Father’s Day is observed by 111 plus countries worldwide. The date varies by country. For example, in many European countries, it is celebrated on March 19 as Saint Joseph’s Day. Sikhs celebrate Father’s Day on the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh on December 29.
In the United States, Father’s Day was spearheaded by Sonora Smart Dodd, one of six children raised by her widower father. In 1909, she tried to establish an equivalent to Mother’s Day for male parents in remembrance of hers. She went to local churches, the YMCA, shops and even government officials in the city of Spokane, to gain support for her idea. Her perseverance led to the first statewide Father’s Day on June 19, 1910 in the state of Washington.
It wasn’t until 1972 that Father’s Day became a nationwide holiday in the United States when Richard Nixon signed a proclamation to make it a federal celebration. This occurred 58 years after Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official. In Canada, Father’s Day has been celebrated since the early 20th century, but it has not been made a public holiday. Father’s Day is on the third Sunday of June in North America and many African nations, such as Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya and South Africa.
Regardless of when and where Father’s Day takes place, the aim is to pay tribute to the paternal figures in people’s lives. Traditionally, families gather around to honor dad, or visit wherever their angel fathers are laid to rest. Children in school are helped with handmade cards and gifts.
How will you honor the dads in your life this June 16?
• When was the last time you told your dad you love him? Depending on how you were brought up, saying out loud “I love you” to your father could be rare, but it is likely to be appreciated more than you think.
• Time is the most precious gift. Whether it’s time spent alone with your dad or time with him and family, each occasion grows more special over the years.
• Is your dad a social fellow? Honoring him in front of his peers is sure to make him feel appreciated—at a party, a friend’s home, with his grandchildren and other occasions.
• Be a role model for your own children and show them how you care for their grandfather. Before long, you will reap the benefits of these well-learned roles.
• Take a walk together. Go for a swim. Play a game of chess. The focus is on doing something dad likes.
• Tell dad something about your own life that is important to you. A heart-to-heart talk can be a precious gift.
And, of course, if you want to get a meaningful gift for dad, Nikken is your one-stop shopping center. Does Dad need to be more grounded with KenkoGround®? Does he need some KenkoTherm® support wraps? How about Kenzen® nutritionals or PiMag® water to keep him properly hydrated?
Happy Father’s Day to our Nikken Dads!


