Father’s Day is just around the corner! Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in many countries around the world. Some of these countries include: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India, Japan, China, Philippines, Turkey, South Africa, Netherlands, Argentina, France, Greece, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico and Venezuela.
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Why not start by learning how to say "Happy Father's Day" in different languages? This will add a personal touch to your celebrations and give you and your family a fun way to connect with different cultures.
In this article, we will learn how to wish a happy Father's Day in different languages and cover some cultural aspects of this worldwide celebration.
Related: 10 Most Useful Languages In Europe For Work [2024 Study]
But before we get into it, let’s take a look at the origins of Father’s Day and its historical significance.
Origin and History of Father’s Day
Father's Day is a celebration honoring fathers and father figures, recognizing their influence in their children's lives and society. While the date and traditions vary globally, the essence of the day remains to appreciate and cherish fathers.
Father's Day has various origins, often linked to religious or secular traditions. The modern celebration in many countries can be traced back to the United States, where it was first celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington.
A woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, inspired by Mother’s Day, advocated for a similar day to honor fathers. A few years earlier, Mother’s Day had become a national holiday, and Sonora Smart Dodd was determined to establish a day to honor fathers as well.
However, it didn’t become as popular as Mother’s Day until World War II, when Father’s Day was used to promote the troops out on the field. It became a national holiday in the US when President Richard Nixon signed it into law in 1972.
How to say “Happy Father’s Day” in different languages
Many countries have adopted the tradition of celebrating Father's Day on the same date as the United States, but others celebrate it on different dates with different origins. Let's explore how to wish a happy Father's Day in different languages and learn about its origins.
How to say “Happy Father’s Day” in Spanish
In Spanish, “Happy Father’s Day” is “¡Feliz día del Padre!”
In Spain, Father’s Day is celebrated on March 19th, as this date is associated with the feast day of Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ. Countries like Bolivia and Honduras also celebrate it on this day. The day typically includes religious observances, family gatherings, and giving gifts or cards to fathers.
In Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Ecuador, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June, following the US tradition.
How to say “Happy Father’s Day” in French
In French, “Happy Father’s Day” is « Bonne Fête des Pères! »
Father's Day in France, known as "La Fête des Pères", is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, aligning it with many other countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.
Father's Day in France has its roots in the mid-20th century. It was introduced in 1952 by the company Flaminaire, a manufacturer of lighters, as a way to boost sales. The idea quickly gained popularity and was embraced nationally, becoming a time to honor fathers and father figures.
In Belgium, Father’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in June (except in the Antwerp region, where it is celebrated on March 19, Saint Joseph's Day). In Switzerland, it’s the first Sunday in June. Celebrations in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and Belgium are similar to those in France. In Luxembourg, Father’s Day is known as "Pappendag," and it’s celebrated on the first Sunday in October.
In African French-speaking countries, like Senegal, Ivory Coast and Madagascar,c elebrations may include family gatherings and special meals. While the day is not as commercially emphasized as in Western countries, the sentiment of honoring fathers is strong.
How to say “Happy Father’s Day” in German
In German, “Happy Father’s Day” is “Alles Gute zum Vatertag!”
In Germany, Father’s Day is celebrated on Ascension Day, which falls on a Thursday 40 days after Easter. Father’s Day has a unique and lively tradition. It’s often celebrated with men participating in hiking tours and outdoor activities. Groups of men, regardless of whether they are fathers, will often go on hikes or bike tours, pulling small wagons (called "Bollerwagen") filled with beer, wine, and traditional foods.
In Austria, Father’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in June. Father’s Day in Austria is similar to celebrations in other Western countries. Children give gifts and cards to their fathers. Family gatherings and special meals are common, with families often dining out or having a celebratory meal at home.
How to say “Happy Father’s Day” in Italian
In Italian, “Happy Father’s Day” is “Buona Festa del Papà!”
In Italy, Father's Day, known as "La Festa del Papà," is celebrated on March 19th. This date coincides with the feast day of Saint Joseph, who is regarded as the foster father of Jesus Christ and a model of fatherhood in the Catholic tradition. A special tradition, especially in Sicily and Palermo, consists of making and serving Pane di San Giuseppe, a shaped bread formed into a variety of designs for loaves.
How to say “Happy Father’s Day” in Portuguese
In Portuguese, “Happy Father’s Day” is “Feliz Dia dos Pais!”
Father's Day in Brazil was first celebrated on August 14, 1953, chosen to honor Saint Joachim, the father of the Virgin Mary. However, it was later moved to the second Sunday in August to facilitate family gatherings and celebrations.
Father's Day in Portugal coincides with the feast day of Saint Joseph, which reflects the country's strong Catholic heritage. Similarly, Mozambique and Angola also celebrate Father's Day on March 19, reflecting their Portuguese colonial heritage. The day involves family gatherings, religious observances, and the giving of gifts and cards.
How to say “Happy Father’s Day” in Japanese
In Japanese, “Happy Father’s Day” is “父の日おめでとう” (Chichi no Hi omedetou)
Father's Day in Japan, known as "父の日" (Chichi no Hi), is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, similar to many other countries.
Father's Day in Japan does not have ancient roots but has been influenced by Western traditions. It gained popularity in the post-World War II era, paralleling the growing influence of Western culture in Japan.
How to say “Happy Father’s Day” in Mandarin
In Mandarin, “Happy Father’s Day” is “父の日おめでとう” (Chichi no Hi omedetou)
Father's Day in China is not a traditional holiday and does not have deep historical roots. However, it is increasingly observed, especially in urban areas, influenced by Western customs.
During the years of World War II, Father's Day was celebrated on August 8 in the Republic of China. The government wanted to honor the soldiers who died and pay tribute to fathers. This date was selected because in Chinese, August 8 can be abbreviated to "bā bā" (八八 'eight eight'), which sounds similar to the informal word for father (爸爸, bàba). This celebration is no longer observed in the Chinese mainland, but it remains a traditional festivity in Taiwan.
How to say “Happy Father’s Day” in Russian
In Russian, “Happy Father’s Day” is “С Днём Отца!” (S Dnyom Ottsa!)
In Russia, Father’s Day is not a tradition with deep roots. It was first established as a national holiday in 2021 to emphasize the role of fathers in families and society. Since then, it has been celebrated annually on the third Sunday of October.
How to say “Happy Father’s Day” in Korean
Father's Day in South Korea is celebrated differently from the Western tradition. Instead of having a specific Father's Day, South Korea celebrates Parents' Day (어버이날, Eobeoinal), which honors both mothers and fathers. On May 8th, you could say:
"낳아주시고 길러주셔서 감사합니다" (naajusigo gilrojusyoso gamsahamnida) - "Thank you for giving birth and raising me"
Alternatively, you could say "부모님은혜에 감사합니다" (bumonnimeunhyee gamsahamnida) which means "My parents thank you for your kindness"
Celebrate a multilingual Father’s Day
Learning how to say "Happy Father's Day" in different languages adds a personal touch to your celebrations and gives you and your family a fun way to connect with different cultures. In this article, we explored the origins of Father’s Day, its historical significance, and how it is celebrated in various countries. From giving carnations in Korea on Parents' Day to the lively outdoor traditions in Germany, the ways in which we honor fathers are as diverse as the languages we speak.
Father's Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the fathers and father figures who play such an important role in our lives. No matter where you are in the world or what language you speak, the sentiment remains the same: honoring the love, guidance, and support that fathers provide. So, this year, take a moment to learn a new phrase, share it with your dad, and celebrate the universal joy of Father’s Day.
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