Initially, the holiday was started by Mrs. Grace Golden Clayton, who wanted to celebrate the lives of the 210 fathers were had been lost in the Monongah mining disaster of 1908. A bill to give the holiday national recognition was introduced in Congress in 1913, but it was not made a permanent holiday until President Richard Nixon signed it into law in 1972. In addition to Father’s Day, International Men’s Day is celebrated in many countries on November 19 for men and boys who are fathers.
Father’s Day is celebrated differently throughout the world, and in some Catholic countries, it is celebrated on the Feast of St. Joseph. In Germany, it is celebrated on Ascension Day and groups of males usually do a hiking tour with one or more smaller wagons. In the wagons are wine or beer and traditional regional food, using this occasion to drink and celebrate. In Nepal, the population celebrates Buwaako mukh herne din (“day for looking at father’s face”) and pays respect to their deceased fathers. Other countries throughout the world celebrate as American families do, with barbeques and gifts for the father figures in the family.
A common way to celebrate Father’s Day is with a family meal, gifts for dad, and time spent outside. Some great ideas for gifts include homemade coupons for household chores, gift certificates for golfing, shaving kits, tools, and goodies for the grill. Another great way to appreciate the fathers in your life is by making a delicious dinner. If dad likes lamb, consider making Chef Merito’s Grilled Lamb. Using fresh flavors like thyme, cumin, pomegranate, and Chef Merito’s lemon pepper, this lamb will make for a great Father’s Day dinner and is sure to please the whole family. Pick up 8 fresh lamb loin chops from your neighborhood butcher or farmer’s market to ensure that they are fresh and local. Make the olive oil-based marinade with onion, thyme, cumin, pomegranate, and honey. Add the lemon pepper for some spice. This grilled lamb is great served with fresh jasmine rice or garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies. Remember that grilling is a great preparation for veggies, too! Find this recipe along with others and all Chef Merito’s seasonings at www.ChefMerito.com.
If grilling is dad’s thing, consider making him a gift basket full of grilling goodies! Include Chef Merito’s seasonings for meats, fajita, and chicken. Add some grilling tools and different flavored woods for seasoning and smoking. However you choose to celebrate the men in your life, adding Chef Merito will be sure to kick it up!