Father’s Day is a cherished occasion that resonates deeply in the hearts of families across the globe. It’s a day set aside to honor the special role that fathers play in our lives, celebrating their unwavering presence, guidance, and the strength they provide.
This day is not just about the paternal bond, but also about recognizing the love, support, and countless sacrifices that dads make for the betterment of their children.
In 2024, the day takes on an added layer of significance as Father’s Day falls on June 16th—a time when the rainy season echoes the coziness felt in the hearts of those celebrating.
As we approach this date, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the historical background of Father’s Day, tracing its origins and understanding how it has evolved into the global phenomenon it is today.
To find out more fascinating Father’s Day details, this article aims to delve deeper into the essence of Father’s Day, exploring not only its significance but also the diverse ways in which people around the world celebrate this meaningful day.
From simple acts of gratitude to grand gestures of love, Father’s Day is a reflection of the myriad ways we express our appreciation for the ‘Dads’ in our lives—be they biological, adoptive, stepfathers, or other paternal figures who stand as pillars of support and love.
Why do we celebrate Father’s day
Father’s Day is indeed a special occasion celebrated worldwide to honor fathers and their influence in society. Many countries celebrate it on the 3rd Sunday of June, though it is also celebrated widely on other days by many other countries. Father’s Day 2024 will be celebrated this Sunday, June 16.
Father’s Day 2024 is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a heartfelt celebration of the invaluable contributions that fathers make to our lives. It is a day devoted to recognizing their unwavering role in providing guidance, support, and love—a role that shapes families and communities alike. Celebrating Father’s Day is a profound opportunity to express our deepest gratitude and to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of fathers and father figures everywhere.
In the Philippines, Father’s Day 2024 resonates with particular significance. It’s a time when the nation collectively honors their fathers as the ‘haligi ng tahanan’—the pillar of the home—recognizing their role as the chief provider and protector. This day is celebrated with the immense fervor they totally deserve, reflecting the country’s strong family values and the deep respect for the paternal figure that is ingrained in Filipino culture. From vibrant community gatherings to intimate family meals, Filipinos find joyous and meaningful ways to show their appreciation for the father figures, making it clear that the spirit of Father’s Day extends far beyond mere tradition—it is a core part of the nation’s identity.
In other countries, Father’s Day is observed in various ways:
In the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, Father’s Day is also observed on the exact same date, the third Sunday in June, celebrated with cards and gifts.
Australia and New Zealand mark Father’s Day on the first Sunday of September, chosen because the usual June observance was too close to other holidays. Families shower dads with cards and gifts.
Brazil celebrates Father’s Day on the second Sunday in August, honoring St. Joachim, the father of the Virgin Mary. Children write cards and letters expressing gratitude to their fathers.
Spain, Portugal, and Italy observe Father’s Day on March 19, the Feast of St. Joseph, with church services, gifts, and cards.
In Sweden, Norway, and Iceland, Father’s Day is on the second Sunday in November, a tradition that began as an economic boost during a typically slow month1.
These diverse traditions reflect the universal importance of fathers in our lives, each culture adding its unique touch to the celebration. Whether through gifts, cards, or special activities, the essence of Father’s Day remains the same: to honor and appreciate the profound impact fathers have on their children and society.
Why Father’s Day Falls on the Third Sunday in June
Father’s Day, celebrated annually, has a rich history that dates back over a century, with its roots firmly planted in the early 20th century United States. The most widely accepted story attributes the founding of the very first Father’s Day to Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington.
After a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd’s mother died during childbirth, she and her siblings were raised by her father, a Civil War veteran named William Smart.
Inspired by the establishment of Mother’s Day, Dodd sought to create a similar holiday to honor fathers. She chose the month of June to commemorate her father, a single parent who raised six children on his own.
To express her gratitude for all her father did for her, Dodd initiated a day to “instill the same love and reverence for the father as is the mother’s portion,” she wrote in a 1910 newspaper article.
While Dodd organized the first Father’s Day more than a century ago, decades passed before it became an official holiday.
The first official Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910. However, it wasn’t until 1972 that President Richard Nixon signed a law making Father’s Day a permanent national holiday in the U.S. This recognition paved the way for the celebration of fatherhood and paternal bonds worldwide.
In the Philippines, Father’s Day has its own unique history and evolution. Initially, the celebration wasn’t aligned with the international date. It was during the 1980s that Father’s Day began to gain traction in the Philippines, with President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declaring the first Sunday of December as Father’s Day.
This date was later changed to every third Sunday in June during President Corazon Aquino’s term, aligning it with the international community.
Despite these changes, the essence of Father’s Day in the Philippines remains the same: a day to pay tribute to fatherhood and every father figures paternal love and sacrifices.
Unique Ways to Observe Father’s day 2024
Father’s Day is quickly approaching, and there’s likely a special guy in your life who deserves love and appreciation on June 16.
While a Father’s Day greeting card with heartfelt Father’s Day wishes or thoughtful gift is always appreciated, you can always give those things for your own father’s birthday, what he might cherish most this year is spending quality time with you.
Better yet, these activities cover the whole family, with options for every age group, ensuring no one gets left out of Dad’s big day. With so many choices, you’ll have no trouble finding something that suits the man in your life. So, read on and get ready to make memories this Father’s Day.
Finding Father’s Day gifts or things to do for this day can be challenging. If you’re struggling to come up with ways to make the day special or unsure about the types of activities your father (or father figure) might enjoy, consider the ideas below. Use them as inspiration to find unique ways to honor and celebrate the men in your life. Fun facts, these suggestions will help you create a memorable and meaningful first Father’s Day.
Celebrating Father’s Day 2024 at Home: Ideas for Family Activities
Celebrating Father’s Day at home can be intimate and heartfelt. Here are some ideas to make the day memorable:
Cook a Special Meal
Prepare your dad’s favorite dishes and enjoy a family meal together. Consider making it a themed dinner, like “Italian Night,” “Tee Time” or “BBQ Feast,” to add an extra layer of fun.
Game Night
Host a game night with board games or card games that the whole family can enjoy. You can even create a custom trivia game with questions about your dad’s life and interests.
Movie Marathon
Watch a selection of dad’s favorite movies or a series of classic films. Create a cozy atmosphere with blankets, popcorn, and themed snacks related to the movies.
Community Events and Traditions
In the Philippines, where community and family are central to celebrations, Father’s Day is an opportunity to engage in local events that honor fathers and father figures. Here are some ways communities might celebrate:
Local Festivals
Attend a Father’s Day festival or fair, which often features food, music, and activities for all ages. Look out for special events like the “Ama ng Bayan” awards, which recognize outstanding fathers and favorite father figures in the community.
Sporting Events
Many dads enjoy attending a local sporting event. In the Philippines, basketball is a beloved sport, so a local barangay basketball game can be a fun and spirited way to celebrate.
Outdoor Activities
Plan a day out hiking, fishing, or having a picnic in the park with the whole family, you can also invite your extended family for more fun. The Philippines offers beautiful natural parks like Rizal Park in Manila, perfect for a family outing.
Personalized Father’s Day Gifts and Gestures
Personalized gifts are not just presents; they are a reflection of the bond you share with your father. They show thoughtfulness, effort, and appreciation. Here are some heartfelt and creative ideas:
Custom Engraved Items
Consider an engraved watch, wallet, or piece of jewelry that carries a personal message or a significant date. For a Filipino touch, you might engrave a traditional phrase like “Salamat, Ama” or “Aking Bayani” to honor your dad.
Photo Albums
Create a photo album or scrapbook filled with cherished memories. Include captions that tell the story behind each photo, and perhaps some Filipino proverbs or sayings that resonate with your family’s values.
DIY Gifts
Handmade gifts, such as a knitted scarf or a custom-painted mug, can be especially meaningful. You could also try your hand at making traditional Filipino crafts, like a parol (star lantern) or a banig (woven mat), which your dad can use as home decor.
A Milestone of Fatherhood
Fathers, the special guys in our lives, get only one officially recognized day out of the year dedicated to honoring their role—Father’s Day.
Whatever Father’s Day celebration ideas you choose, do it with sincerity. Tell him you’re grateful for his presence and role in your life through your words and actions. Of course, it’s not just biological fathers we’re talking about here. This applies to father figures as well—those who have stepped in and filled the shoes with the same love and care. Make them feel seen and appreciated for all their sacrifices.
It doesn’t take a lot to make your dad happy. Just spend some quality time with them and create more pleasant memories together. Whether it’s through thoughtful gifts, a colored rose that represented his strength and love, or simply enjoying baseball games together, it’s the thought that counts. In some places, a colored rose is worn to signify if one’s father is living or has passed, a tradition that adds a layer of meaning to the day.
So, as the day falls upon us, let’s remember to tickle their funny bone with a card that reflects their humor, or with a gesture that shows we care. After all, every day designated to celebrate our favorite dad is a chance to say ‘thank you’ and ‘we love you,’ with all the grandeur they rightfully deserve.
Celebrate Life’s Milestones in Camella!
Make unforgettable memories in a Camella home.
Our communities are designed to elevate your living experience.
