Father’s Day Around the World!

This Sunday, June 19, is Father’s Day and nobody celebrates Father’s Day quite like we do in the U.S. Dad is going to sleep in late. Dad is going to eat a big breakfast. Dad is not going to do any yard work. Dad is going to get gifts that range from the old school standards—like cologne or a necktie—two the new school options—tablet or tech toy wearable. (Might we suggest a creating a RealTimes Story capturing the day’s events to share and enjoy for years to come. Just a thought!) And Dad is going to catch the final round of the US Open golf tournament on TV. Who can top that? Well, it depends on what kinds of things you’re into. Let’s take a look at how a few other countries around the world celebrate their Father’s Day.

Germany: Father-toberfest

Germany treats their Father’s Day like some kind of Oktoberfest sequel. It’s a federal holiday called “Vatertag.” It’s celebrated on the 40th Day of Easter, known as Ascension Day. The traditional celebration involves men pulling wagons loaded up with beer and liquor into the woods for an ‘adventurous hike’. Some dispense with the pretense of a ‘hike in the woods’ and opt for a hike through the streets in the form of a pub-crawl.

Bier Bollerwagen (Herrentag Tour) / Beer Wagon (Father’s Day Tour)

Mexico: Fathers Take Your Mark, Get Set, Go

Mexico takes Father’s Day in a direction 180˚ from Germany by scheduling an annual 21K run on the third Sunday in June in Mexico City. It’s called Carrera Dia del Padre 21K Bosque Tlalpan. And once the last father runner has crossed the finish line, then it’s time for parties, music and food, and gifts for dad.

Carrera Dia del Padre

Nepal: Let me touch your forehead

Nepal celebrates Father’s Day in late summer. They call it ‘Gokarna Aunsi,’ which translates to ‘cow earned no moon night.’ Ceremonial activities express the reverence that the Nepalese have the position of father in their culture. They consist of sons touching their foreheads to their father’s feet, and daughters touching their foreheads to their father’s hands. Also, families gather at the Gokarna temple to pray for the fathers who have passed away.

Gokarna Aunsi in Nepal

Thailand: The Power of Pink

Thailand celebrates Father’s Day on December 5, the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. One of the traditions of Thailand’s Father’s Day is for people to give the Canna Lilies flower—which is thought to have masculine association—to fathers and grandfathers. A more recent tradition is of for many Thais to wear pink in the King’s honor due to the fact that the King was once seen wearing a pink blazer as he left the hospital.

Father’s Day in a Thai Village

Italy: A Grand Feast for San Guiseppe

Father’s Day (Festa del Papa) in Italy is celebrated on March 19. It’s known as St. Joseph’s Day to commemorate San Guiseppe—the father of Jesus Christ, and a symbol of love, compassion, kindness, generosity and acceptance. The day features a grand feast of traditional Italian breads and cookies, and the showering of favors, gifts and gratitude upon the fathers.

A Mio Padre (a poem)

Buona Festa Del Papa

Brazil: Big Day for Dad and Retailers

The Brazilian Father’s Day—Dia dos Pais—is celebrated on the second Sunday in August. The activities are similar to many countries around the world; gather the family around, gifts for dad, and a big feast. Rather than having the extended family put together the big meal, many families go out to a “churruscaria”—a Brazilian steakhouse. When it comes to gifts, many Brazilians take it to such a high level that it’s the second biggest gift-giving holiday of the year. Menswear departments referred to it as almost a second Christmas in terms of sales.

♥Mensagem Dia dos Pais♥

The United Kingdom: Father’s Day, Government Approved

The United Kingdom celebrates Father’s Day as you’d expect—small family gatherings with gifts and goodies to commemorate the day. The UK also has large-scale events that are sponsored by government offices and agencies. The government sees the bonding of the family unit as being essential part of a successful life, and holds the events to promote the continued success families as bedrocks of the country.

UK Father’s Day Vigil Birminghamstrong

Russia: Armed and Ready for Parades

Russia’s version of Father’s Day is celebrated on February 23 as Defender of the Fatherland Day. It got its start as a military commemoration. To this day, soldiers are honored in parades across the country. And it’s not just fathers getting gifts. Women show their appreciation for all the important men in their lives by the giving of gifts.

Russia celebrates Defender of the Fatherland Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGSLkGp73a4

Our celebrations may differ, but our feelings are the same. Fathers are significant players in our cultures and in our lives. Once a year we take a day to celebrate them and to thank them for all that they do. So, here’s to dads around the world! Enjoy Father’s Day!