Read about the origin, history and celebration of Father’s Day in South Africa.
Fundoo Times: Festivals: Father’s Day: Father’s Day in South Africa

Father’s Day in South Africa

Origin and History of Father’s Day in South Africa

Scriptures indicate that Father’s Day came into existence ages ago where a son wrote a note of gratitude to his father on a stone. It is believed that many started following him. The actual observance of ‘Father’s Day’ began a century ago in the US. This idea was visualized by Ms Sonora Louise Smart Dodd in order to dedicate a separate day for fatherhood. She wanted to pay reverence to her beloved father who had taken care of all the kinds in the family after his wife died. The first Father’s Day was celebrated in the year 1910 in the United States. Since then, it increased in popularity and was also observed in South Africa. People in South Africa enjoy the festivity of Father’s Day to show respect and love to their fathers. It is not an official holiday in the nation.

Local name: Father’s Day

Ways to celeberate Father’s Day in South Africa

People in South Africa celebrate Father’s Day with lot of enthusiasm and joy in order to pay tribute to fatherhood. It is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Fathers are greeted with fresh flowers and cards. Children prepare bed coffee and breakfast to treat their father with love right from the time he wakes up. They also present their father with a lot of gifts like neckties, shoes, books, bags, wallet, gadgets, sports add-ons, apparels etc. Children also go on an outing or lunch with their dads. Fathers like to go for fishing with their kids on that day.