Father's Day Traditions Around the World [INFOGRAPHIC]
Father's Day, despite its uniquely American origins, knows no cultural bounds. Since its first public celebration at a Spokane YWCA in 1910, the holiday has brought joy and love to Dads all over the world. Father's Day has become so globally influential that, in 2009, a father's activist group in Romania lobbied their government to designate it a national holiday -- the last EU country to do so.
In much of the world, Father's Day is a casual celebration, where Dad is treated a day of his favorite activities, a sentimental gift, and an elaborate steak dinner. However, many countries put their own twist on honoring Dads. In Mexico, kids and their dads celebrate Día del Padre by participating in an annual 21K race. In Nepal, Father's Day is more of a solemn occasion, in which recently deceased fathers are mourned.
Other countries have traditions to celebrate Dads that don't necessarily follow under the umbrella holiday "Father's Day." For example, countries with Roman Catholic heritage salute their heavenly Father, earthly Father, and parish priest on St. Joseph Day's, March 19. Still, in nations like Thailand, Father's Day is tied more closely to national pride than thanking Dads.
Impress your Dad with some historical knowledge of Father's Day traditions around the world:
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Related: FATHER'S DAY GOOGLE DOODLES OVER THE YEARS; DAD HAIRDOS AND MUSTACHES THROUGHOUT THE DECADES; FATHER AND SON MATCHING OUTFITS
