Fathers are the unsung heroes of the family unit. In most traditional
households, men are viewed as the primary wage earners and the heads of
household. Fathers are protectors, disciplinarians, mentors and act as role
models for both their sons and daughters.
The symbolic role of a father
remains constant. That's why Father's Day is such an important
holiday. It isn't a public holiday but is commonly observed on a Sunday. In
Australia, Father's Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September.
In the
United States and many other countries, it's celebrated on the third Sunday in
June.
Origins of Father's Day
There are many different theories and views as to the true origin of
Father's Day. Archaeologists trace the origin of Father's Day back to ancient
Babylon where a young boy named Elmesu carved the first known Father's Day
message on a clay tablet nearly 4,000 years ago. Was this the first Father's
Day card?
Other historians trace the holiday back to ancient pagan rituals
which coincide with the Summer solstice. The modern equivalent of Father's Day
started in the United States of America. One of the earliest founders was a
woman from Spokane, Washington named Sonora Louise Smart Dodd. She wanted to
create a day honoring the contributions of fathers to their families. There was
already a Mother's Day celebration, so why not a day dedicated to fathers?
Her
own mother died during childbirth so Miss Sonora Smart Dodd depended quite
heavily on her father for guidance and support. She petitioned the community
and with the help of the Spokane Ministerial Association and a local YMCA, the
first Father's Day was acknowledged on June 19th 1910. Another early proponent
of the holiday was Harry Meek of Chicago, Illinois. In 1915, the Lions' Club of
Chicago presented Harry Meek with the first known Father's Day gift of modern
times. For his work to promote the holiday, Mr. Meek was given a golden watch
with the inscription: "Originator of Father's Day" written on the
back. In actuality, there was no single originator of Father's Day. Several
individuals participated in the outreach of this much-needed holiday. It wasn't
until President Richard Nixon made the holiday a national observance in 1972
that Father's Day became a worldwide phenomenon.
Ways to Celebrate Father's Day
There are no rules to celebrating Father's Day. However, there are some
universal traditions and conventions that have lasted over the years. Similar
to Elmesu's message to his father in ancient Babylon, most people give their
fathers a greeting card with messages of good health and goodwill.
Young
children often make their own greeting cards with handmade pictures and
personal notes inside. Older offspring and wives usually buy a professionally
made greeting card from the store. These cards are often paired with Father's
Day gifts. Some common presents include tools, specialty food items and
articles of clothing.
The most popular Father's Day gift is the necktie. It's
hard to trace the origin of this gift, but the necktie has become the
unofficial symbol of the holiday. In the United States, UK and Australia, it's
common practice for families to attend Sunday morning church service together,
followed by an outing of the father's choice. Most families spend the rest of
Fathers Day at Dad's favorite restaurant, entertainment venue, or public
park.
Value of Fathers to Their Families
Fathers have an unmistakable role in society, not just the family unit.
Father figures have influenced the lives of so many people, encouraging and
nurturing them right alongside their maternal counterparts. Father's Day
provides families and individuals the opportunity to take notice of the
invaluable role that strong male influences play in the development of young
minds. It's not always a biological father either. Sometimes that role model
can be a minister, a teacher, a step-father, coach or even a hardworking single
mother. Fathers come in many different varieties and many people have assorted
definitions of a father's role. Universally, a father is one who displays
strength and courage in difficult times. A father is one who uplifts and
supports dreams and ambitions by showing compassion and undying love. These
values have remained constant over the years.
If you are a father, then take a step back from your usual routine. Let your guard down and allow your loved ones to show their appreciation for all the subtle ways you have enriched their lives. Fathers are just as important as mothers to the family unit and Father's Day honors their unique parenting role.
Fathers near and far away will appreciate the magic of a specially selected, uniquely appropriate
It's a day of celebration of who Dad is and a show of appreciation for all the ways he provides love and guidance to his family. Shop now to find the perfect gift basket for dad!