Father's Day

Father's Day History

Father's Day is a special occasion to honor and celebrate the presence and contributions of fathers and father figures in a person's life. This annual observance is dedicated to recognizing the efforts, sacrifices, and impact that fathers make in nurturing their families and fostering social and emotional wellbeing. It provides an opportunity for children and other family members to express their love, gratitude, and appreciation towards their fathers, which in turn strengthens the father-child relationship.

In many countries around the world, the history of Father's Day can be traced back to the early 20th century. This tradition gained momentum during the 1920s, in the United States and gradually spread to various other countries, including The Netherlands. The observance of Father's Day holds significance for Dutch people as well, as it aligns with their cultural values of family bonding, appreciation, and personal connections. Dutch society values the role of fathers in the upbringing and development of their children, emphasizing the importance of partaking in their children's lives physically, emotionally, and mentally.

For the Dutch, Father's Day or Vaderdag, typically falls on the third Sunday in June. This cheerful day is marked by various customs and activities aimed at making fathers feel appreciated and loved. Traditionally, Dutch children often present handmade gifts, greetings cards, or small presents purchased from stores, which are usually accompanied by heartfelt messages. Fathers can also expect to be pampered with breakfast in bed, quality time spent with family, and sometimes special outings or events. It is a day for creating lasting memories, acknowledging the crucial role of fathers in families, and cherishing the bond that makes fatherhood a profound and rewarding experience.

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.
• According to Statistics Netherlands, about 26.8% of working men have part-time jobs. This flexible work culture enables Dutch fathers to spend more time with their families.
• A study by the Institute of Family Studies found that Dutch fathers spend an average of 34 minutes daily on childcare tasks compared to 15 minutes for British fathers and 28 minutes for French fathers.

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

Top things to do in Netherlands 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.
• Celebrate Father's Day with Ontbijt op bed (Breakfast in bed). Surprise Dad with a typical Dutch breakfast that includes items such as broodjes (bread rolls), ham, cheese, hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles), fruit, yogurt, and a cup of coffee or tea.
• Going for a bike ride, hiking, or taking a leisurely walk in the park can be a great way to enjoy Father's Day, as many people in the Netherlands are fond of outdoor activities.