Celebrate Dad with these worldly customs
Many countries all around the world celebrate fatherhood by observing a day for dads. If you want to put a new twist on your Father's Day celebration, implement one of these customs from another country.
Pay homage to the fathers in your life and teach the kids a lesson in global culture at the same time.
The third Sunday of June is the day to pay homage to more than 64 million dads in America. And countries all over the world have been officially celebrating Father's Day for the last century, though it's rumored to have started more than 4000 years ago by a Babylon boy named Elmesu. There is another theory that Father's Day originated from sun worship by the Pagans. If you're looking to spice up Dad's special day, try incorporating some of these international traditions into your plan.
Thailand
In Thailand, Father's Day is celebrated on December 5, also the birthday of the King Bhumibol Adulyade, who is very much beloved by the Thais. Tradition holds that everyone wears yellow on Father's Day, the "official color" of Monday, the day of the week the King was born. Here, children start the day off by presenting their fathers with a Canna flower, which is considered to be a masculine plant.
Germany
Father's Day in Germany, also called Man’s Day or Männertag or gentleman’s day, usually begins with a male's only hike accompanied by wagons filled with regional food, beer and wine, which are pulled by the men. In German cities, the gentlemen party has taken on a more urban tone, with men going to beer gardens to drink all day. Father's Day in Germany is always celebrated the Thursday about 40 days after Easter. Many take off work the following Friday, and some schools are closed, too.
South Africa
Similar to a typical Father's Day celebration in the U.S., South African children present their fathers with gifts such as flowers, cards, neckties, and other novelties. People in South Africa often enjoy picnics on Father’s Day, or spend the afternoon fishing in hopes of securing a catch for dinner.
Japan
Flowers are an integral part of a Father's Day celebration in Japan. Children also give their dads handmade beer glasses and Japanese candies or a box of Japanese sweets. Lunch or dinner is almost always a dish of crab, prawns or other seafood. Personalized champagne and beer bottles and sandals also comprise many of the gifts.
Mexico
In Mexico, Father's Day is celebrated much as it is in the U.S. with prepared meals and distribution of gifts to Dads or father figures. There is a city-wide 21-kilometer race that takes place in Mexico City's Bosque de Tlalpan, an area of open-space used for hiking and jogging.
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