Father’s Day is one of those holidays that most people celebrate without really knowing its origins. Take me, for example. I had no idea about its history until I had to write this post! I was a bit surprised to discover that this holiday was originally known as St. Joseph’s Day and was celebrated on March 19. It was us Americans who made it a secular holiday that’s celebrated in June. Many countries have followed suit. I guess the more we study history, the more it surprises us. We’ve done our research and we’re happy to give you a nutshell version of the history of Father’s Day.
A Father’s Day History
It was the Catholic church that gave us the idea that would become Father’s Day. The church and its adherents celebrated St. Joseph’s Day. The purpose of the holiday was to honor Saint Joseph as Jesus Christ’s earthly father. This holiday continues to be popular in many countries in Central and South America, Europe, and Africa. So, how did this holiday jump from that to what it is now? The answer: Mother’s Day.
There might not be a Father’s Day as we know it without the creation of Mother’s Day. That holiday has a rich history that dates back to the ending of America’s Civil War. Long story short, American activists understood that the country needed something that the North and South could celebrate together. This led to one West Virginia town celebrating “Mother’s Work Day” sometime in the 1860s. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson approved a resolution to make Mother’s Day a national holiday.
Father’s Day Didn’t Catch on… at First
While everyone seems to love their mom, dads are sketchier. I’m joking of course, but the historical fact remains that most Americans weren’t as enthusiastic about a campaign to celebrate fathers at one time. Like Mother’s Day, the push for Father’s Day started in West Virginia, where the first event to honor fathers was held on July 5, 1908. This inspired Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, WA to establish a holiday for dads that was equivalent to Mother’s Day.
Dodd’s idea meshed with the established Saint Joseph’s Day and Father’s Day, as an idea at least, gained momentum. President Wilson once again stepped in to make it official, this time in 1916. Father’s Day, as a holiday, continues to be celebrated on the third Sunday in June here in the good ol’ US of A. We Americans aren’t the only ones; more than 80 other countries around the world recognize the third Sunday in June as the day to celebrate Father’s Day. Many other countries celebrate this holiday on a variety of days from February to November.
How Are You Celebrating?
This year, Father’s Day falls on June 16. Admittedly, I’m excited because my wife and kids always make sure that I have a great time on this day. They take me out for my favorite food, which is Chinese. We usually try to find an upscale buffet where I can get my fill of General Tso’s chicken, egg rolls, wonton soup and anything else that looks delicious.
On our way home, we usually stop by the smoke shop so I can grab a cigar. It won’t be one of those cheap, $5.99 cigars, either. On Father’s Day I get to splurge and have one of those $12.99 cigars. I’ll end my Father’s Day sitting out on the porch, savoring a rich Dominican tobacco, Brazilian wrapper, and gentle notes of cedar, leather, raisin, and oak flavors. It’s a great way to end a Father’s Day.
Here’s how some of the Father’s Day plans and memories from some of my coworkers here at the Signal Group:
Eric Foreit/Warehouse: “It doesn’t take much to have a good Father’s Day, just good family. One of my best memories was last year when my wife, son, and I went camping for Father’s Day. We went to a little place upstate where we pitched a tent and fished all day long. We got to see all types of fish and spend good quality time together, just the three of us.”
Thomas Mattison/Customer Service: “My wife is taking me to my favorite restaurant (Red Robin). Our daughters will probably have something at their school, like Donuts with Dad and a daddy-daughter dance. I’m really look forward to these events because kids grow up so quickly and I know we won’t have these moments for long.”
Jason Vanover/Signal Connect: “When I was 12, my dad and I drove to West Virginia for Father’s Day. Our car started overheating so we had to stop and get a hotel room. It wasn’t planned, but it ended being a lot of fun because the hotel had a pool, arcade, and other stuff. We ended up having fun with our family in West Virginia, but that unplanned hotel was super cool!”
Father’s Day Gifts for Dad
We’re very aware of the importance fathers make in the world today. You work hard at your jobs, provide your children with love and guidance, and protect the people you love. These are admirable qualities and we want to honor that. But how do we do that? By offering savings on a variety of electronic products that most dads would love. If you’re dad is into these things, and most are, then this is a pretty big deal.
Grilling is one thing that many dads loved to do. Maybe he’d like a BBQ smoker box or a handy defrosting plate. If he’s a serious do-it-yourselfer, you can’t go wrong with a tool set. And if dad is a boating and fish guy, our selection of marine products includes compasses, transducers, and tachometers. If you want to get something for the dad in your life, Solid Signal has it. And if you’re a dad who wants to save a few bucks on something you want, we won’t judge. Just give us a call at 888-233-7563 and we’ll take care of you. Oh, and happy Father’s Day to everyone reading this!
