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A father is one precious individual that everyone desires even those who feel they are treated as outcasts sometimes think their lives would have been better if they had fathers.
Tomorrow the nation joins the rest of the world in celebrating Father’s Day and some can be forgiven for asking, ‘What day? But for those who are in the know and have been following the day closely over the years, Father’s Day is about him and, of course, and it’s up to you and mothers to make it special.
“The most difficult thing is picking the perfect gift for a male counterpart but one thing that is certain is men appreciate much than women no matter how small the gift is,” said Ms Tarisai Runganidzo, a lifestyle coach based in Borrowdale West.
Father’s Day is a special day to honour fathers for the support and guidance they offer throughout one’s live.
Regardless of its original idea by the late Mrs John B Dodd, when her mother died giving birth to her, Dodd and her siblings were raised by their father, it has also been adopted and is being celebrated by many countries across Africa, Zimbabwe included. She later proposed that June 19 – her father’s birthday – be designated as Father’s Day.
The concept later spread to the rest of the world that every third Sunday of June be commemorated as Father’s Day.
However, the phenomenon has not spread widely and has not been quickly accepted as Mother’s Day that is commemorated the second Sunday of May.
Saturday Lifestyle conducted a survey across CBD to find out what the plans were for the day and how many understood the concept.
The day has divided the world as some claim that it doesn’t exist while others are busy planning for it.
According to a Harare’s florist identified as Terrence, the day means celebrating the role of fathers in people’s lifestyle.
“Being held on a Sunday, with this kind of weather, hopefully it means breakfast in bed and I will relax with my family on that day. I have two kids and I plan to spend the day with them and possibly a walk in the park. The concept is Western but as a family we have adopted it because it is now a tradition that my wife and kids have a special treat for me. However, this year I want to surprise them with my own treat,” he explained.
Terrence said on this day business is low compared to Mother’s Day where children buy flowers for their mothers.
Robert Gonye, GTel sales and marketing manager, said fatherhood has taught him life.
“I am able to apply fatherhood principles in my work, personal development, my faith as well as my relationships. Life is all about giving, investing, nurturing, and what better way to be fully equipped for all this than through fatherhood?” he said.
Robert said he observes the day much and said a father has to be a provider, a teacher, a role model, but most importantly, an admirable authority figure that does not demand respect but earns it with each step of the fatherhood cycle.
It is noted that with limited time some will have a problem with looking for the perfect gift but the cheapest one would be a hand-made card.
It is also arguably true that little is known about the day though many shops began decorating their shops and stocking different merchandises two weeks ago.
“I am not yet sure of what I am going to buy for my father. To me it is a borrowed phenomenon. For tipping others maybe a tie, hankie or socks will do but the bottom line fathers should always be celebrated,” said Patricia Makhulule from Mabvuku.
She said there was nothing much about the day, adding that it was just a normal day to a lot of people.
Patricia added that her father was a busy man and doubted if he would have time for the day.
Since men are outgoing, others suggested spoiling the special man in their family by taking him out for sightseeing, hiking, fishing or boat cruise expedition.
“With the kind of weather it is now difficult for us to celebrate the day because I had planned to take my father to Kingfisher Park near Gateway School.
“To my surprise, some people are professing ignorance over the celebrations but this is the great day to show love to your dad. Men are outgoing and taking them out is an adventurous way of making them happy,” said Patrick Mutasa of Borrowdale Brooke.
Entrepreneur Edmore Nyambo said he is already buying something for himself since his kids are young.
“I have two little kids whom I am planning to spoil but I am buying something for myself to honour my fatherhood,” he said.
Online Reporter