Father’s Day in Australia and Around the World
When is Father’s Day in Australia?
Father’s Day is celebrated in Australia on the first Sunday of September. In 2019 Father’s Day will fall on 1 September.
With Father’s Day so early this year, there’s no time for complacency – check out our Gift Guide for present, craft and recipe ideas! Although Father’s Day is celebrated in many countries, the dates and the origin of this celebration vary across cultures.
Father’s Day in History
Early history suggests Father’s Day has its origin in Catholicism, which explains why some countries with a large Catholic population, such as Italy, Spain and Portugal, celebrate the date on 19 March, the day of St Joseph, the father of Jesus. Nevertheless, other predominantly Catholic countries celebrate it on a different date. In Ireland it is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. In Brazil it is celebrated on the second Sunday of August. The Brazilian date was chosen to honour St Joachim, the father of Mary and patron of fathers and grandfathers.
Father’s Day in Other Countries
In other countries Father’s Day is linked with local history and traditions. In Thailand, the birthday of the King is Father’s Day. December 5 is the birthday of the current king, Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). Unlike other countries, in Thailand it is a public holiday. In Germany, Father’s day is linked with Ascension Day, which originally commemorates the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. It is traditionally celebrated on a Thursday, the fortieth day of Easter and it is a public holiday.
A common date for many countries is the third Sunday of June. This date is related to a pagan tradition of worshiping the Sun as the father of the Universe. Some claim that the June tradition is linked with the solstice. This date is observed in United Kingdom, Ireland, USA, Canada, Argentina, France, Greece, Mexico, Japan, South Africa, Singapore and Venezuela.
Father’s Day is a New Concept to Some
In some countries, such as India and Pakistan, Father’s Day is a relatively new concept, possibly influenced by Western traditions. The idea of a special day to honour fathers and celebrate fatherhood was introduced from the United States in 1910 by a woman who was inspired by the recent advent of American Mother’s day celebrations. Australia and New Zealand share the Father’s Day date on the first Sunday of September each year.
Whenever you celebrate… Happy Father’s Day to All!
