This one’s for the dads. And here’s a little history on Fath..
Published: June 16th 2024, 8:18:11 pm
This one’s for the dads. And here’s a little history on Father’s Day:
Father’s Day is a holiday dedicated to honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. The modern Father's Day was first celebrated in the early 20th century.
### Early History:
- **Middle Ages**: The Catholic tradition has celebrated fatherhood on Saint Joseph's Day (March 19) since the Middle Ages.
- **Modern Era**: The idea of a special day to honor fathers began in the United States.
### Establishment in the United States:
- **1908**: The first known Father’s Day service was held at a church in Fairmont, West Virginia, on July 5, 1908, after a deadly mine explosion killed hundreds of men. However, this was a one-time event and did not become an annual celebration.
- **1910**: Sonora Smart Dodd is credited with the creation of Father’s Day as a national holiday. Inspired by the establishment of Mother’s Day, she proposed the idea to honor her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran and single parent of six children. The first official Father’s Day celebration was held on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington.
### National Recognition:
- **1924**: President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father’s Day but did not issue a formal proclamation.
- **1966**: President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day.
- **1972**: President Richard Nixon signed into law a permanent national observance of Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June.
### Global Celebrations:
Father’s Day is celebrated on various dates worldwide, but many countries, including the United States, observe it on the third Sunday in June. In some countries, it aligns with local traditions or religious observances, such as Saint Joseph's Day in some predominantly Catholic countries.
### Modern Day:
Today, Father’s Day is celebrated with various traditions including giving gifts, hosting family gatherings, and spending quality time with fathers and father figures. It has become a significant day for recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of fathers and celebrating their roles within the family and society.