History and Origins of Father’s Day

Every year, fathers are celebrated with cards, poems, and gifts as a way to be honoured for all they do for their children throughout the year. Father’s Day is a wonderful way to show dads how much they are appreciated and loved. Celebrated in June, it’s a great time of year for picnics and BBQ’s in which to spend some quality time with fathers, while giving them thanks for everything they do. So, what are the history and origins of Father’s Day?

When is Father’s Day?

Although the origins of Father’s Day began in the beginnings of the 1900s, it didn’t become an official holiday in the United States until 1966. A summer holiday, it doesn’t fall on the same date each year. Instead, it’s celebrated on the third Sunday in the month of June.

History of Father’s Day

One of the earliest Father’s Day celebrations took place in West Virginia in 1908. An official Father’s Day took place on June 19th, 1910 when Mrs. John B. Dodd was able to convince the mayor of Spokane and the governor of Washington that there should be a holiday to honour fathers.

In 1911, an attempt to celebrate dads was made in Chicago, Illinois. Due to the fact that there was no television or internet back in these days, most likely none of the earlier pursuers of forming a holiday for dads knew of the others attempts. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge liked the idea of a holiday to celebrate fathers. Father’s Day didn’t become an official holiday in the United States until 1966.

Origins of Father’s Day

Father’s Day began due to the love a daughter had for her father. Mrs. John B. Dodd grew up on a farm in eastern Washington. She was one of six children. Sadly, her mother lost her life while giving birth to her sixth child.

This left her father, William Smart, to raise all six children on his own. When Mrs. Dodd grew up, she realized what a difficult job her dad had single handedly raising a family of six. She decided to try to find a way to not only honour her father for all of his hard work, but for all dads for everything they do for their kids.

Nowadays, Father’s Day is celebrated throughout many countries around the world. Dads are honoured with cards and gifts and often times family picnics or BBQ’s take place. With all that dads do for their kids, this special day for dads is a way kids can show their love and appreciation by honouring their fathers and thanking them for all they do.