In South Africa, Father’s Day falls on the third Sunday of June. It is a day where we can take the time to honour and appreciate our fathers, grandfathers, stepfather or any father figure in our lives.
Traditionally, we celebrate by giving cards and gifts, some favourites include biltong and nuts, aftershave or new socks. Accompanied by a Sunday-arvie braai or a lunch at their favourite restaurant.
If you’re curious about the history of Father’s Day and how it is celebrated in other countries, keep reading to find out more.
Your Father’s Day History Lesson
Father’s Day started in the United States and is a relatively recent celebration.
The exact origin is unknown, but most believe it began when Sonora Dodd of Washington heard a sermon about Mother’s Day and wondered why there wasn’t a special day dedicated to fathers. Her thoughts were appropriate, so she started campaigning for an official Father’s Day.
This campaign happened in 1910, but it was not officially recognised by the President of the United States until 1966. The day spread to the rest of the world, and we now celebrate it in many countries, almost everywhere.
How Father’s Day Is Celebrated in Other Countries
Germany
Celebrations typically include groups of men filling a wagon with wine, beer and meat and heading into the woods for a day of drunken fun.
China
Father’s Day used to be celebrated on the 8th of August every year. But they have since adopted the Western custom of using the third Sunday of June.
Brazil
Celebrations occur on the second Sunday of August and are in celebration of Mary’s father, St. Joachim.
Russia
Father’s Day has its roots in the military. It is celebrated on 23 February, “Defender of the Fatherland Day.” On this day, women buy gifts for the men in their lives.
France
Companies that sold lighters adopted the idea of Father’s Day. It was marketed as a day to buy a lighter for your father, who smoked. Nowadays, a lighter is given as a gift on the day, alongside other things.
Thailand
They celebrate their fathers on the king’s birthday. The King gives a speech, and women and children give their fathers the Canna flower, which is thought to be masculine.
Celebrate Your Dad, For The Legend That He Is
While Father’s Day may not be a public holiday, it is a special day dedicated to putting family first. The perfect gift doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. You’ll often find that out of all the Father’s Day gifts your dad receives, spending the day with you will make it all the more special.
Ensure Your Dad is Covered
No matter how we celebrate it and how Father’s Day history differs in every country, one thing holds true: most of us deeply care for the dads in our lives.
We don’t want anything bad to happen to them, and we certainly don’t want them inundated with medical bills as they get older. At TRA (Total Risk Administrators), we offer gap cover to help you with that.
Get Gap Cover For the Dad in Your Life
Despite having medical aid, there’s often a shortfall that results in unexpected bills in your inbox. Our gap cover products help to cover these bills and prevent your dad from getting into financial trouble as a result of medical bills.
If you have any questions or concerns about TRA Gap Cover, please don’t hesitate to contact our helpful specialists here.ists here.
