Father’s Day is celebrated worldwide to honor fathers and paternal bonds. But where did this tradition begin?
The modern Father’s Day originated in the United States in the early 20th century. Inspired by Mother’s Day, Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, wanted to honor her father, a Civil War veteran and single parent. She proposed the idea in 1909, and the first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910.
However, it took several decades before it became official. In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation making Father’s Day a national holiday, celebrated every third Sunday in June.
Father’s Day is now recognized in over 100 countries, though dates and customs vary. Whether through a simple hug, a homemade gift, or a grand celebration, the spirit remains the same—honoring the love, guidance, and support of fathers everywhere.
