Father’s Day Traditions Around the World

Each year in the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. For many families, the day consists of allowing dad to relax, and if he’s very lucky, perhaps he will get some sweet cards or gifts. Father’s Day became an official holiday in the US in 1972. However, the tradition of a day to celebrate fathers dates all the way back to 4,000 years ago, in Babylon. The vast majority of countries around the world celebrate their own versions of the holiday as well. Here are some of our favorite traditions:

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Gift and activity ideas

Are you still looking for a way to honor your own father or grandfather this year? Check out these links for some great ideas:

How to Print Your Family Tree

An Open Book: Creating Family History Books

20 Questions for Interviewing Relatives

Father’s Day DNA test sales

If you’ve been thinking of buying your dad a DNA test kit, now is the time! Here are what tests are currently on sale in honor of the holiday:

• AncestryDNA – Usually $99, on sale now for $69
• MyHeritage DNA – Currently on sale for $59
• 23andMe – Ancestry test usually $99, on sale now for $69
• LivingDNA – Normally $159, on sale for $79
• FamilyTreeDNA – Family Finder kit regularly $79, on sale now for $59

Father’s Day: A Brief Timeline

Tony Shalhoub Shares His Father’s Immigration Story at the Tony Awards