Father’s Day is a day to honour and appreciate the role that fathers and father figures play in families and communities. It is a time for people to show gratitude through words, gifts, and meaningful time together.
When is Father’s Day in 2025?
In 2025, Father’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, 15 June 2025. Like every year, Father’s Day is observed on the third Sunday of June in many countries, including South Africa, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Because it always falls on a Sunday, it is often a convenient time for families to gather without work or school commitments getting in the way.
What’s the historical significance of Father’s Day?
Father’s Day was inspired by Mother’s Day, which had already become a recognised celebration in the early 1900s. The idea of honouring fathers came about in 1909 in the United States, when a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd wanted to celebrate her father, a Civil War veteran and single parent who raised six children after their mother died.
She proposed a day to honour fathers, and the first Father’s Day was celebrated in 1910 in Spokane, Washington. Although it was not immediately a national holiday, the idea grew in popularity over the decades.
It wasn’t until 1972 that Father’s Day was officially recognised in the US as a national holiday by President Richard Nixon.
Over time, Father’s Day has become a global observance, though different countries may celebrate it on different dates. The message, however, remains the same: to thank and celebrate fathers for their guidance, love, and support.
How to celebrate Father’s Day
There are many ways to celebrate Father’s Day, and the best choice depends on what your father or father figure enjoys.
- Quality time: Spend the day doing something he enjoys, whether it’s watching a movie, going for a walk, or enjoying a home-cooked meal.
- Gifts: Traditional gifts include tools, gadgets, books, or clothing. Personalised items like mugs, photo frames, or keychains with a special message are also popular.
- Words of appreciation: A heartfelt message in a card, a phone call, or a social media post can mean a lot.
- Acts of service: Help out with chores or prepare a meal to give him a break and show appreciation through action.
- Remembering fathers who’ve passed: For those who have lost their fathers, this can be a day of remembrance—lighting a candle, sharing stories, or visiting a grave.
