For those of you who are currently studying at the School of English EC London, you may not know that this weekend the UK celebrates Father’s Day. This celebration is celebrated at different times of the year across the globe. Unlike with Mother’s Day, the UK has quite a few other countries to share this celebration with, for example the United States and Canada.
Over here, Father’s Day means the frantic buying of presents and cards in the weeks before (or in some cases days before) in order to show fathers or father figures what their support and love mean to their children. This Sunday children will have to wait on their fathers hand-and-foot, fulfilling their every wish.
But what are some common presents? Well, a lot of children get a bit stuck when it comes to this part. Socks, ties, slippers, etc. are all very common. However, in recent times more personalised items have become popular like mugs with pictures on them or cards that have been made online to order. There will still be the odd dodgy present that crops up though, such as a folder or something covered in glitter (this is more common with younger children who make their presents in school).
It is also almost traditional to make a special meal on Father’s Day (no, beans on toast will not suffice). Therefore, many pubs and restaurants could be busy this weekend (as a warning) when families go on outings to celebrate the head of the household. It is interesting to note, however, that Father’s Day is not noticed as a bank holiday in the calendar. There will be normal transport services for those not taking part in the festivities.
Around the world:
Although Britain, the USA and Canada all celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June, it is not the case for all countries, e.g. Australia and New Zealand choose to celebrate their day on the first Sunday in September. For some countries, like India, Father’s Day is a relatively new concept and is celebrated on a much smaller scale. In Mexico Father’s Day is known as ‘Dia del Padre’ and it is celebrated in a very similar way to here in the UK. South Africa choose for Father’s Day to become less of a private affair, with many social and cultural societies holding events, so that they can stress the importance of fathers to a strong community and home life across the nation.
Just as a special note, Thailand are completely different from most other nations in that their Father’s Day is a national holiday. It is celebrated on 5th December every year which coincides with the King’s Birthday.
Supposed origins of Father’s Day:
There is a suggestion that in many countries Father’s Day is celebrated to coincide with the June solstice, as some pagan worshippers saw the father as the centre of the Universe – like the Sun. Others are not so sure about this suggestion but the day has definitely become more widespread and popular in the UK especially.