Father's Day is traditionally on the third Sunday in June in the UK. Other countries who celebrate in June include the United States, France, Argentina, Greece, Ireland, India, Singapore and South Africa.
In Fiji, Australia and New Zealand, Father's Day is held in September, while in Thailand and Bulgaria, it is held in December. The idea is the same all over the world - to celebrate dads and to give them a special day, with cards, gifts and fun activities to show them how much they are loved.
How did Father's Day begin?
There are different theories as to the origins of Father's Day. In some parts of Europe, it is said to date back to the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages. This would tie in with the origins of Mother's Day - a religious festival to celebrate motherhood, with its roots in the Christian church.
However, there is no evidence of it being celebrated in the UK in the middle ages. Similarly, it wasn't celebrated in the US until the early 20th century. According to some historians, Father's Day began in America due to a tragedy that occurred in the town of Monongah in West Virginia in 1907.
An explosion in a coal mine owned by Fairmont Coal Company killed 360 miners. More than 200 of them were fathers, leaving hundreds of children orphaned. A woman called Grace Clayton was upset by the tragedy and approached her pastor, Rev Robert Thomas Webb, to suggest an annual day should be created to honour fathers.
The date chosen was 5th July, but the celebration took place only in the local area, as it wasn't promoted outside the town - hence it didn't take off in a big way.
National event
Another belief is that Father's Day began on a national scale in the US in 1910, as a result of Washington resident Sonora Dodd suggesting the celebration. She heard a sermon in honour of Mother's Day and wondered why there wasn't a similar day in honour of fathers.
She was particularly keen to launch an annual Father's Day, since she and her siblings had been raised by their widower father. She suggested it should be celebrated on 5th June, her own father's birthday. However, the church chose the date 19th June instead, as they needed more time to prepare.
Whatever the origins of Father's Day, there wasn't any reference to it in the UK until the early 20th century, so it was apparently inspired by the American event.
Things to do on Father's Day
While most people appreciate their dad all the time, Father’s Day is an excuse to treat him and show him how much you care. Some kids spend a lot of money on gifts, while others simply send a card or a message, or give their dad a call. The simple approach can be just as special - the act of showing someone you care is important.
In the week leading up to Father's Day, some schools encourage pupils to make a hand-made, personalised card for their dad. Similarly, some Sunday schools do the same.
Many people make a special effort to visit their dad, even if they live far away, while family meals or even weekends away are other options. Gifts can include purpose-made items bought online or in retail outlets, such as mugs with slogans like "World's Best Dad!".
Other gift ideas include items of clothing, toiletries or luxury alcoholic drinks, such as a bottle of whisky. Personalised gifts, such as photographs of the kids on desk calendars, mugs and mouse mats are also popular, as they can bring a touch of home to the workplace.
For dads who enjoy fishing, Solent Plastics can help with the perfect treat! Choose from our range of water-resistant fishing boxes. For DIY dads, our plastic tool boxes would surely make the ideal gift.
To father’s everywhere, we sincerely hope you enjoy your special day… Happy Father’s Day!