Many people recognize Father’s Day as being celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Although this is true and is recognized for many countries. Not every country celebrates the same day. In fact some countries do not celebrate Father’s Day at all. Here are some facts and information regarding different countries, and cultures and the celebration of Father’s Day.
Father’s day in Argentina is celebrated the third Sunday of June, however there have been many attempts to change the date to August 24th. The reason for this is that is the day of which the “Father of the Nation” Jose de San Martin became a father. However despite the many attempts over the years it has not been a success.
In Denmark Father’s Day is celebrated on June 5th. It coincides Constitution Day, which is a public holiday celebrating the singing of the Danish constitution of 1849.
Father’s Day in Germany is celebrated differently from other countries. It is always celebrated on Ascension Day which is the Thursday forty days after Easter. Regionally it is also referred to as gentlemen’s day. It is a tradition to do a males only hiking tour with one or more small wagons. In the wagons are wine or beer and food. This day is usually known for many people to be intoxicated all day long.
Japan is one of the countries that celebrate Father’s Day but it is not a public holiday. Father’s Day in Japan is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Father’s Day in New Zealand is also celebrated but is not a public holiday. However instead of the third Sunday of June, they celebrate the first Sunday of September.
Father’s Day in the Philippines is not an official holiday but is widely observed on the third Sunday of June as well. Most Filipinos born in the 1960s and 1970s did not celebrate Father’s Day but due to being under the influence of the US the Filipinos most likely follow this tradition along with other American holidays.
In the Roman Catholic tradition, fathers are celebrated on Saint Josephs Day. Saint Josephs Day is also commonly referred to as the feast of Saint Joseph, which takes place on March 19. Saint Joseph was the husband of Mary and foster father to Jesus. It is also common for Catholics to honor their “spiritual father” which is their parish priest.
In Thailand, Father’s Day is set as the birthday of the king. December 5 is the birthday of the current king. Thais celebrate Father’s Day by giving their father or grandfather a Canna flower, which is considered a masculine flower. However this is not as commonly practiced today. Thai people wear the color that the king was brought home from the hospital in.
In Costa Rica Father’s day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June, however their was a bill presented to change the celebration of the day from the third Sunday of June to March 19, the day of Saint Joseph. Much like the Catholics it was requested so that they could give tribute to this saint, who gave the name to the capital of the country San Jose, Costa Rica, and so family heads will be able to celebrate the Father’s Day at the time as the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker.
After reading through the different countries and cultures, you can see that although celebrated on different days there are still many who want to change their days for different reasons. However no matter what date Father’s Day is celebrated. The celebration of Father’s Day still remains the same in every country. Father’s Day is the day of honoring their fathers.
