Father's Day

Father's Day History

Father's Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring and celebrating fathers and father figures worldwide. This annual event acknowledges the vital role that fathers play in their families and communities by providing care, love, and support. It provides an opportunity for children and family members to express their gratitude and appreciation toward their fathers through various gestures, such as heartfelt messages, gifts, and special activities designed to strengthen the bond within the family.

Though Father's Day finds its origins in the United States early in the 20th century, this tradition has crossed borders and found a place within French society as well. In France, the motivation for adopting this celebration primarily revolves around acknowledging the importance of fathers in the lives of their children, and nurturing a culture that promotes parental involvement in child-rearing. In recent years, the focus has shifted towards emphasizing the role of fathers in not just providing material support but also emotional and educational guidance to their children. This observance reflects the evolution of the father figure within French families, from a distant authority figure to an involved and caring companion.

In France, Father's Day customs typically include children gifting their fathers with small presents or handmade tokens of appreciation, such as drawings, cards or various creative crafts. Families may also choose to spend quality time together by sharing a special meal, going on outings or participating in mutual hobbies. The occasion serves as a valuable opportunity for families to create and share precious memories, further solidifying the irreplaceable bond between fathers and their children. Father's Day is observed on June 18th this year, allowing French families to join in this global expression of love and reverence for fathers and father figures.

Father's Day facts

• Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd first came up with the idea for Father's Day after hearing a Mother's Day sermon in church. She was raised by her father and wanted to honor him.
• According to Hallmark, Father's Day is the fourth-largest card-sending occasion with 72 million cards given every year.
• The official flower for Father's Day is a rose. Wearing a red rose signifies a living father, while a white rose represents a father who has passed away.
• French fathers are often more involved in childcare than their counterparts in other countries. The government has made efforts to encourage shared parental responsibilities, such as promoting fathers' participation in childcare through various campaigns and policies.
• France has received praise for its innovative approach to parental policies, including those involving fathers. These policies aim to encourage a more equal division of labor between mothers and fathers in both caring for their children and working professionally.

In the News and Trending in France for Father's Day

Top things to do in France for Father's Day

• Arrange a BBQ and invite all of the fathers in your family.
• Spend the day with Dad doing one of his favorite activities: fishing, golfing, hiking.
• Watch a French film about the experience of fatherhood. Here are our top picks:
  1. The Class (Entre les murs) (2008) - A French drama directed by Laurent Cantet that explores the life of a teacher and his diverse students, showcasing fatherhood through the lens of both the teacher and the students' fathers.
  2. Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959) - Directed by Alain Resnais, this French New Wave classic explores themes of love, war, memory, and the role of fathers in different socioeconomic backgrounds.
  3. My Father's Glory (La Gloire de mon Père) (1990) - Directed by Yves Robert, based on the autobiographical novel by Marcel Pagnol, this film highlights the relationship between a young boy and his father in early 20th century Provence.
• Some families might opt for picnics, bike rides, hiking, or other outdoor activities to spend quality time together and enjoy the beautiful French landscape on Father's Day.