Father’s Day, a day to celebrate and honor the role of fathers in our lives originated in the USA. Since 1910, Father’s Day has been in practice and is celebrated on the third Sunday of every June. While the concept of Father’s Day originated in the United States, today it is celebrated all over the world, when people cherish and celebrate their fathers and express their love for them in many ways. Many give gifts and cards or his favorite brunch on this day to make him feel special. However, Father’s Day is celebrated on different days in different countries for several reasons. Here’s how Father’s Day is celebrated in 15 countries around the world.

United States, Canada, and United Kingdom

While Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates in the USA and the United Kingdom, Father’s Day is always celebrated on the third Sunday of June every year in the USA, Canada, and the UK. This year, people will be celebrating this holiday with cards and many gifts on Sunday, June 20, in these three countries.

Australia and New Zealand

In Australia and New Zealand, Father’s Day is celebrated on the first day of spring season, which will usually fall on the first Sunday of September. It is said that these two countries opted for the month of September because the time when the rest of the world observe Father’s Day was already packed of holidays. This special day is typically spent by showering their fathers with greeting cards and gifts that they love the most.

Spain, Portugal, and Italy

In Roman Catholic countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy, people celebrate Father’s Day on the Feast of St. Joseph. It is an annual religious holiday that honors Joseph of Nazareth, Jesus’ father. The holiday is celebrated on March 19 every year. In addition to the church services, the day is celebrated as Father’s Day with gifts and surprises for dad.

Brazil

In Brazil, Father’s Day is observed on the second Sunday of August (this year on August 8, 2021) as a tribute to St. Joachim, the father of the Virgin Mary in the Christian tradition. Children spend the day gifting Father’s Day cards and gifts to their dads.

Germany

In Germany, Father’s Day, also called as Vatertag is celebrated on Ascension Day, a Christian holiday celebrated on the 40th day after Easter. It always falls on a Thursday in May. This year, it will be celebrated on May 20, 2021. Vatertag is a national holiday, and the following Friday is also a holiday in most parts of the country. Hence, many celebrate Father’s Day with a 4-day weekend filled with fun outdoor activities.

Sweden, Norway, and Iceland

Most Scandanavian countries celebrate Father’s Day (also known as Fars Dag) on the second Sunday in November. This year their Father’s Day falls November 7, 2021. This tradition originally came from the celebration of Father’s Day in the USA, where it is celebrated in June. But as the economy would be slow in November, Father’s Day celebration was moved to this month. Fathers are showered with custom gifts and messages.

Thailand

In Thailand, people celebrate Father’s Day on December 5, the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The ruling king usually gives a widely-broadcast speech on this special day and children gift Canna lilies to their fathers and grandfathers.

Russia

In Russia, Father’s Day started as a military celebration, which then became a holiday dedicated to men. As time passed by, the celebration of men has evolved into the modern Father’s Day celebration in the country. Owing to its military roots, the holiday is also known as Defender of the Fatherland Day and is celebrated on February 23rd every year with parades that many of the men take part in.