When did Father's Day originate?

Father's Day is a holiday that honors fathers. Depending on the customs of different countries around the world, Father's Day is celebrated in different ways, usually falling on the third Sunday of June each year. This year, Father's Day falls on Sunday, June 15th.

Father's Day is widely known in Western countries. However, nowadays, in Vietnam, this day is also receiving much attention.

The origin and meaning of Father's Day

Father's Day originated from an event that took place in FaFairmont, West Virginia, USA, on July 5, 1908. This event was organized by Grace Golden Clayton to honor the fathers who had died a few months earlier in the Monongah Mining disaster on December 6, 1907.

By 1909, Father's Day was widely celebrated throughout the United States thanks to the efforts of Sonora Smart Dodd, whose father, a veteran, raised six children after his wife passed away.

Accordingly, when listening to a sermon about Mother's Day, Sonora thought of another day to honor fathers. Sonora is the eldest of six sisters; her mother died during childbirth.

Sonora deeply loved and respected her father because she understood his hardships. In her eyes, her father was a symbol of sacrifice, selflessness, and compassion. Therefore, she chose June 19, 1907, to celebrate Father's Day because it was her father's birthday.

In 1966, then-U.S. President Lyndon Johnson officially designated the third Sunday in June as Father's Day nationwide. Father's Day has been celebrated annually since U.S. President Richard Nixon signed into law in 1972 the law recognizing Father's Day as a permanent official holiday.

In families, fathers are often associated with a strict image, serving as role models for their children, leading to fewer opportunities for fathers and children to express their feelings. Therefore, this is an opportunity for children to express their thoughts and feelings to their fathers more often, thereby strengthening the father-child bond.

Father's Day is celebrated most enthusiastically in the United States. Festivals are held throughout the country. Children parade in the streets, accompanied by lively music and cheers from adults. At the main festival in Kennewick, Washington, children can enjoy camping, competing in various outdoor games, and more.

In some other countries, Father's Day isn't celebrated as enthusiastically as in the United States. However, gifts for fathers remain an essential part of the celebration.

In Japan, some stores sell products for fathers such as airplane sleeping pillows, gym membership cards, supplements, vitamins, relaxing music CDs, sneakers, sunglasses, fishing rods, gardening tools, etc.

In Canada, exemplary fathers are also celebrated in newspapers and on television during this time.

In Vietnam, although Father's Day is not officially a nationwide celebration, many young people still participate. Because it falls on a Sunday, many choose to return to their hometowns to visit family and show respect to their beloved fathers.

Some people take their families and fathers out to dinner at restaurants, sending meaningful wishes. Others choose to buy small, meaningful gifts for their fathers, such as a tie, shirt, trousers, sunglasses, or cologne.