10 Surprising Father’s Day Fun Facts and Trivia You Didn’t Know

Father’s Day, on the third Sunday of June, is a special occasion dedicated to celebrating and honoring fathers around the world. While many people are familiar with the concept of Father’s Day, there are several lesser-known, interesting facts related to this holiday. In this blog post, we will delve into ten surprising Father’s Day trivia and facts that you probably didn’t know. From its historical origins to unique traditions and statistics, let’s uncover some fascinating aspects of Father’s Day!

1. Did you know that Father’s Day was actually inspired by Mother’s Day? The idea for Father’s Day originated when Sonora Smart Dodd, from Spokane, Washington, heard a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909 and felt that fathers deserved a day of appreciation as well. She proposed the concept of Father’s Day, and the first official celebration took place in Spokane on June 19, 1910.
2. Although the first Father’s Day celebration occurred in 1910, it took several decades for the holiday to gain national recognition in the United States. In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. It was later signed into law as a permanent national holiday by President Richard Nixon in 1972.
3. While the United States celebrates Father’s Day on the third Sunday in June, the date varies in different countries. For instance, Australia celebrates it on the first Sunday in September, while Brazil commemorates Father’s Day on the second Sunday in August. Each country has its own unique customs and traditions associated with honoring fathers.
4. In some cities, Father’s Day is celebrated with unique events centered around neckties. For example, Kansas City, Missouri, hosts an annual “Father’s Day Tie-athlon,” where participants race while wearing neckties. These creative and lighthearted events add a touch of humor and playfulness to the day’s festivities. It is estimated that approximately 8% of all Father’s Day gifts are neckties. Looking for a less predictable gift?
5. The most expensive Father’s Day gift ever recorded was a luxury submarine. In 2013, a Russian billionaire gifted his father a $78 million personal submarine as a token of appreciation. While this extravagant gift is an outlier, it showcases the boundless imagination and generosity that can accompany Father’s Day celebrations.

6. Have you ever wondered who holds the record for being the oldest man to become a father? That title goes to Nanu Ram Jogi from India. In 2007, at the remarkable age of 90, he welcomed his 21st child into the world. What a great piece of Father’s Day trivia to tell your Dad and make him feel young!
7. Flowers are a common way to express love and appreciation, and Father’s Day is no exception. The official flower associated with Father’s Day is the rose. A red rose is worn to honor a living father, while a white rose is worn to remember a deceased father. This beautiful tradition adds a touch of sentimentality to the day’s celebrations.
8. Greeting cards are a beloved tradition for many holidays, and Father’s Day is no different. In fact, giving Father’s Day cards is the most common gift choice. The record for the most Father’s Day cards received by one person goes to Les Colley from Australia. Over the years, Colley has amassed a collection of more than 27,000 Father’s Day cards, lovingly sent.
9. In 2014, a group of fathers in Italy set a unique world record on Father’s Day. They successfully lit 3,128 barbecue grills simultaneously, creating a fiery spectacle and securing a place in the Guinness World Records. It was a smokin’ hot celebration of fatherhood and culinary prowess.
10. Did you know that the original concept of Superman was inspired by Father’s Day? Jerry Siegel, the co-creator of Superman, conceived the idea of a superhero who fought for justice and protected the innocent after the death of his own father. The iconic character stands as a symbol of paternal guidance and strength.

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If you have enjoyed this Father’s Day trivia but still don’t have a clue what to buy your Dad this year, look no further than the best-selling book ‘Things To Do While You Poo’. He’s going to love this!