FATHER’S DAY – A TRIBUTE TO THE UNSUNG HEROES!
June 17, 2023 2023-06-17 0:00FATHER’S DAY – A TRIBUTE TO THE UNSUNG HEROES!
A tribute to the unsung heroes!
Often we express our love to our mothers but sometimes we forget to appreciate our fathers. Even popular culture (songs, movies, etc.) focusses more on mothers rather than fathers. But fathers, too, play an important role in bringing up children. Their sacrifices and care can't be undermined. Those of you who have lost your fathers can look up to your mothers as they fulfill both the roles of father and mother. You can also look up to father figures around you like uncles, teachers, Fathers/Brothers in school.
You must be wondering why I'm bringing up the important role fathers play in our lives. It's because today is Father's Day, a day to honour fathers. Every year, the third Sunday in June is celebrated as Father's Day. Let's learn more about this interesting day.
Origin of Father's Day¯
The credit for the origin of Father's Day is generally given to Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. Her father, a Civil War veteran, raised her and her five siblings after their mother died during childbirth. The idea of dedicating a day to fathers occurred to Sonora in 1909 while listening to a sermon on Mother’s Day. Local religious leaders supported the idea, and the first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910. In 1924, U.S. President Calvin Coolidge supported the observance of Father's Day. In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a proclamation that recognised the day. It became a national holiday in 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed a legislation designating the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day.
Although it was originally a religious holiday, Father’s Day has now become commercialised with the sending of greeting cards and giving gifts. Some observe the custom of wearing a red rose to indicate that one’s father is living or a white rose to indicate that he is deceased. Other father figures—for example, grandfathers or uncles—are also honoured on that day.
How do people celebrate?
Every year, Father’s Day is celebrated by families around the world who plan activities to celebrate the fathers or father figures and their significant role. Dads everywhere receive gifts, cards, etc. It's not just about honouring one's biological father—one can celebrate grandfathers, stepfathers, adoptive fathers, etc.
Obstacles on the way of Father's Day celebrations
In the 1920s and 1930s, there was a movement in the West to get rid of both Mother’s and Father’s Day and replace them with one 'Parents' Day'. Moreover, some men didn’t want Father’s Day to be celebrated! They saw it as a commercial trick, and as many fathers were the sole breadwinners during those days, they didn’t want their hard-earned money to be spent on flowers and chocolates!
However, the Great Depression and World War II helped boost the idea of Father’s Day. Struggling retailers pushed the gift-giving holiday during the Depression, and during the war, Father’s Day became a way to honour the fathers serving overseas.
Ideas to celebrate Father’s Day
Now that you know about the origin and history of Father’s Day, you’re probably wondering how to celebrate this special day with your father. The main thing is to spend time together and participate in activities that delight and make your bond with your father stronger. Here are some ways to celebrate Father’s Day and make your dad feel special:
1. You can take your mother's/sibling's help to cook a meal that includes some of your dad's favourite dishes. Or if you just want to keep it short and sweet, whip up your dad’s favourite dessert and see the joy on his face!
2 You can make cards or other fun craft stuff for your dad, grandfather and other father figures. It's always a good idea to create something with your own hands. It'll surely touch your father's heart.
3. You can plan a movie marathon at home with the best Father’s Day movies for the whole family to watch together. Get some popcorn ready for everyone too!
4. You can write or search for a poem and dedicate it to your father. Read it aloud to him or write it on a piece of paper for him. If you want to make it more special, write it on a greeting card and give him.
5. You can create a dad-inspired song playlist of Father’s Day songs to play at home.
If you’re still confused, don’t panic—just ask your dad what he would like to do on his special day and then start planning. What counts is the thought behind such gestures. The gestures don't have to be grand. The fact that you've thought about making his day special is itself a big deal for him. Trust me, he'll love whatever you do to celebrate him!
Have a wonderful Father's Day!
