Father's Day is just around the corner so let's reflect on the role and significance of a father figure in one's life. It is important to acknowledge their contribution in raising us as much as we honour moms for their efforts. In this blog post we will highlight and explore the origin of this day, how it has evolved over the years and ways to celebrate this occasion.
Origin of Father’s Day
Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in the month of June in many nations though the dates may differ according to national and regional traditions. The credit goes to Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. Her father raised her and her five siblings singlehandedly after the death of their mother. Inspired by Anna Jarvis's work to establish Mother's Day, Dodd wanted to create a day that recognized and honoured the pivotal role fathers play in a child's life.
Fathers play an important role in guiding their children and preparing them for the future. Children look up to their dads as role models, mentors and guides and this can have a big impact on how they develop throughout their lives. Dads are the unsung heroes of our lives who keep us grounded and give us strength as we sail through the difficulties of life. They take initiative and will not quit until the task is completed.
Changing role of fathers in modern times
In the olden days, fathers role was mostly traditional and limited to being a primary breadwinner where as mothers were taking care of the domestic duties within the family. Fathers were in charge of maintaining the family's name in the society therefore they were tough and strict towards their kids and expected them to follow rules and discipline. They had deep sense of duty for their family and took pride being in this role as the protectors and providers. Even though their involvement in their children's lives was limited, dads were still an important part and did their best to guide and encourage while complying to the cultural standards.
This has considerably evolved with time and now they are more actively involved in the decision-making and household chores. The shift is partly caused by changing dynamics between the parents, increase in the number of working women and the concept of nuclear families. Also with the rise in remote work culture, fathers today are more connected and present in the lives of their children. In the modern society we can see that dads not just the authoritarian figure like old times but are emotionally invested in their kids. They are now less reluctant and do not hesitate to show their love and affection towards their kids.
We see that children today are growing up in a more diverse environment. As fathers are more nurturing and ready to embrace their new role in active parenting, they are breaking free from the gender specific roles while making way to a new open minded and accepting society. This has also strengthened the family bonds thereby establishing a more balanced environment at home.
Celebrate Father's Day
Father's Day is celebrated in many nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and Australia. In Europe and Latin America it is celebrated on the same day as St.Joseph's Day ( a traditional Catholic holiday) which falls on 19th of March. In recent years, Father's Day celebrations have become more common in India too, especially in urban areas.
Suggestions for Father's Day gifts-
- Rather than opting for traditional gifts, consider creating memories through shared experiences. Plan a fun activity that your father will enjoy- hiking, watching a movie, cooking a meal together.
- Gift a new gadget, a book, custom T-shirt or something related to his hobby.
- Plan a surprise trip to a concert or a sporting event that he always wanted to attend.
- Consider helping with a project dad's been putting off, volunteer together for a cause or donate to a charity.
Dad- the unsung hero of our lives
In conclusion, Father's Day is a time to reflect on the memories we have shared and the affection that we have been blessed with. It's just not a date on the calendar so remember to make it special in your own way and thank him for all the love and care you have received. Although fathers are the like pillars of the family, most of the times their contribution goes unnoticed or taken for granted. A father can appreciate a simple act of affection like a meaningful note, a greeting card or a hug. So don't let this day go by without expressing your gratitude. Do visit our website at www.gubbacci.com and go through our collection for last minute gift ideas. You can also personalize your gift according to your dad's likes with the help of Gubbacci design studio.
