While “Vatertag” in Germany has different roots than “Father’s Day” in the United States and the former is celebrated in May and the latter in June, these holidays have one thing in common: the love for the outdoors, barbecuing, boozing, and bonding. Here is a bit of historical background on “dad’s day”and links to great recipes and German foods that will make your dad happy.
Looking for unique culinary Father’s Day gifts for your dad or friends? Visit our sister site The Taste of Germany.com to find a great selection of Vatertag Gift Collections
Ascension Day Hike
In Germany, the focus is more on “the man” than “the father,” and Father’s Day is thus celebrated with curious customs—often with beer kegs and schnaps in wooden carts pulled through the countryside. It doesn’t matter whether the men taking part are actually fathers or not. In Germany, Father’s Day is traditionally celebrated on Ascension Day, meaning it always takes place on a public holiday, 39 days after Easter Sunday or 40 days after Easter. Father’s Day is also on a Thursday every year. In 2022, it falls on May 26th. People in East Germany also refer to the day as “Men’s Day” or “Men’s Day.” The origin of Father’s Day in Germany cannot be precisely determined. It is assumed that different traditions mixed with each other. The boozy and merry “big boys parties” likely have a connection to Renaissance-era processions that followed Ascension Day mass. German villagers circumnavigated their fields, praying for a good harvest in fall. Evidence from the early 16th century shows that there was already a lot of drinking back then.
Praise for Single Dads
In the USA, “Father’s Day” goes back to a woman: Sonora Louise Smart Dodd from the small town of Spokane in the US state of Washington. Her father raised six children alone after his wife died. To honor him and inspired by the newly introduced Mother’s Day, Dodd was first able to convince local authorities to commemorate fathers on the third Sunday in June—for the first time in 1910. Six years later, President Woodrow Wilson celebrated Father’s Day in the White House, but it wasn’t until 1972 that President Richard Nixon declared it an official holiday. In the USA, Father’s Day takes place on the third Sunday in June.
Different countries, different dates
In other countries, Father’s Day is celebrated on different dates of the year. In France or the Netherlands, for example, dad gets presents or breakfast in bed on the third Sunday in June. In New Zealand or Australia, however, Father’s Day—a celebration for the whole family—always falls on the first Sunday in September. In Italy, according to Roman Catholic tradition, St. Joseph’s Day is celebrated; “Festa di San Giuseppe” is on March 19th. The day goes back to the foster father of Jesus and husband of the holy mother Mary.
The Grilling Connection
The Grilling ConnectionThere is a special connection between Father’s Day and grilling outdoors, especially in the United States. For many, the image of a dad standing at the grill, expertly flipping burgers and tending to the flames, is iconic. Grilling embodies the essence of Father’s Day: a time to relax, enjoy good food, and bond with family. It’s an opportunity for fathers to showcase their grilling skills and for families to come together in appreciation. For a German-American dad, a mix of German and American ingredients creates shared experiences. German sausages with sauerkraut and American cole slaw; Bavarian pretzels with cheese from Wisconsin, Cajun buffalo wings with Radler beer – there are many ways to bridge the Atlantic. Here are additional product suggestions.
The Culinary Connection
Have you ever thought about the origins of the traditional “all-American” barbecue foods? You may be surprised to know that many foods Americans associate with tailgates, picnics and barbecues actually originated in Germany! Let’s look at some of the most beloved US Barbecue Foods with German Roots
