Happy Father’s Day: Lesser known facts about the holiday that celebrates fathers

Every year, millions of people celebrate Father's Day by honouring dads and father figures with gifts, cards, and heartfelt messages. While the holiday is widely observed around the world, its origins and history are filled with fascinating stories that many people don't know. (unsplash)

It Was Inspired by a Single Father: Father's Day was largely championed by Sonora Smart Dodd, who wanted to honor her father, a Civil War veteran who raised six children on his own after the death of his wife. (facebook: St. Alphonsus Crossville)

It Took Decades to Become Official: Unlike Mother's Day, which gained rapid acceptance, Father's Day faced resistance for years. Some critics viewed it as overly commercial, delaying its official recognition. (unsplash)

The First Father's Day Was Celebrated in 1910: The first widely recognized Father's Day celebration took place on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, thanks to Dodd's efforts to establish a day dedicated to fathers. (wikimedia commons)

A U.S. President Finally Made It Permanent: In 1972, Richard Nixon signed a proclamation making Father's Day a permanent national holiday in the United States, more than 60 years after the first celebration. (wikimedia commons)

Different Countries Celebrate on Different Dates: While many countries observe Father's Day on the third Sunday of June, others have their own traditions. For example, Spain celebrates it on March 19, the feast day of Saint Joseph. (wikimedia commons)

Neckties Became an Iconic Father's Day Gift: One of the most enduring Father's Day traditions is gifting neckties. The association became popular during the mid-20th century and remains a classic symbol of the holiday today. (wikimedia commons)