Fathers have been honored in most cultures for thousands of years. Historians tell us that the oldest existing “Father’s Day card” was created in ancient Babylonia; a son carved wishes for his father’s good health into a clay tablet. The current celebration of Father’s Day, however, originated in the United States. The holiday has been officially celebrated since 1910, when Sonora Smart-Dodd of Spokane, Washington wished to honor her father, as well as all hard-working fathers. The Spokane Ministerial Association and the local YMCA supported her efforts, and the first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, the Sunday closest to her father’s birthday.
Father’s Day was observed with ambivalence in its earlier years; it was not even recognized as a national holiday until 1972. Detractors felt that the sentiment was too “emotional” for men, and many suspected that the true benefactors of the day were merchants, not fathers. But as World War II stirred up loyalty, love, and honor for men away from their families, the idea gained more acceptance and was a recognized national holiday by the end of the war.
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A little known fact about the holiday is that the rose, the official flower of June, is the official flower of Father’s Day as well. On the inaugural observance in 1910, celebrants wore red roses to honor their fathers; and white roses to remember those who were deceased. Therefore, a surprisingly appropriate and traditional gift for Father’s Day is roses! If you don’t think your dad would appreciate roses, Boyd’s Flowers also has a wide variety of plants for him that will look great at any home or office.
A recent study revealed that the most popular wish of every Dad on Father’s Day is to spend time with their families. If you can get to your father, give him the gift of your time. If you can’t be with him, call Boyd’s Flowers in Wilmington to discuss plants, flowers, or gifts that will show him just how important he is to you. There are over 70 million dads in the United States – but only one is yours. Happy Father’s Day!
