STORIES BY DIWAS
Lifestyle
A Day For Dad: Fascinating Facts About The History Of Father's Day You Never Knew
Date 14 June 2025 Reading time: 7-10 mins
Father’s Day is a cherished occasion that invites us to pause and honour the fathers who shape our lives with their love, wisdom, and unwavering support. But how did this tradition begin? The history of Father's Day tells the story of a remarkable journey that started with a daughter’s tribute and evolved into a global phenomenon.
This article explores the history of the Father's Day celebration, tracing its roots, evolution, and modern relevance, especially for readers who value the timeless role of fathers in family and society.
Importance of Father’s Day Today
Today, Father’s Day stands as a meaningful reminder to recognise the indispensable contributions of fathers in a fast-evolving world. It goes beyond mere gift-giving, offering a moment to reflect on the guidance and sacrifices they make. In a society where fathers are often seen as pillars of strength, this celebration holds special weight.
Celebrating Fatherhood and Paternal Bonds
Fatherhood, a universal pillar of family life, takes on a unique hue in India, where cultural values emphasise respect and duty toward parents. The phrase "Pitru Devo Bhava" (Father is God) encapsulates this reverence, making Father’s Day a natural extension of Indian ethos.
The story of Father's Day highlights how this day celebrates the emotional and practical bonds between fathers and their children, fostering appreciation for their role across generations.
Origins of Father’s Day
In the early 1900s, a simple yet daring idea challenged social norms and blossomed into the enduring tribute to fathers we cherish today.
Early Efforts to Establish a Day for Fathers
The concept of dedicating a day to fathers did not emerge effortlessly. Many dismissed it as overly sentimental, and societal norms initially resisted elevating fatherhood in the same way.
Yet, the Father's Day history and origin showcases the resilience of those who believed fathers deserved equal recognition, setting the stage for a holiday that would eventually touch millions.
Sonora Smart Dodd and Her Role
The origins of Father’s Day trace back to Sonora Smart Dodd, a Spokane, Washington native born in 1882, whose admiration for her father, William Jackson Smart, sparked a global tradition. A Civil War veteran, William raised six children alone after his wife Ellen’s death in 1898, deeply influencing Sonora with his resilience.
In 1909, while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon, she was struck by an idea: fathers, like her own, deserved their own day of honour for their sacrifices and devotion.
She campaigned tirelessly, engaging Spokane’s civic and religious leaders, including the Spokane Ministerial Alliance and Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), to recognise fathers’ efforts. Her mission was both personal and universal—a tribute to her father and a broader call to celebrate paternal dedication.
The First Official Father’s Day Celebration
On June 19, 1910, Sonora's persistence paid off with the first Father’s Day celebration in Spokane, laying the foundation for a lasting legacy rooted in her love and resolve. Churches delivered stirring sermons that celebrated paternal dedication, while a distinctive custom emerged: attendees wore red roses to honour living fathers and white to remember those who had passed away.
Sonora’s commitment went beyond public festivities; she aimed to include those unable to attend. With the YMCA’s help, she visited bedridden fathers, bringing small gifts like flowers or books. These gestures ensured even the isolated felt appreciated. Though simple in its execution, this inaugural celebration captured the essence of familial gratitude, setting the stage for a legacy that would endure for generations.
Evolution and Recognition
Here we provide an account of the journey that transformed a simple tribute into the nationally celebrated Father’s Day we honour today.
How Father’s Day Became Nationally Recognised
Father’s Day became a nationally recognised holiday through persistent effort and changing societal views. Initially doubted as sentimental, it gained traction thanks to Sonora Smart Dodd and supporters like community groups and merchants, who stressed fathers’ key role in families. By the mid-20th century, local celebrations spread.
A pivotal moment came in 1966 when U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a proclamation designating the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day, a decision that lent the day formal weight. This was cemented in 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed legislation making it a permanent national holiday in the United States. Father’s Day's national recognition reflects a cultural awakening to fatherhood, achieved through decades of advocacy.
Changes in Celebration Over the Years
From its humble start, Father’s Day has transformed remarkably. Early celebrations focused on church services and small gestures, but today, they encompass a blend of traditional and modern expressions—cards, gifts, family meals, and digital tributes via social media.
The history of Father's Day celebration reflects this evolution, adapting to contemporary lifestyles while retaining its core purpose of honouring fathers, a practice that has found a warm reception in India’s urban and rural homes alike.
Father’s Day Traditions Around the World
Let us consider the simple yet meaningful practices that mark Father’s Day in different countries.
Different Dates and Customs Globally
Father's Day is not a uniform celebration worldwide. In Germany, it aligns with Ascension Day, marked by men’s hiking outings, while Thailand observes it on December 5, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday, with yellow attire and Canna lilies.
Unique Ways of Honouring Fathers
In India, Father’s Day blends Western influences with local customs. Families often gather for home-cooked feasts, exchange thoughtful gifts, and share heartfelt moments, reflecting the nation’s deep respect for fatherhood.
The story of Father's Day in India mirrors its global narrative but is enriched by cultural practices like seeking blessings from elders, making it a day of both celebration and reverence.
Modern-Day Significance
The spirit of Father’s Day is around celebrating every guiding hand that nurtures, inspires, and protects.
Father’s Day in Contemporary Culture
The history of Father's Day, which began as a tribute to biological fathers, has evolved to reflect a broader understanding of paternal influence. In today’s world, Father’s Day celebrates paternal bonds globally with family gatherings and thoughtful gifts. Modern trends like virtual celebrations and online gifting highlight its cultural significance, fostering gratitude and connection across generations.
The Role of Father Figures Beyond Biology
Father’s Day has evolved to celebrate a diverse array of influential relationships. It honours not only biological fathers but also individuals who take on fatherly roles through choice or circumstance, such as stepfathers, adoptive fathers, and mentors.
This inclusivity resonates in India, where extended families and community figures often share parenting responsibilities, reflecting a broader understanding of fatherhood’s impact.
Appreciating the Legacy of Father’s Day
The legacy of Father’s Day lies in its call to reflect on fathers’ enduring influence. It invites us to value their sacrifices and lessons, a sentiment that echoes India’s tradition of honouring elders. The story of Father's Day serves as a bridge between past and present, encouraging meaningful appreciation that transcends a single day.
Celebrating Fathers and Fatherhood Every Year
Father’s Day is an annual opportunity to celebrate fatherhood with intention. In India, this might mean preparing a favourite meal, gifting kurtas, or simply spending quality time together. The history of Father's Day celebration inspires us to make these moments count, fostering bonds that strengthen family ties year after year.
Honouring His Legacy with Heartfelt Celebrations
As we explore the Father's Day history and origin, we uncover a narrative of persistence and gratitude that enriches our celebrations. This year, why not honour both the story of Father's Day and your own father's story with a thoughtful celebration that reflects his unique personality?
From planning activities he loves to selecting an outfit that makes him feel special, your effort speaks volumes. Diwas offers celebration wear that perfectly balances style, comfort, and affordability – just what Dad would approve of!
Made In India
Assured Quality
Secure Payments
