Fathers Day History
The Father's Day tradition is centered around the honor of one's paternal influences (fathers, grandfathers, and step-fathers). The holiday is recognized in 52 countries worldwide, including Argentina, Taiwan, Germany, the United States, and Bangladesh. Fathers commonly receive special treatment, gifts, and greeting cards. In Canada, the holiday takes place on the third Sunday of June.
There is some speculation on the actual origins of Father's Day. Some say that it started as a pagan celebration of the summer solstice, but most agree that it began in the United States. A young woman named Sonora Dodd spearheaded the tradition as a tribute to her hard-working father. The idea for the holiday came to her during a Mother's Day sermon in Spokane, Washington. The following year, Dodd began the tradition of wearing a red rose to signify a living father and a white rose to honor a deceased one. Dodd did all she could to support the growth of the holiday, gaining support from the YMCA and Spokane Ministerial Association. Father's Day did not catch on for decades. While it is not an official holiday, Father's Day has been widely celebrated in Canada since the 1980's.
In Canada, Father's Day has grown to become a major event. The holiday is celebrated with the giving of gifts and greeting cards. Most families plan activities like barbecues, elegant dinners, and sports games. Many museums, zoos, and parks grant free admittance to fathers in honor of the holiday. Many families settle for a long distance phone call if they live too far away to meet up. In addition to family-oriented activities, many fathers choose to spend time with their friends, sons, or brothers. Father's Day is celebrated in a similar fashion worldwide. While most countries recognize the holiday in May or June, in select countries it is celebrated in the fall and winter.
Father's Day has become one of the most profitable holidays of the summer. Large retailers begin holding Father's Day sales and promotions shortly after Mother's Day. Stores such as Wal-mart, Costco, Amazon.ca, and Mark's Work Warehouse spread word of their sales through email newsletters, television commercials, and printed flyers. During the month of June, many popular Father's Day gifts such as electronics, sports gear, tools, and men's clothing experience substantial price drops.
