The History of Father’s Day: How the Holiday Came to Be
From its humble beginnings in Spokane, Washington, to its recognition as a national holiday, the journey of Father’s Day is a testament to the powerful bond between parent and child. Let’s find our more about the history behind it…
***** The Beginnings of Father’s Day *****
The idea of celebrating Father’s Day dates back to the early 20th century. It all began in the United States with a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd. Inspired by the newly established Mother’s Day, Dodd sought to create a similar day to honor fathers. Dodd’s father, William Jackson Smart, was a Civil War veteran who single-handedly raised six children after the death of his wife. Moved by his dedication and sacrifice, Dodd proposed a day to recognize and celebrate fathers like him.
***** The First Celebrations *****
Sonora Smart Dodd’s efforts led to the first Father’s Day celebration on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. The date was chosen to coincide with the month of her father’s birth. The initial celebrations included church services, where children distributed roses to their fathers and paid tributes. White roses were used to honor deceased fathers, while red roses celebrated those who were still alive.
Despite the positive reception, the movement for Father’s Day took several decades to gain widespread recognition. There were numerous attempts to establish it as an official holiday, but progress was slow. Some viewed it as a commercial endeavor, while others believed that existing holidays were sufficient to honor both parents.
***** Federal Recognition *****
The campaign to recognize Father’s Day gained momentum over the years, with support from various groups and individuals. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge acknowledged the importance of Father’s Day, though he stopped short of declaring it a national holiday. The Great Depression and World War II further highlighted the need to recognize the contributions of fathers and father figures, bolstering public support for the holiday.
Finally, in 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Six years later, in 1972, President Richard Nixon signed it into law, making Father’s Day a permanent national holiday in the United States.
***** Global Celebrations *****
While Father’s Day originated in the United States, it has since spread to many countries around the world, each with its unique traditions and customs. In the United Kingdom, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June, similar to the United States. Countries like Australia and New Zealand observe it on the first Sunday of September, while others, such as Brazil, celebrate it on the second Sunday of August.
Despite the different dates and customs, the underlying sentiment remains the same: a day to express gratitude and love for fathers and father figures who have played a pivotal role in our lives.
Join us for a painting class where you can make a gift for an of the fathers in your life... OR plan a paint and sip event for Dad's special day where the two of you can paint together! We're offering a lot of fabulous paintings, so check out the link below and see what's going on for Father's Day with Pinot's Palette!
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