Father's Day

Father's Day History

Father's Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring and celebrating fathers and the paternal bond in families. The observance serves as a tribute to fathers for their endless love, support, and guidance. It is also an opportunity to express gratitude and strengthen the relationship between children and their fathers. The day acknowledges the many ways fathers contribute to their children's upbringing, emphasizing the importance of their presence in a family.

There are varying dates of Father's Day celebrations across the European Union, tracing back to different origins and cultural practices. In some countries, such as Spain, Portugal, and Italy, Father's Day is celebrated on March 19, aligning with the Catholic feast of Saint Joseph. Other countries, such as France and the United Kingdom, celebrate Father's Day on the third Sunday of June, following the custom of the United States that was introduced in the early 20th century. Regardless of its origins, Father's Day in Europe aims to create greater awareness of the importance of fatherhood, recognizing the unique role a father plays in the family and community.

Across the European Union, Father's Day is marked by a variety of customs and activities designed to honor fathers and strengthen family ties. This often includes spending quality time together, preparing special meals, giving heartfelt cards or handcrafted gifts, and expressing one's gratitude for their father's loving and supportive role. Family gatherings and outdoor activities are popular ways to celebrate the day, allowing loved ones to come together and create lasting memories. Father's Day is observed on June 18th of this year.

Father's Day facts

• Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd first came up with the idea for Father's Day after hearing a Mother's Day sermon in church. She was raised by her father and wanted to honor him.
• According to Hallmark, Father's Day is the fourth-largest card-sending occasion with 72 million cards given every year.
• The official flower for Father's Day is a rose. Wearing a red rose signifies a living father, while a white rose represents a father who has passed away.
• According to Eurostat, about 3% of families in the European Union are headed by single fathers. Single fathers face unique challenges, such as balancing work and childcare responsibilities without a partner's support.
• EU fathers are increasingly taking a more active role in childcare and family life. According to a 2018 study, fathers in the European Union spent around 16 hours a week on childcare and household tasks, an increase from previous years.

In the News and Trending in the EU for Father's Day

Top things to do in the EU for Father's Day

• Arrange a BBQ and invite all of the fathers in your family.
• Spend the day with Dad doing one of his favorite activities: fishing, golfing, hiking.
• Families may attend football matches, golf tournaments, or other sporting events together to celebrate and support their dad's favorite team.
• Families can visit local museums, art galleries, or attend theater performances with their fathers to celebrate the day.