What is Father’s Day?
Father’s Day is a day of recognition for fathers (and father figures) everywhere in the United States. Originating as an alternative to Mother’s Day (held on the second Sunday in May since 1908), Father’s Day is a time to honor the extraordinary men in your life, be they fathers, uncles, grandpas, or even just an inspirational father figure.
When is Father’s Day 2023?
In the United States, Father’s Day always takes place on the third Sunday in June. However, in 2023, Father’s Day will occur on Sunday, June 19. It differs from many European countries, where Father’s Day has traditionally been celebrated on March 19 in honor of Saint Joseph’s Day.
What is the history of Father’s Day?
Father’s Day was founded in the United States by Sonora Smart Dodd, the daughter of American Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart. While hearing a church sermon celebrating the recently implemented holiday of Mother’s Day, Dodd felt that fathers needed recognition too. In addition, Dodd’s father was a single father of six children – something that Dodd felt was essential to recognize. In response, Dodd suggested a memorable holiday for fathers in Washington. As such, the Spokane YMCA was the site of the first Father’s Day in America, which took place on June 19, 1910.
Initially, Father’s Day struggled to catch on. However, in the 1930s, a revitalized Dodd returned to Washington with the assistance of trade groups that would benefit the most from the holiday existence – such as the manufacturers of pipe tobacco. In 1938, the Father’s Day Council was founded by the New York Associated Men’s Wear Retailers to commercialize the holiday and maximize profits. Initially, Americans were reluctant to accept another commercial holiday, but support soon came.
Despite several attempts to ratify Father’s Day, it wasn’t until 1966 that President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a presidential proclamation announcing the third Sunday in June as a day to honor fathers. President Richard Nixon signed this proclamation into law in 1972, making Father’s Day official.
What happens on Father’s Day?
On Father’s Day, the protocol is similar to Mother’s Day. Typically, children will purchase or make presents, gifts, and keepsakes for their fathers. They are also expected to use the day to honor and celebrate their fathers (or father figures) and make them feel special. It’s estimated that Americans collectively spend $1 billion on Father’s Day gifts every year!
A 2019 survey by OnePoll found that fathers preferred to receive meaningful gifts rather than commercial items – phone calls from their children ranked #1, with peace coming in at #3! Many fathers also noted their desire to watch sports on TV on Father’s Day. In response, the U.S. Open golf tournament is scheduled yearly so it can end on Father’s Day.
