10 Father's Day Traditions from Around the World

Father’s Day is known as the universal day to come together in celebration fatherhood. Like most countries who participate in the momentous occasion, Malaysia also observes it on the third Sunday in June. Surprisingly, it’s still considered an emerging celebration. Many countries around the world have adopted this special day of celebration but with varying traditions.

Here are some diverse ways other countries honour the most important man in their lives:

Australia

Aussies celebrate Father’s Day on the first Sunday in September, which is also the first Sunday of spring there.

Brazil

The Brazilian’s know – the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Known as Dia dos Pais, families throw large, all-you-can-eat barbecues either at home or at a churrascaria, which is a Brazilian steakhouse. Nothing says “I love you, papa” quite like hankerings of meat over a fire.

China

In China, Father’s Day is celebrated on August 8, because the date (8/8, roughly pronounced “ba-ba” in Mandarin) sounds similar to their word for “father”.

Germany

German men celebrate Männertag or Man Day, by showing off their guns. The celebration begins with a men-only hike where they are accompanied by wagons filled with food and alcohol. After the hike, the celebration continues by visiting various beer gardens.

Japan

Children present their fathers with personalized bottles of alcohol or handmade beer glasses. A special seafood lunch or dinner is always followed by kids presenting Dad with his favourite sweets to end the meal on a sweet note by.

Mexico

On the third Sunday in June, though it’s not an official holiday, Mexicans give gifts to their fathers and celebrate with food and music. Some also participate in the 21 kilometer race in Mexico city, the Carrera Día del Padre 21K Bosque de Tlalpan.

Nepal

Nepal honours its fathers on a day known as Gokarna Aunsi. On this late August/early September Hindu holiday, sons and daughters give their fathers presents and confections. The celebration also honours recently deceased fathers.

Russia

Russia celebrates Defender of the Fatherland day, a tradition leftover from the days of the USSR, that’s also referred to as “Men’s Day”. The holiday involves parades and other celebrations of veterans, and women give gifts to men in their lives.

Thailand

In Thailand, Father’s Day is celebrated on the birthday of the current king. It is currently celebrated on December 5, in lieu with Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday.

Uruguay

In the country’s capital, the Montevidean families honour their fathers by hanging a skeleton outside their homes to represent Padre Esqueleto which directly translates to Father Skeleton.

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Image Credit: What to Expect When You’re Expecting.