Ridiculous History: Father's Day, Around the World Episode Release Date: June 12, 2025 Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Introduction: Celebrating Fatherhood
In the special episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bolin and Noel Brown delve into the diverse and often quirky ways Father's Day is celebrated across different cultures worldwide. As Father's Day approaches, the duo reflects on the complexities of father-child relationships and the universal desire to honor paternal figures.
“The course of true love never did run smooth.” — Ben Bolin [01:10]
They open the conversation by acknowledging the significance of Father’s Day and expressing gratitude towards fathers and father figures in their lives.
Father's Day Traditions Around the World
1. Germany: Menertag (Ascension Day)
Germany celebrates Father's Day, known as “Menertag”, on the 40th day after Easter, coinciding with Ascension Day. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages and involves community gatherings where fathers are honored with processions and festivities.
“In Germany, it's called Manertag, or Ascension Day, celebrated 40 days after Easter.” — Noel Brown [08:28]
Ben adds, “It's a big deal where fathers gather, often accompanied by beer, reminiscent of Oktoberfest’s lively atmosphere.” [11:12]
2. Japan: Chichi no Hi
In Japan, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. The day is marked by gift-giving, such as flowers, ties, socks, sports equipment, and cologne. Unlike in the West, flowers are considered a unisex gift, promoting inclusivity.
“In Japan, it’s called Chichi no Hi, where fathers receive flowers, fancy food, and sometimes sports items or cologne.” — Ben Bolin [14:05]
Noel emphasizes the non-gendered aspect of flower gifting in Japan, making it a unique cultural note.
3. Italy: Festa del Papà
Italy honors Father's Day, known as “Festa del Papà”, on March 19th, aligning with St. Joseph's Day. Celebrations include children writing poems, crafting handmade gifts, and participating in family meals featuring traditional dishes like lechon and adobo.
“In Italy, Festa del Papà is celebrated in March with children creating poems and crafts for their fathers.” — Noel Brown [16:29]
Ben highlights the significance of St. Joseph as the legal father of Jesus, tying religious heritage to the celebration.
4. Costa Rica: Embracing American Influence
Costa Rica adopted the American celebration of Father's Day, observing it on the third Sunday of June. The festivities focus on handmade gifts and large family meals featuring local delicacies such as gallo pinto and casado. Children often perform songs and dances as part of the celebration.
“In Costa Rica, Father's Day involves handmade gifts and big family meals, much like in the United States.” — Ben Bolin [26:07]
5. Sweden: Traditional Gift-Giving
Sweden celebrates Father's Day on the second Sunday of November. A notable tradition is the continuous gift of ties, leading fathers to amass extensive tie collections over the years. This practice reflects Sweden's dry sense of humor and preference for practical gifts.
“In Sweden, fathers receive ties every year, creating a vast collection that sometimes requires electric tie racks.” — Noel Brown [25:36]
6. India: Diverse Celebrations Across a Vast Nation
India, with its rich and diverse culture, celebrates Father's Day on the third Sunday of June, influenced by American customs. Gifts often include books, flowers, handmade cards, and special prayers. The day emphasizes familial bonds and gratitude towards fathers.
“In India, Father's Day gifts range from books and flowers to handmade cards and special prayers.” — Ben Bolin [30:10]
Creative Gift Suggestions for Father's Day
1. Handmade Gifts: Time and Affection
Both hosts advocate for homemade gifts, emphasizing that they embody time and affection—viewed as the true currencies of relationships.
“Homemade gifts are better because they are an exhibition of time and affection.” — Ben Bolin [17:11]
Noel echoes this sentiment, suggesting crafts like beaded bracelets and personalized drawings as meaningful gestures.
2. Books for History Enthusiasts
Referencing a BuzzFeed listicle, Noel recommends historical books such as “1861: The Lost Peace” by Jay Winik, a New York Times bestseller that delves into the Civil War era.
“Consider gifting a book like ‘1861: The Lost Peace’ for dads who love history.” — Noel Brown [32:27]
3. Fancy Fountain Pens
For a more luxurious gift, Noel suggests a fancy fountain pen. Brands like Scriveney offer elegant options around $45, which can be personalized for an extra touch.
“A fancy fountain pen is a thoughtful gift that fathers can cherish and use daily.” — Noel Brown [33:15]
4. Custom Mugs
Custom mugs with personalized messages are another popular gift. Ben shares a story about a cousin receiving a mug that reads “Best Granddad Ever,” highlighting the charm of personalized items.
“Custom mugs with personalized messages are always a hit for father figures.” — Ben Bolin [38:04]
Anecdotes and Personal Stories
1. Noel’s Puppet Theater Memories
Noel reminisces about attending elementary school pageants featuring barnyard animal puppets, sharing a humorous anecdote about her child portraying a tidy pig.
“My kids performed as neat and tidy pigs, which was adorable despite the subpar sound quality.” — Noel Brown [29:53]
2. Ben’s Shady Uncle: Uncle Fireworks
Ben recounts the eccentricities of his uncle, affectionately nicknamed “Uncle Fireworks”, who enjoys unconventional hobbies, adding humor to the discussion about quirky family members.
“Uncle Fireworks is involved with actual fireworks in China, adding a spark to our family stories.” — Ben Bolin [38:34]
Cultural Insights and Observations
Germany’s Drinking Culture
While exploring German traditions, Noel shares insights into Germany’s measured approach to alcohol consumption, distinguishing it from the more exuberant Oktoberfest celebrations.
“In Germany, people enjoy a measured approach to drinking, much like having a soda, but with Pilsners or lagers.” — Noel Brown [12:54]
Swedish Humor and Cuisine
The hosts touch upon Sweden’s dry sense of humor and their practical gift-giving culture, noting that gift repetitions are embraced with a touch of Scandinavian wit.
“Swedish humor is very dry, much like their cuisine, and their tradition of repeated tie gifting reflects this practicality.” — Ben Bolin [25:56]
Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
As the episode winds down, Ben and Noel reiterate the importance of appreciating fathers beyond just a designated day. They encourage listeners to reach out and honor their paternal figures whenever possible.
“You don’t need a specific day to celebrate your father; every day is an opportunity to show appreciation.” — Ben Bolin [43:17]
Noel adds a lighthearted touch by referencing Morrissey's song, tying it into the theme of personal connections.
“Like Morrissey says, ‘Please, Please, Please Let Me get what I Want,’ and we add, ‘Let me celebrate my dad.’” — Noel Brown [43:30]
The hosts wrap up by giving heartfelt shout-outs to their community, collaborators, and listeners, emphasizing the collective effort in making the podcast a success.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- “The course of true love never did run smooth.” — Ben Bolin [01:10]
- “In Germany, it's called Manertag, or Ascension Day, celebrated 40 days after Easter.” — Noel Brown [08:28]
- “In Japan, it’s called Chichi no Hi, where fathers receive flowers, fancy food, and sometimes sports items or cologne.” — Ben Bolin [14:05]
- “Homemade gifts are better because they are an exhibition of time and affection.” — Ben Bolin [17:11]
- “Consider gifting a book like ‘1861: The Lost Peace’ for dads who love history.” — Noel Brown [32:27]
- “Custom mugs with personalized messages are always a hit for father figures.” — Ben Bolin [38:04]
- “You don’t need a specific day to celebrate your father; every day is an opportunity to show appreciation.” — Ben Bolin [43:17]
Conclusion
Ridiculous History’s episode on Father's Day offers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of how different cultures honor fathers. Through engaging dialogue, personal anecdotes, and insightful cultural analyses, Ben Bolin and Noel Brown provide listeners with a deeper understanding of paternal celebrations worldwide. Whether you're looking for unique gift ideas or curious about global traditions, this episode serves as a delightful guide to celebrating fatherhood in all its forms.
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