Wake up dad, it’s Father’s Day!

Father’s Day should by rights be Dad’s best chance of a Sunday sleep-in, but it seldom happens that way.

In Germany for instance, Dad is likely to be hauled out of bed on their Vatertag (Father’s Day) for a hike, some wagon hauling and, although we probably shouldn’t mention it, drinking. It’s a German country tradition that began in the 18th century when Dads were brought on wooden carts to the village centre and the father with the biggest family awarded a prize, such as a leg of ham. We’re not told what the mother of all those children thought of it.

St Joseph’s Day (March 19) has been celebrated by the Catholic Church since the Middle Ages – this date is still observed as Father’s Day by some countries.

New Zealand follows a more modern tradition, which began in the USA as a response to Mother’s Day. After many uncoordinated attempts to get

Father’s Day off the ground it finally became a national celebration in 1966, when President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed the third Sunday in June as the day to honour fathers. Many countries in the world now observe this June date; New Zealand, Australia and Fiji celebrate on the first Sunday in September, the first Sunday of Spring.

Father’s Day was made a National Holiday in the USA in 1972, something which many of us would like to see followed here!

In New Zealand it’s a day to show appreciation for fathers and for father figures like stepfathers, grandfathers, fathers-in-law or guardians – for being good role models, providers and family supporters.

Appreciation can be shown in lots of ways – from a cup of tea in bed to a home-made card or a family outing. Numerous popular venues are hosting special Father’s Day events his year: MOTAT, Auckland Museum, Stardome Observatory and Ambury Park.