Why Father's Day dates differ around the world

As Aussie family prepare to celebrate dads on September 1, most countries have already marked Father's Day for 2024 – some months earlier.

In fact, the date of the event differs around the world and just a handful of countries mark the occasion on a fixed date, meaning a public holiday for their citizens.

Father's Day kicked off in the US in 1910 and was first celebrated in Australia in 1936.

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Here's how Father's Day differs around the world.

The most popular date

The most popular date for Father's Day is the third Sunday in June.

This date was first observed in the US, UK, Canada and India. Also Argentina, France, Greece, Ireland, Mexico, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, and Venezuela

In the US Father's Day is traditionally marked with cards, gifts and gatherings. In the UK the royal family leads the way with sweet social media posts dedicated to their dads.

Father's Day is thought to have originated in the US, with the first one held on July 5, 1908 in West Virginia.

It began at first as a church service before evolving into the modern celebration it is today.

Why Australia is different

While the most popular date for Father's Day internationally is the third Sunday in June, the decision was made to move the date in Australia so we wouldn't be left to mark the occasion in the cold of winter.

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The first Sunday in spring was therefore chosen, giving families the opportunity to celebrate outdoors.

This has proved to be a success, with traditional Father's Day celebrations centering around outdoor barbeques.

Fixed date

Italy, Spain and Portugal celebrate Father's Day on a fixed day.

The largely Roman Catholic countries marks the occasion on the Feast of St Joseph on March 19, in honour of St Joseph who is considered to be the foster father of Jesus.

The day is religious in nature, with church services and family gatherings.

St Joseph is considered to be the patron saint of fathers, as Jesus' mother Mary is regarded as the patron saint of mothers.

November

Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Sweden and Finland celebrate Father's Day later in the year on the second Sunday of November.

Originally the American date was used, but in 1949 the Nordic countries decided to move it to the second Sunday in November to give it space following Mother's Day, and because November is traditionally a quiet trading period ahead of Christmas.

Germany

Germans celebrate Father's Day on Ascension Day which is celebrated on the 40th day of Easter, on May 29.

Ascension Day is a Christian religious day that remembers Jesus' ascension into heaven after his crucifixion and resurrection.

Celebrations centre around beer, wine, schnapps and grilled snacks.

Taiwan

Taiwan has chosen August 8 for their Father's Day celebration each year. This is the eighth day of the eighth month, chosen because the Mandarin Chinese word for eight resembles the word dad.

Gifts are exchanged and families usually take their dads out for dinner.

Thailand

Thailand celebrates Father's Day on December 5, just 20 days before Christmas. This date has been chosen because it is the birthday of former King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

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King Bhumibol Adulyade was the ninth king of Thailand from the Chakri dynasty from 1946. His is the longest reign of any Thai monarch, spanning 70 years and 126 days.

Denmark

In Denmark Father's Day falls on Danish Constitution Day on June 5. This leaves Father's Day as a more low-key occasion for the country.

Traditionally, Danish families share beer and wine for Father's Day, chocolate and family dinners.

Gifts are also exchanged and follow the same Father's Day gift traditions as other countries including tools, undies and barbecue implements.

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