The third Sunday of June and the fourth largest letter sending holiday in the U.S., with 72 million cards exchanged annually, is Father’s Day. At least 76% of Americans celebrate it each year.
“We’re not like crazy into it, but we celebrate it every year just like Mother’s Day, “ Junior River Matole said. Despite the holiday’s popularity, its history isn’t widely known.
Father’s Day initially took inspiration from Mother’s Day, when in 1909, Sonora Louise Smart Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father. Due to her mother dying when she was young, Dodd grew up in a single-parent household. Her father, William Smart, a Civil War Veteran, raised his 6 children by himself on his rural farm. After witnessing the hardships her father endured growing up, Dodd attempted to adopt Father’s Day in 1909, but it wasn’t formally celebrated until 1910.
Dodd chose to celebrate the day on her father’s birthday, June 5th, but it was later changed to the third Sunday of June. This led to more widespread celebration, as children were out of school for the weekend. One typical tradition consisted of giving a red rose to one’s father that morning.
While Father’s Day was first established on June 19th, 1910, it wasn’t until 1972 that President Richard Nixon finally recognized Father’s Day as an official federal holiday. During this time, red and white roses became the official flowers of Father’s Day; a white rose symbolized honoring a deceased father, while a red rose symbolized honoring a living one.
Although almost a century has passed since Father’s Day was created, people still find ways to honor the fathers in their lives on this holiday. These often include a special meal, gifts, or appreciation cards. “We usually do something special, like going out or I make him a steak,” Senior Alex Mizoguchi said about a tradition he has. Alex’s father, Michael Mizoguchi, stated, “We spend time together, go out to eat at a restaurant, and the kids usually give me a nice card.”
While it may sound simple, fathers and families appreciate having meals and receiving gifts like this as it allows for a deeper connection between a father and their child. Another tradition is gift-giving, which has become a key event in most holidays. “My mom will probably get my dad something, and I’ll write him a card as well,” Freshman Myelle Miller said.
As Father’s Day is right around the corner, going out for meals, spending time with each other, and buying gifts are all common events. Along with these, the inclusion of a colored rose could elevate a father’s appreciation even more, creating a more memorable day.
