What exactly is celebrated in Father’s Day?
Father’s Day is viewed as an
opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the father figure. Although we do not
know of previous recognition as we do know regarding motherhood in ancient
times, there is no doubt the importance father’s role plays in society.
In Catholic countries, Father’s
Day is celebrated the same day as Saint Joseph’s Day on March 19th. In the United States, as in many of Latin
American countries, Father’s Day is celebrated the 3rd Sunday of each June,
thanks to a loving daughter who stood up for her idea that Fatherhood deserved
a celebration too, based on her personal experience.
History behind Father’s Day?
William Jackson Smart was a farmer
who served in the Union’s First Arkansas Light Artillery during the American
Civil War. He was married to Ellen
Victoria Cheek Smart, and when their eldest and only daughter Sonora Smart Dodd
was 7 years old, the family moved from Marion, Arkansas to Spokane, Washington.
In 1898, Ellen passed away while
giving birth to the sixth son of the couple.
So, it was up to Sonora to help her dad William to raise her younger
brothers.
That close relationship between
Sonora and William not only forged a bond, but also grew awareness in Sonoma of
the importance of a father figure while raising a family, no matter the dire of
the circumstances.
It was while listening to a sermon
on the recently proclaimed Mother’s Day, that Sonora realized that fathers too
deserved a day for recognition. That was
the spark which ignited her movement, until the first Father’s Day was
celebrated in Spokane in June 19th, 1910, after finding the support of two
local organizations.
After gaining some popularity and
support of local politicians, Father’s Day was sporadically “officially
celebrated”, but it was not until 1972, under Richard Nixon, when a permanent
and national observance was established for the Father’s Day, as the third
Sunday of each June.
What do we learn from Father’s Day?
Being a Father, means to play a
role. This role requires a balance
between the responsibilities and the fun attached to being a father and educate
a kid.
Sonora’s love for her Father, and
her need to have a day for recognizing the role fathers play in kids’
education, grew from her own experience.
William -Sonora’s father- had no
easy life at all; he was a farmer full of hope and uncertainty and experienced the
horrors of a cruel War. He also lost his
wife and was alone with the task to raise a family. However, in spite of so many terrible
circumstances, he did the best he could to overcome adversity, while providing
his family what was needed.
There is where relies the
importance of today’s celebration; recognition of the father’s job in society,
the kind of father who deals with adversity and overcomes it day by day. Today
we are recognizing fathers and father figures present in our lives. It might be you, your husband, your dad or grandpa,
your brother, or a close friend who is seen as a father figure.
We recognize fatherhood and
paternal bonds; we are acknowledging the inspiration father figures deliver
into children lives. We celebrate and concede
the importance of a father educating through example, a paternal image who
provides safety to their kids for their healthy development in the society they
will grow in, and later model themselves.
So today, relax and celebrate your
day; you deserve it! Prepare a nice barbecue with your loved ones, and if you are in the mood to try a new recipe,
give a try to the Venezuelan “Papá de las salsas”: Guasacaca.
Enjoy, and have a great day!!