Father's Day in Asia

"Honor thy father and thy mother." -- Matthew 19:19

I like the idea of celebrating the Father's Day, even if there is no official Father's Day date in my country (Indonesia). We just celebrate the Mother's Day on December 22, and I'm not sure either why my country has no official date for Father's Day, but I just love the idea of honoring the man that gave us his legacy.

Even if, naturally a father is the provider in the family, I think it will be great if we say our gratitude and do something special for this special man. There was actually a declaration about Father's Day in Indonesia (November 12, 2006 in Solo-Central Java and Flores-East Nusa Tenggara), but still, there are many Indonesian people don't know about this. (It's kind of weird isn't it? haha)

But anyway, Father's Day has been so popular in Asia too, and many Asian countries celebrating the Father's Day with the same way as Western countries. Evidence of days or festivals celebrating fathers can be found as far back as 4,000 years ago. However, it is widely acknowledged that the efforts of a Ms. Sonora Dodd were what led to the eventual creation- in 1972- of the formal holiday as it is known today.

People in South Korea celebrate the Father's Day on May 8. Also known as Parents' Day. First held in 1973, this is the day when children express gratitude to their mother and fathers through gifts and other tokens of love. Devotion to parents and ancestors was always considered the highest of all virtues in traditional Korean society. Hence it is quite understandable how important an occasion is Parent's Day in Korea, both for kids as well as grown ups.

Korean people also dedicated the occasion not only to their own parents, but also to parental figures like parents-in-law and grandparents and even elderly people.

Many adults hand over greetings and gifts. The gifts are vary, from the most simple flower from your own garden to beauty treatment like botox and even plastic surgery or hair transplantation for their parents. Children usually sing the themed song of Parents' Day and honor their parents with red carnations. This is so great. Because I love celebration and their stuffs.

The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Family Affairs rewards exemplary figures of filial devotion on this occasion annually. Many elderly people take their part in a special ceremonies in the temples. The streets and squares of Seoul wear a festive appearance on Parent's Day. Everywhere, children and young people try to help elderly people, even perfect strangers, with their kind assistance.  

Father's Day in those countries are pretty the same with USA and other Western countries. Most of the activities are the same too, like pay a greeting to their father and offer him some sweet gifts like fresh flowers.

Many will give some precious presents for their father and plan for an outing like going to his favorite restaurant and make that day as memorable and meaningful it can be.


Taiwan : August 8

In Taiwan, Father's Day is not an official holiday, but is widely observed on August 8, the eighth day of the eighth month of the year. In Mandarin Chinese, the pronunciation of the number 8 is ba. This is very similar with the character "爸" "bà", which means "Papa" or "father". The Taiwanese, therefore, usually call August 8 by its nickname, "Bābā Day" (爸爸節)

They used to treat their father with the best thing they can do.

In Thailand however, The King's Birthday or Father's Day is celebrated on December 5, the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the monarch of Thailand. King's birthday is a national holiday and is celebrated all over the country with great enthusiasm. The event is used by the loyal people of Thailand to express their reverence for their King.

The King is regarded as a Father to all Thai people. At school they held a special ceremony to commemorate this event. The school principal first paid homage to a picture of the King. Then 22 teachers were presented with the Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Admirable Order of the Dierekgunabhorn.  At the end of the ceremony, students went out into the neighboring roads to clean up the rubbish.

This is a public holiday and there are many interesting activities, such as Thai dancing performance in schools and many more. On that day, Thai people are decorating their houses with flags and King's picture. The special flower on this day is canna.

They used to give some canna flowers, cards, or special gift to their father. And do some fun and enjoyful activities with their father.

Well, I think most of the activities are the same, pay some respect to our father, give him some precious (does not mean it's expensive) gift, enjoy time together, and have fun. But the point is we do show and tell our father how much he meant to us.

"Small boy's definition of Father's Day: It's just like Mother's Day only you don't spend so much." -- Unknown