A day for Dad to celebrate
Cynics may see Father’s Day as a commercial opportunity, but it’s so much more than that.
Fathers come in all shapes and sizes and they play different roles in different families.
Their contribution can sometimes fly under the radar but this Sunday, dads of all kinds get their chance to step into the spotlight.
In many families, the day is marked by giving gifts, spending time with family, and reflecting on the role fathers and father figures play in our lives.
For older Australians, Father’s Day holds particular significance, serving as a time to cherish memories, strengthen family bonds, and reflect on the evolving roles of fatherhood across generations. Its origins trace back to a Christian tradition where fathers brought their children to church as an acknowledgment of their paternity.
The modern celebration started in the United States in 1910, when Spokane, Washington resident Sonora Smart Dodd proposed a day to honour her own father, William, a Civil War veteran who raised six children as a single parent after his wife died in childbirth.
She was inspired by the newly established Mother’s Day, and the idea quickly gained popularity in America and around the world.
In Australia, there are newspaper mentions of Father’s Day in the 1930s, though it was not until the 1960s that it gained widespread acceptance.
In 1964, the Commonwealth Government designated the first Sunday in September as Father’s Day.
As in America, where Father’s Day is said to be responsible for billions of dollars in retail sales, the day quickly took on a commercial aspect – which might explain its position in the calendar between Mother’s Day and Christmas.
Nevertheless, the meaning behind the cards and gifts remains important.
For older Australians, Father’s Day can evoke a mix of emotions, from joy and pride to nostalgia and even sorrow.
Seniors may choose to use the day to share stories from the past, and to pass on family lore and traditions. It is a time to remember fathers and grandfathers who have passed away, keeping their memories alive through stories and shared experiences.
It’s also a time to reflect on the changes in the role of fathers over the years.
Many seniors will remember fathers as somewhat remote “breadwinners” rather than being actively involved in their upbringing as is usually the case these days.
Father’s Day provides an opportunity to reflect on these shifts in society and appreciate the contributions of fathers from different generations.
Above all, it’s a time for families to spend time together, if they can, sharing a meal, and creating new memories.
Related reading: ABC, Wikipedia, Life Hacker
