Celebrating Father’s Day around the world

While many sons and daughters may be celebrating Father’s Day by sharing throwback photos with their fatherly figure on social media, a diverse number of countries celebrate the day differently.

Father’s Day was announced an official holiday in 1972 and has since been celebrated on the third Sunday of June in North America.

Here are six different nations and how they observe Father’s Day:

Taiwan

In Taiwan, Father’s Day is celebrated on August 8 as the Chinese pronunciation for eight is “ba” while a slang word for father in “ba-ba,” therefore the eight day of the eight month sounds similar to “dad.”

Germany

German men have a tradition of celebrating Father’s Day with organizing hikes and gatherings filled with food an alcohol on the 40^th day of Easter, also known as Ascension Day.

Mexico

Mexico celebrates Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June and hosts festivities similar to Mother’s Day. Mexicans tend to give gifts to their fathers and celebrate with food and music. Some participate in a 21-kilometer race in Mexico City, called the Carrera Dia del Padre 21K Bosque de Tlalpan, to raise money to help protect forests.

Thailand

While this country celebrates Mother’s Day on the birthday of their Queen Sirikit on Aug. 12, Father’s Day is celebrated on the birthday of their “widely admired” King Bhumibol Adulyadej on December 5. Their king gives a speech every year on that day and traditions in Thailand is for sons and daughters to give their fathers and grandfathers the Canna flower – a symbol of masculine association.

India

The idea of celebrating Father’s Day is relatively new in India. Having adopted the celebration from western countries, Father’s Day is also celebrated on the third Sunday in June where children participate in cultural programs that teach them to pay respect to their fathers and to take care of them. In addition, fathers are encouraged to spend quality time with their children during the day.

Italy

Father’s Day is also called “St. Joseph’s Day” in Italy and is celebrated with a big party. Music, dancing and eating of traditional foods are involved.