By Namita S Kalla | June 13, 2025 | Image: Canva
The first modern Father’s Day was inspired by a single dad and war veteran, William Smart, who raised six children alone in Washington state
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Unlike Mother’s Day, which became official in 1914, Father’s Day took until 1972 to be formally recognised in the United States by President Nixon
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Father’s Day isn’t a global date. Countries like Germany, Thailand, and Brazil all celebrate on different days and with very different traditions
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The earliest known celebration of fathers comes from ancient Babylon, where a child carved a message for his dad on a clay tablet over 4,000 years ago
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In the early 20th century, Father’s Day was criticised as overly commercial and was often mocked compared to the more emotionally accepted Mother’s Day
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Modern Father’s Day is a major retail event, with Brits spending millions annually on cards, tech gadgets, BBQ gear, and now increasingly on experiences
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Today, the day honours all types of father figures, stepdads, foster carers, grandads, uncles and even close mentors who play a fatherly role
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Many families are shifting away from traditional gifts in favour of shared activities, handwritten letters, and quality time that carries emotional weight
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Father’s Day is evolving, with younger generations using it to reflect on emotional connection, gender roles, and what fatherhood means in modern life
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