Father's Day around the world
The following is from Wikipedia and the material is pretty well documented.
Father’s Day is celebrated in countries all over the world in one way or another.
In some countries it has been a holiday for centuries, especially where there was a patriarchal religion. In some countries it began this century.
Depending on the country, Father’s Day is celebrated at all times during the year for different reasons. In some countries, it was begun as a religious holiday; in others, it began as a commercial holiday. In Thailand, the date was established to honor the birthday of a king.
In some countries, it is a public holiday. It was in Italy until 1977. Now it is not.
In some countries, the celebration of Father’s Day fades in comparison to the celebration of Mother’s Day.
Emphasis in many countries is on responsible fatherhood.
In countries that are predominantly Roman Catholic, Father’s Day usually falls on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19. Catholics may honor “their spiritual father,” their parish priest.
In the United Kingdom, Father’s Day entered popular culture “sometime after the Second World War, not without opposition.”
The concept of Father’s Day was highly unpopular in Australia until the 1930s. “Many thought it either unnecessary or undermined a father’s supremacy as head of the household.” It is now celebrated the first Sunday of September, which is the first day of Spring.
In Fiji, commercial Father’s Day is usually on the first Sunday of September, and Methodist Father’s Day is on the second Sunday.
In Hindu Nepal, Father’s Day began as a religious holiday, yet is now celebrated by Hindus and non-Hindus alike.
Germany has its own distinct traditions. It celebrates Father’s Day on Ascension Day, the Thursday 40 days after Easter. Alcohol consumption became a hallmark of the holiday in the 20th Century. In some villages since the 18th Century, the mayor awards a prize, usually a ham, to the man who as the most children. (As a female, I will leave this right here for you to ponder - take all the time you need.)
This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Father's Day around the world
