All about appreciating your dad!
Father’s Day is a time to recognize fathers and father-figures who have influenced a person’s life. It is celebrated through cards, dining out and gifts such as electronic gadgets, sports attire, household tools or, best of all, time spent together!
Father’s Day started in the early 20th century in the United States to celebrate fatherhood and to complement Mother’s Day. It was first celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington, at the YMCA as an initiative by Sonora Smart Dodd, who had heard about Mother’s Day in 1909 and told her pastor she thought fathers should have a similar holiday. Smart’s father had raised six children as a single parent. The local clergymen agreed to the idea and the first Father’s Day sermon was given on June 19, 1910. Father’s Day is now celebrated on the third Sunday of June around the world.
In Germany, Father’s Day is called Vatertag, but it’s also sometimes known as Männertag (or Men’s Day). It is traditional in certain regions for groups of men to go into the woods with a wagon of beer, wines and meats. In China, Father’s Day used to be celebrated on August 8 as the Chinese for eight is “ba”, while a colloquial word for father is “ba-ba” – so the eighth day of the eighth month sounds similar to “daddy.” On Father’s Day in the United States, fathers around the country receive gifts and go do activities with their families. We in Sint Maarten celebrate Father’s Day in a similar way.
No idea what to do or get your dad for Father’s Day? We have a few ideas: Head on over to Divi Little Bay for a delicious brunch on Sunday. If your dad loves his technology, you can visit Blue Point and get him the latest gadgets. You can also get your dad a Makita power tool at Kooyman; besides a great new tool for his shed, he gets the chance to win a new TV! You may treat your dad (and mom, or your own baby-daddy and yourself) to a getaway at Atrium Resort, which is offering special Father’s Day deals.
But of course you don’t have to get your dad a fancy brunch, gadget, toy or getaway if you can’t afford to do so. Homemade crafts and presents, such as a personalized card and T-shirt, are the most heart-warming. Also, a nice home-cooked meal of his favourite dish will show him that you know what he likes and that you want to make him happy. The most important thing about Father’s Day is to show how much you appreciate your Dad.
Happy Father’s Day!
