Father's Day, Celebrating the Men in your Life

A father is one half of the concerted efforts involved in child bearing and marriage and deserves a day to honor their contributions. The third Sunday of June sets the date that Father’s Day honors the many ways that a father plays an instrumental and important role in both marriage and parenthood, as well as in society.   

The History of Father's Day

Dating back to the Roman Catholic Church in Europe era Father’s Day was founded in the initial celebration of Saint Joseph, the husband to the Blessed Virgin Marry and non-biological father to Christ – since Jesus Christ, according to Christianity, was born through Immaculate Conception. Saint Joseph’s Day was celebrated on March 19 and remains the same day that many Latin American countries celebrate Father’s Day on, though many countries throughout the world celebrate in the months of March, April and June.  

Father's Day Appropriation

In the United States it is not recognized as an official federal holiday but in 1966, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the Third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Presidents like Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon and Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith were all involved in the legislation of Father’s Day which started in part as a response to the government ignoring fathers while celebrating Mother’s Day as an official holiday for 40 years.   

Father’s Day is observed by over 111 countries worldwide and the ways to celebrate vary by country but the consensus of how to celebrate the man of the house is revolves around gift giving and small family outings like dinner, normally held by the wife and kids and close family. This celebration isn’t reserved just for men with biologically related children as the originally celebrated dad, Saint Joseph, wasn’t a biological father, Father’s Day allows the step-fathers, father-like figures, grandfathers and great grandfathers to have a day to recognize their contributions as well.