Marking Father’s Day this year and where tradition comes from
This year Father’s Day could be a little different if lockdown continues to the end of June,
While we can still buy our dads cards and presents, we may not be able to spend any quality time with them in person this year.
Here’s what you need to know about why we observe Father’s Day, UK traditions and when it takes place in 2020.
When is Father’s Day in the UK in 2020?
Father’s Day in the UK will take place on Sunday June 21.
The occasion always lands on the third Sunday of June.
Our celebration is based on the US date, however, other countries around the world celebrate Father’s Day at different times throughout the year.
Why do we celebrate Father’s Day?
The first observance of
Father’s Day in America was believed to be held on July 5 1908 by Gracy Clayton in West Virginia, which was also the place where Mother’s Day was first observed by Anna Jarvis.
Grace was mourning the loss of her father after he died in a mining accident and suggested that her pastor honour all the fathers that died in the accident.
In the US Father’s Day is not a federal holiday, which means all stores and businesses open as usual.
In the UK, it is not recognised as a public holiday.
When do other countries around the world celebrate Father’s Day? Some Father’s Day celebrations date back to the Catholic Europe of the Middle Ages.
This religious observance is held on March 19 in Italy and Spain, and is known as the Feast of St Joseph - the legal father of Jesus Christ. Germany marks Father’s Day on Ascension Day in May or June, 40 days after Easter.
In Thailand, Father’s Day is celebrated on December 5. In South America, Brazil celebrates Father’s Day on the second Sunday of August, which is in honour of Saint Joachim, who is the patron saint of fathers.
Russia has continued a tradition from the Soviet Union of celebrating ‘Man’s Day’ on Defender of the Fatherland Day which falls on February 23. Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea celebrate Father’s Day on the first Sunday in September.
Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Estonia celebrate Father’s Day on the second Sunday in November. Elsewhere, several countries in the Middle East mark Father’s Day on June 21.