Father's Day is celebrated on different dates around the world, and each country might have its own unique ways to honor dads.
In many Catholic countries in Europe, Father's Day has been celebrated on March 19th as Saint Joseph's Day for hundreds of years. In the United States, Father's Day started in Washington in 1910, thanks to Sonora Smart Dodd. It is a recognized public holiday in Lithuania and some parts of Spain. It's also a national holiday in Estonia, Samoa, and South Korea, where it's called Parents' Day.
Contents
- The History of Father's Day
- Why "Father's Day" is Spelled That Way
- When Father's Day is Celebrated Around the World
- Father's Day Traditions in Africa
- Father's Day Traditions in Asia
- Father's Day Traditions in Europe
- Father's Day Traditions in North America
- Father's Day Traditions in Oceania
- Father's Day Traditions in South America
- See also
The History of Father's Day
For a long time, the Eastern Orthodox Church has had a special day to remember the ancestors of Christ. This day, called the Sunday of the Forefathers, happens in December. It includes important figures like Adam and Abraham.
A day to celebrate fathers in Catholic Europe has been around since at least 1508. It's usually on March 19th, which is the feast day of Saint Joseph. He is seen as a father figure to Jesus. This tradition came to the Americas with Spanish and Portuguese settlers. The Catholic Church supported celebrating fatherhood on Saint Joseph's Day from the late 1300s or early 1400s.
The Coptic Orthodox Church also celebrates fatherhood on St Joseph's Day, but they do it on July 20th. This Coptic celebration might be as old as the fifth century.
In the United States, the idea of a national Father's Day was discussed for a while. In 1908, Grace Golden Clayton suggested a day to honor men who died in a mining accident. Later, in 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd pushed for a Father's Day. She and her five brothers were raised by their father alone. After attending a Mother's Day church service, she convinced a group of ministers in Spokane to celebrate Father's Day.
Besides Father's Day, many countries also celebrate International Men's Day on November 19th. This day honors both men and boys.
Why "Father's Day" is Spelled That Way
The name "Father's Day" uses an apostrophe before the 's', making it singular possessive. This means it's "the day belonging to Father," not "a day for all fathers." This spelling follows the example of Mother's Day. In 1912, Anna Jarvis, who founded Mother's Day, made sure "Mother's" was singular. She wanted each family to honor their own mother, not all mothers everywhere.
When Father's Day is Celebrated Around the World
Father's Day is celebrated on different dates across the globe. Here's a list of when it happens:
| Gregorian calendar | ||
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| Occurrence | Dates | Country |
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Soldier's Day |
18 March |  Mongolia |
| 19 March | ||
| 8 May |
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Second Sunday in May |
12 May 2024 |
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Third Sunday in May |
19 May 2024 |
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9 May 2024 |
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First Sunday in June |
2 June 2024 |
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| 5 June |
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Second Sunday in June |
9 June 2024 |
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Third Sunday in June |
16 June 2024 |
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| 17 June | ||
| 19 June | ||
| 21 June | ||
| 23 June | ||
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Last Sunday in June |
30 June 2024 |
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Second Sunday in July |
14 July 2024 |
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Last Sunday in July |
28 July 2024 |
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| 8 August | ||
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Second Sunday in August |
11 August 2024 |
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Last Monday in August |
26 August 2024 |
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First Sunday in September |
1 September 2024 |
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Second Sunday in September |
8 September 2024 |
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First Sunday in October |
6 October 2024 |
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| Third Sunday in October | 20 October 2024 19 October 2025 |
 Russia |
| 21 October |  Belarus |
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Second Sunday in November |
10 November 2024 |
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| 12 November | ||
| 5 December |
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| 26 December |  Bulgaria |
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| Hebrew calendar | ||
| Occurrence | Equivalent Gregorian dates | Country |
| 30 Shevat | Between 30 January and 1 March 9 February 2024 |
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| Hindu calendar | ||
| Definition | Equivalent Gregorian dates | Country/territory |
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Kushe Aunsi (Bhadrapada Amavasya) |
Between 30 August and 30 September
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| Islamic calendar | ||
| Occurrence | Equivalent Gregorian dates | Country/territory |
| 25 January 2024 13 January 2025 2 January 2026 22 December 2026 |
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| Burmese calendar | ||
| Occurrence | Equivalent Gregorian dates | Country/territory |
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Full Moon Day of Tabaung |
in February or March 24–25 March 2024 |
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Father's Day Traditions in Africa
Algeria
In Algeria, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
Egypt
In Egypt, Father's Day is celebrated every year on June 21st.
Kenya
In Kenya, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is not a public holiday.
Morocco
In Morocco, the third Sunday in June is the day to celebrate Father's Day.
Mozambique
In Mozambique, Father's Day is observed on March 19th each year.
Nigeria
In Nigeria, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
South Africa
In South Africa, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is not a public holiday.
South Sudan
In South Sudan, Father's Day is celebrated on the last Monday of August. President Salva Kiir Mayardit announced it before August 27, 2012. It was first celebrated on August 27, 2012.
Sudan
In Sudan, Father's Day (عيد الأب) is celebrated on June 21st.
Father's Day Traditions in Asia
Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, Father's Day (Bengali/Bangla: বাবা/আব্বু দিবস, Baba/abbu dibosh) has become popular due to Western influences. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of June and is not a public holiday. Many young people have helped spread its popularity through social media. While some religious families don't celebrate it, it's becoming more common. Many people wish their fathers a happy Father's Day. Some families go to restaurants or have cake at home. Children might give small gifts to their fathers.
China
In the People's Republic of China, there is no official Father's Day. Some people celebrate it on the third Sunday of June, following the tradition of the United States. Father's Day is also celebrated in the special administrative regions. In Hong Kong and Macau, it is celebrated on the third Sunday of June and is not a public holiday.
India
Father's Day is not a traditional Indian custom. It is celebrated due to Western influence. It is observed on the third Sunday of June and is not a public holiday. The day is usually celebrated in larger cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, and Kolkata. In the North Eastern state of Nagaland and Kerala, special prayers are held in churches. People often give gifts like greeting cards, gadgets, shirts, or books to their fathers.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, Father's Day is celebrated on November 12th and is not a public holiday. It was first announced in 2006 in Surakarta. It's not as widely celebrated as Mother's Day on December 22nd.
Iran
In Iran, before the 1979 revolution, Father's Day was on the 24th of Esfand, which was Reza Shah's birthday. After the revolution, it changed to the 13th of Rajab, the birthday of Ali bin Abi Talib. Zoroastrians also celebrate Shahrivargan as Father's Day.
Israel
In Israel, Father's Day is usually part of Family Day on 30 Shevat. Some people also celebrate it on May 1st, along with Workers' Day.
Japan
In Japan, Father's Day (父の日, chichi no hi) is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is not a public holiday. Common gifts include sake, shochu, fashion items, special foods, sports equipment, and sweets.
Kazakhstan
Since 2012, Kazakhstan celebrates Defender of the Fatherland Day on May 7th. This day honors the armed forces. Many people see it as a "men's day" and a way to honor men, so it's also a kind of Father's Day.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, Father's Day is on June 15th.
Mongolia
The Mongolian Men's Association started celebrating Father's Day on August 8, 2005.
Nepal
The Nepalese Hindus and Newars in Nepal honor fathers on Kushe aunsi (Nepali: कुशे औंसी). This day falls in late August or early September, depending on the lunar calendar. It's also known as Gokarna Aunsi.
In recent years, non-Hindus in Nepal have also started celebrating Kushe Aunsi. It's commonly called Buwaako mukh herne din (Nepali: बुवाको मुख हेर्ने दिन, lit. 'day for looking at father's face'). Children honor their fathers, put a special mark (tika) on their forehead, and give them sweets, treats, and gifts. In return, fathers bless their children.
On this day, Hindus visit the Shiva temple of Gokarneswor Mahadev in Gokarna. Buddhists go to Jana Bahal temple in Kathmandu.
Pakistan
Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is not a public holiday in Pakistan. Campaigns have been launched to promote active fatherhood and responsibility for raising children.
Philippines
In the Philippines, Father's Day is officially celebrated every third Sunday of June. This is due to American influence. It is not a public holiday.
Singapore
In Singapore, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June but is not a public holiday.
South Korea
In South Korea, Parents' Day (Korean: 어버이날) is celebrated on May 8th. It is not a public holiday. This day encourages traditional values like respect for elders. The tradition of giving carnations comes from Christian culture.
Sri Lanka
Father's Day (Sinhala: පියවරුන්ගේ දිනය, Piyawarunge dhinaya; Tamil: தந்தையர் தினம், Thanthaiyar Thinam) is observed on the third Sunday of June. It is not a public holiday. Many schools hold special events to honor fathers.
Syria
In Syria, Father's Day is celebrated every year on June 21st. This date is also observed in several other Arab countries.
Taiwan
In Taiwan, Father's Day is not an official holiday, but it's widely celebrated on August 8th. In Mandarin Chinese, the number eight is pronounced bā, which sounds like 爸 (bà), meaning "dad." So, August 8th (bā-bā) sounds like "dad-dad." This is why it's sometimes called "Bābā Holiday" or "Father's Day" (父親節).
Thailand
In Thailand, Father's Day is celebrated annually on December 5th. This is the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). Both Father's Day and Mother's Day are national public holidays in Thailand. Traditionally, Thai people gave their fathers a canna flower, a symbol of strength. However, this is less common now. Many Thais wear yellow on this day to honor the King, as yellow represents Monday, his birth day.
People often gather at Sanam Luang in Bangkok to listen to the King's annual speech. Many stay for a national candle-lighting ceremony to show respect for the King. Similar events happen across the country. Father's Day became very popular in the 1980s, partly due to a campaign to promote loyalty to the Chakri dynasty•Thai royal family.
Turkey
In Turkey, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June and is not a public holiday.
United Arab Emirates
In the United Arab Emirates, Father's Day is celebrated on June 21st.
Father's Day Traditions in Europe
Roman Catholicism
In the Roman Catholic tradition, fathers are celebrated on Saint Joseph's Day, March 19th. In some countries, Father's Day has become a non-religious celebration. Catholics also often honor their parish priest on Father's Day.
Austria
In Austria, Father's Day (Vatertag) is celebrated on the second Sunday of June. It is not a public holiday.
Belarus
In Belarus, Father's Day is celebrated on October 21st.
Belgium
In Belgium, Father's Day (Vaderdag/Fête des Pères) is celebrated on the second Sunday of June or June 14th. It is not a public holiday, except in Antwerp, where it's on March 19th.
Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, Father's Day is celebrated on December 26th. It is not a public holiday. Following Eastern Orthodox tradition, fathers are celebrated on Saint Joseph's Day, which is the day after Christmas.
Croatia
In Croatia, following the Roman Catholic tradition, fathers are celebrated on Saint Joseph's Day (Dan svetog Josipa), March 19th. It is not a public holiday.
Denmark
In Denmark, Father's Day (Fars dag) is celebrated on June 5th. This day is also Constitution Day.
Estonia
In Estonia, Father's Day (Isadepäev) is celebrated on the second Sunday of November. It is a national holiday and a day when flags are flown.
Finland
In Finland, Father's Day (Finnish: Isänpäivä; Swedish: Fars dag) is celebrated on the second Sunday of November. It is a day when flags are flown.
France
In France, a lighter company called Flaminaire first introduced the idea of Father's Day in 1949 for business reasons. They wanted to sell more lighters. In 1950, they started "la Fête des Pères," which would happen every third Sunday of June, like in America. In 1952, the holiday became official. A national Father's Day committee was set up to give awards to deserving fathers.
Germany
In Germany, Father's Day (Vatertag) is celebrated differently. It's on Ascension Day, which is a federal holiday. This day is also called gentlemen's day, Herrentag or Männertag (men's day). Groups of men often go on hiking tours with small wagons, called Bollerwagen. These wagons carry drinks and traditional food. Many men use this holiday to have fun together.
This tradition likely comes from old Christian Ascension Day processions to farmlands. In the past, men would be carried in a wooden cart to the village square. The mayor would give a prize to the father with the most children. Over time, the religious part faded, and groups of men started organizing walks with beer and food.
Greece
In Greece, Father's Day (η γιορτή του πατέρα) is officially celebrated on the third Sunday of June. The SYGAPA association, which helps divorced fathers, also organizes events to highlight the father's role in society.
Hungary
In Hungary, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June and is not a public holiday.
Iceland
In Iceland, Father's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of November.
Italy
In Italy, following the Roman Catholic tradition, Father's Day is celebrated on Saint Joseph's Day (Festa di San Giuseppe), March 19th. It was a public holiday until 1977.
Latvia
In Latvia, Father's Day (Tēvu diena) is celebrated on the second Sunday of September. It is not a public holiday. This day became official in Latvia in 2008. It aims to show that fathers are important and deserve thanks and love from their families. Since it's a newer holiday, people often use ideas from other countries to celebrate.
Lithuania
In Lithuania, Father's Day (Tėvo diena) is celebrated on the first Sunday of June and is a public holiday.
Malta
Malta celebrates Father's Day on the third Sunday in June. This was encouraged by Frans H Said. The first mention of Father's Day in Malta was in June 1977.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, Father's Day (Vaderdag) is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is not a public holiday. Traditionally, children make breakfast in bed for their fathers. Families often gather for dinner, usually at the grandparents' house. More recently, families also go out to eat. Children often make gifts for their fathers at school. Stores have special offers for dads, like socks, ties, and electronics.
Norway
In Norway, Father's Day (Farsdag) is celebrated on the second Sunday of November. It is not a public holiday.
Poland
In Poland, Father's Day (Polish: Dzień Ojca) is celebrated on June 23rd. It is not a public holiday.
Portugal
Father's Day (Dia do Pai) is celebrated on March 19th in Portugal. It is not a public holiday.
Romania
The law for Father's Day in Romania passed on September 29, 2009. It stated that Father's Day would be celebrated annually on the second Sunday of May. It was first celebrated on May 9, 2010.
Russia
Russia continues the Soviet Union's tradition of celebrating Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23rd. This day is often called "Man's Day" and is seen as Russia's version of Father's Day. In 2021, President Vladimir Putin officially set Father's Day for the third Sunday of October.
Slovakia
In Slovakia, Father's Day (Slovak: deň otcov) is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is not a public holiday.
Spain
Father's Day (El Día del Padre) is observed on Saint Joseph's feast day, March 19th. It is a public holiday in some regions of Spain.
Sweden
In Sweden, Father's Day (Fars dag) is celebrated on the second Sunday of November. It is not a public holiday.
Switzerland
In most of Switzerland, Father's Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of June. In Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton, it is an official public holiday celebrated on March 19th.
Ukraine
In Ukraine, Father's Day (Ukrainian: День батька, romanized: Den batka) is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is not a public holiday.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. This day is a newer tradition in the UK, becoming popular after the Second World War.
Father's Day Traditions in North America
Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba and Puerto Rico
Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June and is not a public holiday.
Canada
In Canada, Father's Day (French: Fête des Pères) is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is not a public holiday. People usually spend time with their fathers or father figures. Small family gatherings and gift-giving are common parts of the celebration.
Central America (except for Belize)
In Costa Rica, there was a proposal to change Father's Day from the third Sunday of June to March 19th, Saint Joseph's Day. This was to honor Saint Joseph, who gave his name to the capital city, San José, Costa Rica. However, the official date remains the third Sunday of June.
Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of July. It is not a public holiday.
Haiti
In Haiti, Father's Day (Fête des pères) is celebrated on the last Sunday of June. It is not a public holiday. Fathers are honored with cards, gifts, and special meals. Families might spend the day at the beach or mountains, or do favorite activities together. Children say "bonne fête papa" (happy Father's Day, Dad).
Mexico
In Mexico, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is not a public holiday. People typically spend time with their fathers or father figures. Small family gatherings and gift-giving are often part of the celebrations.
Trinidad and Tobago
In Trinidad and Tobago, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is not a public holiday.
United States
In the US, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Families usually gather to celebrate the father figures in their lives. Schools often have activities where children make gifts for Father's Day.
Father's Day Traditions in Oceania
Australia
In Australia, Father's Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September. This is the first Sunday of spring in Australia. Most families give fathers gifts and cards and share a meal. It is not a public holiday.
The idea of Father's Day was not very popular in Australia at first. Many thought it was unnecessary. It was originally celebrated in June, like in the USA. In June 1925, Janet Heyden of Sydney started collecting donations to help elderly men. While Mother's Day quickly became popular, Father's Day didn't become widely celebrated until the 1930s. The Father's Day Council of Australia was created in 1957. They continue to honor special fathers with an annual award. Australian traditions include handmade gifts from children, family barbecues, and outdoor activities.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, Father's Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September. It is not a public holiday. Father's Day was first observed in Auckland on July 14, 1929. By 1935, much of Australia moved to celebrate it in early September, and New Zealand followed this trend.
Samoa
In Samoa, Father's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in August. It is a national holiday on the following Monday.
Fiji
In Fiji, Father's Day is celebrated in September. It is usually on the first Sunday, but some Christian groups celebrate it on the second Sunday.
Father's Day Traditions in South America
Argentina
Father's Day in Argentina is celebrated on the third Sunday of June.
There have been attempts to change the date to August 24th. This date would honor José de San Martín, who is called the "Father of the Nation," because it's the day he became a father. Schools in Mendoza Province continued to celebrate Father's Day on August 24th. In 1982, the provincial governor made it a law for that province.
Bolivia
In Bolivia, Father's Day (Día del padre, in Spanish) is celebrated on March 19th (Saint Joseph Day). People usually give gifts to their fathers and spend time with them.
Brazil
In Brazil, Father's Day (Dia dos Pais, in Portuguese) is celebrated on the second Sunday of August. This date was chosen to honor Saint Joachim, who is the patron saint of fathers. While it's not an official holiday, it's widely celebrated. People usually spend time with their fathers or father figures and give them gifts.
Chile
In Chile, Father's Day (Día del padre, in Spanish) is officially celebrated on June 19th.
Colombia
In Colombia, Father's Day (Día del padre, in Spanish) is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. In 2022, it was moved to June 26th to avoid clashing with the presidential elections.
Paraguay
In Paraguay, Father's Day is a very important day. It is celebrated with traditional Paraguayan foods like chipa, mbeju, bori, soyo, and sopa paraguaya.
Peru
In Peru, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It is not a public holiday. People usually give gifts to their fathers and spend time with them, often sharing a family meal.
See also
In Spanish: Día del Padre para niños
- List of films set around Father's Day
