Father’s Day is a special occasion that is celebrated in many countries around the world. Globally, the day is mostly celebrated on the third Sunday of June – although some countries differ – and it is a time to honour and appreciate fathers for the important role they play in their children’s lives.
The history of Father’s Day in the UK is not as long as that of Mother’s Day. The first Father’s Day was celebrated in the US in 1910, after Sonora Smart Dodd, a woman from Spokane, Washington, wanted to honour her father, who had raised her and her five brothers on his own after their mother died.
The tradition of celebrating Father’s Day in the UK did not really take off until after the Second World War. As reported by The Whitby Gazette in 1949, a group of women in the town of Whitby, Yorkshire, decided to organise a Father’s Day event. The event was a success, and Father’s Day quickly became popular throughout the UK.
Today, Father’s Day is a popular day for families to get together and celebrate the fathers in their lives. With the recent Coronation in mind and having the world’s focus on the United Kingdom, we’ve taken a look at how Father’s Day is celebrated in some of the Commonwealth countries and around the world.
Father’s Day in the United Kingdom
In the UK, Father’s Day is celebrated to show appreciation for fathers and father figures. Many people give their fathers cards, gifts and other tokens of appreciation. Some families also have special meals or outings to celebrate the occasion, such as a Sunday pub lunch.
Father’s Day in Canada
While every family in Canada may have unique ways of honouring fathers, the traditional methods of celebration include giving gifts, going out for lunch, watching a film, going fishing and visiting parks or other interesting landmarks.
Father’s Day in Australia
Celebrated on the first Sunday in September, Father’s Day in Australia is the first Sunday of spring. Children often prepare for the day by handcrafting presents and cards for their fathers at school. As is the case in many countries, Father’s Day has also become an important retail event, and businesses often release special offers for Father’s Day gifting in the lead-up.
Father’s Day in New Zealand
Children often gift their fathers with handmade cards and sweets on Father’s Day. They also help prepare a meal for him, along with a nice cup of tea.
Father’s Day in India
In India, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June, just like in the UK and Canada. It is a time to honour fathers and father figures, with children showing appreciation and thanks for their fathers’ love, sacrifices, and guidance. Often cards and gifts are given. Some families also have special meals or outings to celebrate the occasion.
Father’s Day in South Africa
Families in South Africa often spend the day going out on picnics, as well as fishing, as a way to bond and catch food for dinner. South African children also usually give gifts such as cards and flowers to their fathers.
Whether it’s giving gifts, sharing a meal, or simply spending time together, this day is a time to show appreciation for fathers and father figures and celebrate the important role they play in our lives.
Here at The Hope & Anchor, we are hosting a special Father’s Day event for family celebrations.
We have an exclusive menu available in The Pavilion featuring a variety of delectable meals, which will be available at 12.30pm and 4.30pm on Sunday 18th June, while the normal Sunday Lunch Menu will be available in the pub from 12pm to 8pm. Dad will enjoy a free pint of beer with his meal, or he can select a 125ml glass of house wine or pint of soft drink. So take some time this weekend to tell your dad how much you love him!
