Father’s Day is believed to have originated from a church event that was held on the 5th of July 1908 to honour the 362 men who lost their lives in the Monongah mining catastrophe. The Monongah mining disaster was the worst mining disaster in American history.
However, that church event was a one-time-only commemoration and was not recognised as an annual celebration until the following year.
It was the daughter of a widower who first set out to establish an official celebration of fathers. Sonora Smart Dodd wanted to honour her father’s dedication as a single parent of 14 children. After attending a Mother’s Day event, Sonora conceived the idea to form an equivalent celebration of fathers. Thus, she began her campaign to increase awareness of Father’s Day. She shared her idea with local churches, shops and government officials, hoping to gain support for her cause. Eventually, her idea caught on and Washington State celebrated the nation’s first Father’s Day on June 19, 1910.
Why Is Father’s Day In September For Australians?
There is no concrete evidence as to why Australia celebrates Father’s Day in September. However, it is commonly believed that it is due to our already jam-packed first half of the calendar year.
While most of the world celebrates Father’s Day in June, we’ve seemingly chosen to celebrate our fathers in the second half of the year as we have a number of celebrations, holidays and special events from April to June. There’s Anzac day (25th April), Labour Day (Mar-May), May Day, the Queen’s birthday and of course, Mother’s Day (May)!
Nonetheless, we think September is a great month to celebrate and get Father’s Day gifts! After all, September is when spring begins which makes it the perfect season for picnics, camping, fishing, footy and barbeques with our fathers.
A new day for the Calendar is "Father's Day," September 6. Mothers' Day has become very popular, and maybe "Father's Day" will also become so, too!. The coloured flower for the father is poppy-red. A special "Father's Day" meeting for Newcastle has been arranged and will be held Sunday, September 6, in the Newcastle Baptist Tabernacle at 4.30 p.m. The special speaker will be the well-known "broadcast" preacher, Pastor Weller, of Sydney, who will speak on //THE FOUR-SQUARE MAN// ... The meeting will be open to men of all denominations, and all fathers are requested to invite their sons. The Tabernacle is not far from the Newcastle Town Hall - Quoted From Trove
Common Father’s Day Traditions & Facts In Other Countries
3rd Sunday In June
Although it is not a public holiday, Malaysians celebrate Father’s Day in June. Father’s Day is not a big celebration in Malaysia, but most will still give gifts, pay their respects or send cards and heartfelt words to their fathers.
Thailand
December 5
The late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday is on the 5th of December which is also the date Father’s Day is celebrated in Thailand as he is considered ‘The Father of the Nation.’ In honour of their beloved King, fathers will receive a Dok Buddha Ruksa (Canna Lilies Flower) in the morning. It is also common to wear yellow which is the King’s colour.
India
3rd Sunday In June
In India, they celebrate by expressing gratitude and respect to their fathers. Most fathers celebrate the day by spending quality time with their children hoping to teach them some moral and cultural values. Watching movies and going out for a meal are the more common ways to celebrate Father’s Day in India.
Italy, Spain and Portugal
March 19
These Roman Catholic countries celebrate Father’s Day a little differently as they celebrate it on the Feast of St. Joseph. This annual religious event is to honour Joseph (Jesus’ Father) and is held on the 19th of March.
Canada
3rd Sunday In June
Canadians don’t restrict their celebrations to just biological fathers but to all-male figures who are compassionate, influential and or loving.
Japan
3rd Sunday In June
During Father’s Day in Japan, it is common to give flowers to fathers. Other popular gifts include handmade sweets, beer, sake and food. For lunch or dinner it's common to have crab, prawns or eel.
Nepal
Aug / Sep
In Nepale Father's Day is celebrated on the day of Gokarna Ausni or Kushe Aunsi or Pitri Tirpani Aausi and usually falls between August and September. It is a special day where homage is given to all fathers. Families will celebrate with gifts and food for their fathers. Many will also visit temples to pay respect to their deceased fathers.
Sweden, Norway and Iceland (Scandinavia)
2nd Sunday Nov
The countries of Scandinavia started Father’s Day celebrations in 1930 and originally adopted the US date in June. However, in 1949, due to slower consumer spending in November, the government decided to move it to the 2nd Sunday of November.
Brazil
3rd Sunday In Aug
In Brazil, Father’s Day honours Saint Joachim (St. Joseph) the patron saint of fathers. This is celebrated in a similar way to the Feast of St. Joseph.
Mexico
3rd Sunday In June
Just like most countries, Mexicans honour their fathers by preparing meals and gifts for them. They also celebrate their fathers by participating in the annual Carrera Día del Padre, a 21km citywide event where various types of races take place. The father and son race is the most popular of them all.
Germany
26 May
Father’s Day (Vatertag) in Germany does not only consist of giving gifts but also drinking. Vatertag also falls on Ascension Day which happens annually on the 40th day after Easter.
Russia
23 Feb
Father’s Day in Russia is also known as Defenders of Fatherland Day. This is a national holiday that originally started in the military. It is now celebrated by everyone on February 23rd with a parade that is participated mainly by men. It is common for women to give gifts and postcards to male family members and relatives. Women who serve in the army are also recognised in these parades.
Father’s Day Dates From Around The World
| Month | Dates | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| March | March 19 (Annually) | Italy, Spain, Portugal, Honduras |
| May | May 8 (Parents' Day) | South Korea |
| June | June 1, 2025 June 7, 2026 |
Switzerland, Lithuania |
| June 5 (Annually) | Denmark | |
| June 15, 2025 June 21, 2026 |
Argentina, Canada, Chile, France, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States | |
| August | August 10, 2025 August 9, 2026 |
Brazil |
| August 8 (Annually) | Taiwan | |
| September | September 7, 2025 September 6, 2026 |
Australia, New Zealand |
| October | October 5, 2025 October 4, 2026 |
Luxembourg |
| November | November 9, 2025 November 8, 2026 |
Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden |
| December | December 5 (Annually) | Thailand |