History of Father's Day

History of Father's Day Festival as seen today is not even a hundred years old. Thanks to the hard work and struggle of Ms Sonora Louise Smart Dodd of Washington that just as we have set aside Mother's Day to honor mothers we have a day to acknowledge the important role played by the father. However, some scholars opine that Father's Day history is much older than we actually believe it to be. They say that the custom of honoring dad's on a special day is over 4,000 years old. There are a few more claims about the Father's Day origin about which we will learn in this page.

Earliest History of Father's Day

Scholars believe that the origin of Father's Day is not a latest phenomenon, as many believe it to be. Rather they claim that the tradition of Father's Day can be traced in the ruins of Babylon. They have recorded that a young boy called Elmesu carved a Father's Day message on a card made out of clay nearly 4,000 years ago. Elmesu wished his Babylonian father good health and a long life. Though there is no record of what happened to Elmesu and his father but the tradition of celebrating Father's Day remained in several countries all over the world.

Other Theories of Father’s Day Origin

There are several theories behind the origination of Father's Day. Some believe that the first Father’s Day church service was held in West Virginia in 1908. Others opine that the ceremony was first held in Vancouver, Washington.

The president of Lions' Club, Chicago, Harry Meek is said to have celebrated the first Father's Day with his organization in 1915 to stress on the need to honor fathers. He selected third Sunday in June for celebration, the closest date to Meek's own birthday. In appreciation for Meek's work, the Lions Clubs of America presented him with a gold watch, with the inscription "Originator of Father's Day," on his birthday, June 20, 1920. Some historians honor Mrs. Charles Clayton of West Virginia, as the Founder of Father's Day.

In 1957, Senator Margaret Chase Smith wrote Congress that, "Either we honor both our parents, mother and father, or let us desist from honoring either one. But to single out just one of our two parents and omit the other is the most grievous insult imaginable."

In countries where Catholic Church holds greater influence Father's Day is celebrated on St. Joseph's Day (March 19).

Present Day Celebrations

Father's Day Festival has gained amazing popularity over the years. The festival is considered to be a secular one and is celebrated not just in US but in a large number of countries around the world including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Norway and India though on different dates. World over people take Father's Day as an opportunity to thank father and pay tribute to them. On this day children present Father's Day cards not just to their dads but also grandfathers, uncles, stepfathers or any other person who commands the position of a father in their life. There is also a trend to present Father's Day gift to dad, most popular of all being necktie. Other popular gift being roses, the official Father's Day flower. Many people rue that the trend of presenting gifts to fathers has led to over commercialization of the festival relegating the noble idea behind Father's Day celebration.

Father's Day is traditionally a day of breakfast in bed and carefully selected (but hardly ever worn) ties. Whether it's his first or his fifth, what can you do to make this Father's Day special? We've asked dads what would really make Father's Day great, and here's what they told us:

1. Eliminate the pressure. What Dad wants most is to have a day free from any pressure. Even the pressure of having a "perfect day." Dad would really appreciate no deadlines, no hassles, no chores, no having to fix anything, and no rushing about on this special day. Let him really relax so he can enjoy his second wish...

2. Spend time together. Enjoying each other's company as a family in relative harmony seems simple. But it's so easy to get sidetracked from your time together when you get caught up in cooking, taking a quick run to the store, or the temptation to finish up a project. Get away from the house if you must, but take this day to focus on spending time together as a family. Go for a walk, have a picnic, lie in a hammock together, share stories and dreams together. Now that's a day Dad will really remember!

3. Make romance. Father's Day is not just a day to celebrate Dad as provider and caregiver for the children. It's a day to honor your partner as your lover and friend. Make him feel special by telling him how much he means to you, dressing up for him, treating him to a massage. Give him a sexy surprise in the morning or steal a few moments during the day to show him how much you love him.

4. Focus on him. Instead of planning everything out for him, give him the gift of freedom and choice. Let him make decisions about what to do and how to spend the day. If he's a sports fan, accompany him to see a favorite team play. Is fishing his passion? Even if you're not so keen on bait, go along with him if he wants you to. If he wants a few hours to himself, indulge him. He deserves it!

5. Bring on the praise. Fathers want to be appreciated. Tell him how much you need him. Show him how you feel by writing him a thank-you note detailing the ways he contributes to the family, how he gives moral and emotional support, what makes him a great parent and partner. If writing is not your forte, consider making a short family video for him, or making a big banner in his honor. You don't have to spend a lot of money on extravagant gifts; your gratitude and love are the greatest gifts you can give him this Father's Day.

Interesting Father's Day Gift Ideas

Men’s accessories

Electronics have made their way into our lives in an perfect fashion. The transition from conventional to a contemporary way of life seems irreversible, so much so that home electronics are an integral part of our lives and the trend to own the latest in technology is soon catching on in India. The Indian home electronics market is general and overloaded with products abundant.

Cakes, sweets & Flowers

Surprise his by giving the taste products to impression the real sweet of life. Flowers play a vital role in special days as a remarkable memory. Cakes are always special to celebrate all occasions especially this father’s day have more yummy with it.   

His Favorite DVD/Music Collection

The times have brought in many changes to the gifting movements as well. Thus, even in case of the occasion of Father's Day gifts that last longer and can be treasured as collectibles for a long time will find a better place in our father’s hearts. A thoughtfully compiled list of music or movies and better still both is a sure shot way of making this Father’s Day memorable for the both of you. This is also one gift that the whole family can enjoy and bond over on family time.

Home Gardens for Father

With the ever decreasing home space, the need for hospitable greens inside our homes is more prominent than ever. Home gardens are a trend that is fast catching up with people integrating the inside and the outside of their homes. Your father is going to love this innovative, exclusive yet useful gift idea. Indoor plants, small herbs in pots, flowering shrubs that grow in shade placed artistically on customization stands would not only add to the beauty of your home but would also bring in freshness to your home surroundings.

Shirts and dhotis

Professional fashion designer to cater the needs of customer expectation at the best price. The uniqueness & attractive designer shirts and dhotis be you’re your ultimate wear for the Party, Festivals & special occasion.

Super cool ideas of what to gift to your dad – Father’s Day is just around

Are you wondering about your choice of gift forfather to make this father’s day a special one? Don’t worry because you are not alone and you have many options to choose from. But, with father’s day fast approaching and it literally being round the corner, you must really be looking for real cool ideas, if you want to make it a memorable one. Let’s face it, who doesn’t want to make the most out of a father’s day event? It matters to you irrespective of who you are and where you live. Though there is a lot of talk about daughters sharing special space with their all favorite dads, it’s never a limitation for the sons to showcase their true respect and affection too. 

Talking more specifically about the gift forfather, there are several dependencies ranging from age to his personal preferences. You know it better if a relaxing holiday suits your father or he might be impressed with a fossil watch. Irrespective of what gift you present to your father, your purpose remains the same which is to honor your dad and express your gratitude for what he is in your life. Though you might think that a gift is a common thing and it’s a monotonous routine to follow, you can never ignore the value of a gift wrapped up with love and affection. If you are damn sure about what to pick and pack, be sure you are spending right on whatever the gift you have finalized. At the same time, if you are still considering about the right choice, check out some amazing gifts with special discounts online. You can never go disappointed with online shopping and you can also be sure of better deals on an occasion like the father’s day.                 

Healthy Foodie: Light and Fluffy Chocolate Cake Recipe

A healthy chocolate cake recipe? Are you already wrinkling your nose in disagreement? Yes, it is possible. All you need is a handful of ingredients, 10 minutes of preparation time, 30 minutes of cooking time and your light and fluffy, healthy chocolate cake is ready. Even if you are the fiercest of cake bakers and fans, you will fall head over heels in love with this moist chocolate cake; we guarantee. You can even jazz it up with homemade low fat ice cream, crumbled cookies, nuts and chopped fruits - all without compromising on the health front. Ready? Here you go!

Nutritional Information

180 kcalories

Protein 5g

Carbohydrate 27g

Fat 7 g

Saturated fat 3g

Fibre 1g

Sugar 18g

Salt 0.33 g

Ingredients

2 tablespoon of butter

3 large eggs

1 tbsp whole wheat cornflour

100g 0% Greek yogurt

2 tbsp icing sugar

100g light soft cheese

70g plain flour

2 tbsp cocoa

½ tsp baking powder

85g caster sugar

25g chopped dark chocolate

1 tbsp strong black coffee

Method 

Heat the oven to 360 degrees.

Take a bowl and whisk the eggs and sugar until they are light and fluffy. Continue for 5 minutes using an electric hand whisk. The mixture would have increased in great volume by now.

Now, gently add in whole wheat cornflour, cocoa, baking powder, flour to the mixture one by one and fold them in by using a large metal spoon.

Now take a baking tray of the shape you want your cake to be. Apply a thin sheet of baking paper and place the cocoa mixture over it. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cake is well risen. In order to check if the cake is well made, press the sides of the cake – if it springs back when gently spread it is a perfectly made cake. Leave the cake to cool for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, for the icing of the cake, microwave the chocolate and coffee together for 30 seconds or until the chocolate has melted.

Now take a different bowl and beat the soft cheese with yogurt and icing sugar until smooth. It is time to mix a bit of this mixture with the melted chocolate and coffee.

Now, place the cake on a serving plate and spread the yogurt mixture on top.

To finish the cake, microwave 15 grams of chocolate until melted and finish the last touches of the cake.

Healthy Valentine's Day Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the cake

• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour/atta
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon instant coffee
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1/4 teaspoon soda bicarbonate
• 2-3 teaspoon hot water
• 1/4 cup butter

For the chocolate ganache

• 100 grams 80-90 pre cent chocolate
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Method

For the cake

• Start with the oven. Pre-heat the oven to 180C/350F.
• Grease the cake pan and keep it ready.
• Mix the cocoa powder with the coffee and hot water.
• Next, mix the sugar, butter and eggs until the sugar dissolves. Then add vanilla essence to it.
• Sift the bicarbonate soda and salt with the flour twice.
• Now fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet (eggs and cocoa powder mixture). Do not over mix.
• Put the batter in a loaf tin and bake at 180C for 15-20 minutes or when the knife inserted in it, comes out clean.

For the chocolate ganache

• Chop the chocolate bars into very small pieces. This will help it melt it fast.
• On low heat, boil the milk and mix cocoa powder in it.
• When the milk comes to a boil, add in the chopped chocolate and mix. Mix until it becomes smooth and no lumps remain.

Notes:

• Make sure that all the ingredients are at room temperature.
• For an eggless version, omit the eggs and use ¼ cup of yogurt/curd instead.
• The same recipe can be followed with all purpose flour as well.
• Double the ingredients if you want to make a larger cake.
• Milk, white or dark chocolate can be use to make the sauce. Even chocolate chips can be used.

Orange Delight cake Preparation

Ingredients

1-Orange

3 cups-Orange Juice

2 cups-Fresh Cream

3 tbsp-Gelatine

1 tin (400 gm)-Sweetened Condensed Milk

How to make

Soak gelatine in orange juice. Heat over a pan of hot water till gelatine dissolves. Cool and keep aside.

Whip cream till light and fluffy (Save 3- 4 tbsp cream for decorating), fold in Sweetened Condensed Milk. Mix in juice and gelatine mixture and pour into a wet mould and freeze.

Unmould and serve decorated with orange sections  and  whipped cream.