Happy Father’s Day

National Parents Organization wishes all fathers, everywhere, a happy Father’s Day. And we extend our sympathy to those fathers for whom this is a sad day because they have been wrongly excluded from their children’s lives.

Last year I wrote about the history of Father’s Day in the United States. It’s a longer and more interesting history than I’d realized before I started reading up on it. This year, I wanted to say a few words about Father’s Day around the world.

Fathers around the world are important to their children’s well-being. And, for that reason, Father’s Day is celebrated in more than 111 countries, at least according to Wikipedia (and who could doubt Wikipedia!). Both the dates, and the traditions vary widely.

Many countries follow the U.S., where the holiday began, by celebrating Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June. But other dates for the holiday around the world run from February to November.

In a number of countries, the holiday is part of a religious celebration and in a few it’s connected with a military observance, having roots in the recognition of the role fathers played in protecting the families of their countries.

And, while giving cards and gifts—and calling (now video calling!), when distance requires it— are a strong tradition in the U.S. and other similar countries, many countries have different traditions. In Mexico, fathers participate in a city-wide race in Mexico City and celebrate afterwards with their families at a feast that includes sweet bread. Japanese children gather flowers, handmade beer glasses, and sweets for their fathers. In Portugal, religious families attend church for the Feast of St. John and children make cards and buy gifts for their fathers. And, Thailand celebrates Father’s Day on the birthday of King Bhomibol Adulyadej, the “Father of Thailand,” when they wear yellow and present Canna flowers to their fathers.

While the dates, origins, and traditions of Father’s Day vary around the world, the value of fathers in their children’s lives does not.