Father's Day: Origin, Meaning and Celebration

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Father's Day is a holiday in honor of fathers, celebrating fatherhood and the importance of fathers in raising and caring for their children. The day originated in the United States: Sonora Smart Dodd wanted to honor her single father in 1909 and thus set up the first initiative for Father's Day. On June 19, 1910, the very first Father's Day celebration took place in Spokane (Washington). It was not until 1972 that Father's Day was officially recognized as a national holiday in the United States by President Richard Nixon. Today, Father's Day is celebrated worldwide, although there are considerable differences in dates and traditions between countries. Read more about it in this article.

Father's Day in the Netherlands and Belgium: past and present

In the Netherlands, Father's Day was initially celebrated in October from 1937. Since 1948, it has been on the third Sunday of June, at the initiative of the Association of Men's Fashion Retailers. In Belgium, Father's Day is usually celebrated on the second Sunday of June, except in the province of Antwerp, where it is celebrated on March 19 (St. Joseph's Day). From the 1950s, many schools paid attention to Father's Day with crafts and rhymes; children served dads breakfast in bed and recited speeches, for example. Nowadays, Father's Day is also more commercial: fathers receive personal gifts and are put in the spotlight (not only by children, but also by partners and grandparents). At Julien Deluxe, we have a beautiful collection of Father's Day gifts that will make every dad happy.

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Father's Day Around the World: Dates and Traditions

Father's Day does not fall on the same day everywhere. In many countries, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and also the Netherlands, it is the third Sunday of June. In Australia and New Zealand, the first Sunday of September is chosen. In Austria and most of Belgium, it is also celebrated on the second Sunday of June. Some countries follow the Catholic tradition of Saint Joseph: in Spain, Italy, Portugal and parts of Belgium (Antwerp), Father's Day falls on March 19. Germany has a unique custom: there, Father's Day coincides with Ascension Day (forty days after Easter). On this day, groups of men traditionally set off with a handcart ("Bollerwagen") for a picnic with beer.
• Netherlands, US, Canada, UK, France, Japan, etc: third Sunday in June
• Belgium, Austria: second Sunday in June (Antwerp: March 19)
• Germany: Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt), men's outing with “Bollerwagen” and beer
• Spain, Italy, Portugal, Bolivia: March 19 (St. Joseph's Day)
• Australia, New Zealand: first Sunday in September

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Father's Day Gifts: Then and Now

Originally, dads received mainly practical gifts. Classic Father's Day gifts have been ties, socks or cigars for years. Many children also serve their father breakfast in bed or make something sweet. Over the years, the number of gift options has expanded considerably. Nowadays you also see personalized gifts (for example a mug or photo album with a family photo), care sets ( shaving set , perfume ), trendy socks with fun prints and modern tech gadgets popping up. Popular Father's Day gifts include:
• Personalized gifts such as a mug, key ring or a framed photo album with your own photos
• Grooming sets for men: luxury shaving and perfume sets or care products for his daily routine
• Socks and clothing accessories : comfortable or funny socks , a bow tie or a stylish cap
• Tech gadgets: for example a wireless speaker, power bank or smart gadget
• Experiences and outings: a dinner, a day out or a subscription to his favorite streaming service


Julien Deluxe offers a lot of inspiration for unique gifts in the webshop: from luxury care sets to cool socks and unique drinks . This makes it extra easy to find an original Father's Day gift.

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Father's Day without a father: commemoration and alternatives

Did your father pass away? Then Father's Day can be very difficult. Give yourself the space to feel grief and talk about it with friends or family. You can commemorate your dad in a special way. For example, do something you used to enjoy doing together, visit his favorite place or visit his grave. Look at photos, listen to his favorite music or raise a glass to toast his life. Do it your own way - this way the dad you miss still gets a nice place on this day.
The following ideas are also useful for commemoration:
• Share memories: Talk about beautiful moments together or read a note in which you talk about your father and bring back memories.
• Favorite things to do: Listen to songs he loved or go to his favorite spot in nature. Go out to eat at his favorite restaurant with the people who also care about your dad.
• Favorite food: cook his favorite food at home, and invite the people who were also close to your dad's heart and with whom you feel comfortable.
• A candle or flowers: Light a candle in his memory or place flowers on his grave as a gesture of your love for him.
• Do something good: Donate (a small amount) to a charity that was close to his heart. That way his spirit will live on in something positive.


With these alternatives, you can celebrate Father's Day without feeling alone and still give loving attention to the dad you will never forget.

Father's Day on March 19, the day of Saint Joseph

  • The Roman Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Saint Joseph every year on March 19. This Jewish carpenter from Galilee was the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus. He is venerated as the Patron of the Church. Saint Joseph is an important saint in the Christian tradition and is seen as the foster father of Jesus Christ and the husband of Mary. He is considered the epitome of fatherhood, modesty, loyalty and industriousness. That is why he has become the symbol of Father's Day in many countries — especially in religiously inspired traditions such as in Belgium (province of Antwerp), Spain, Italy and Portugal.
    Here are the key points about St. Joseph and his connection to Father's Day:

  • Who was Saint Joseph?

    • Role in the Bible: Joseph was a carpenter from Nazareth who, according to the New Testament, married Mary even though she was already pregnant with the Holy Spirit. He accepted the role as earthly father of Jesus and raised him.
    • Symbol of justice: In the Gospels he is described as “just,” humble, and obedient to God. He receives dreams from angels and acts on them without complaint.
    • Professional Saint: He is traditionally considered the patron saint of workers, fathers, carpenters, and also of the universal Church.

  • St. Joseph and Father's Day

    • Feast Day: The liturgical feast day of St. Joseph is March 19. This date falls in the season of Lent (the period leading up to Easter), making it a religiously subdued, yet symbolic, time to honor fatherhood.
    • Father's Day on March 19: In Catholic-inspired regions, Father's Day is still celebrated on this day. For example, in Antwerp, Spain, Italy, Portugal and parts of Latin America, March 19 is the official Father's Day.
    • Tradition: On this day, dads are often honored with a church service, a feast, and small gifts. In some countries, such as Spain, it is even an official holiday with a day off for schools and government offices.

  • Gifts and rituals around March 19

    • Traditional: In the past, fathers often received symbolic gifts, such as religious objects, handmade crafts from the children, or a hot meal as a token of gratitude.
    • Now: Nowadays, more modern gifts are also given, such as care products , gadgets or luxury socks – as you can find, for example, in the Father's Day gift collection from Julien Deluxe.

  • Saint Joseph today

    St. Joseph remains a beloved saint, especially among Catholics. Pope Francis even declared 2021 a “Year of St. Joseph,” praising him as a role model for modern men: humble, caring, trustworthy, and strong in silence. These qualities fit nicely with the image of the “ideal father” that many people want to honor on Father’s Day.
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