The origin of Father’s Day in Germany goes back to sometime during the Middle Ages, a period lasting about one thousand years (500AD – the end of the roman empire – to about 1500AD).
It was orginally a religious ceremony honouring God (the father). Later, the day transformed into ‘Vatertag’, a family day honouring the father of the household – the father with the most children in the village would often earn a reward, such as a large piece of ham. What a pity that doesn’t happen today!!
In other countries, such as the US and the UK, father’s day is on the third Sunday in June (19th June in 2022).
Traditionally in Germany, Father’s Day is often seen as a chance for men to gather and to perform ‘manly’ things such as a boys only trip pulling a handcart containly beer whilst also listening to / or playing some music. You might also see some chaps getting out their motorbikes for a quick manly tour.
Most families normally decide to go for more moderate celebrations such as perhaps a bike-tour with the family and friends or perhaps visit the local beer garden.
Due to the fact that there are three times as many alcohol-related traffic accidents on Father’s Day in Germany it’s best just to light the BBQ and stay at home – although maybe we’ve all had enough of that…
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