(Halfpoint / Shutterstock.com)
Father’s Day is widely known as an American holiday occurring every year on the third Sunday in June. While Father’s Day gained momentum in the early twentieth century as a complement to Mother’s Day, the event has origins dating back 4,000 years ago to Babylon. A day to honor fathers and grandfathers has become commonplace in most countries around the world, with beautiful and varying traditions which you can learn about below.
1. THAILAND
WHEN: December 5
TRADITIONS: Father’s Day falls on the same day as the birthday of King Bhumbibol Adulyade, who is considered the Father of the Nation. Initially, people wore yellow and presented their dads with a canna flower which is considered to be a masculine flower. A few years ago though the tradition switched to wearing pink, inspired by the King’s rose colored jacket.
The traditional canna flower presented on Father's Day. (WICHAI WONGJONGJAIHAN / Shutterstock.com)
2. MEXICO
WHEN: Third Sunday of June
TRADITION: On Dia del Padre, Dads get physical with a city-wide 21km race - Carrera Día del Padre 21K Bosque de Tlalpan- taking place in Mexico City.
(Pavel1964 / Shutterstock.com)
3. BRAZIL
WHEN: Second Sunday of August
TRADITION: Called Dia dos Pais, Father’s Day in Brazil is all about the meat. Families gather together for all-you-can-eat barbeques or churrascos either at home or at a Brazilian steakhouse, a churrascaria.
(stockcreations / Shutterstock.com)
4. JAPAN
WHEN: Third Sunday of June
TRADITION: Chichi No Hi or Father’s Day in Japanese is a time where kids present their dads with homemade gifts ranging from origami, beer glasses or sweets. The meal is usually celebrated by serving seafood.
(imtmphoto / Shutterstock.com)
5. GERMANY
WHEN: Sixth Sunday after Easter
TRADITION: Also known as Vatertag, German men take a load off by indulging in fine beers and liquors – gathering together outside to celebrate and have fun. The tradition is part of Männertag or man’s day in which its common to do an all-male hike and celebrate with alcohol.
(Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock.com)
