father´s day...

Here in Spain, March 19 is Father´s Day. Much like the American holiday in June, it’s a day meant to celebrate the fathers all across Spain by their families. I was quite not mentally prepared for this day as I am used to having the day a week or so before my birthday so I can double up on the gifts and attention. I was awakened to my wife and son bringing me handmade cards. Alex decided he did not want any help spelling the words he wanted to say which made this budding first grader´s effort more special to me. I will scan and post a copy of this card for all to see next week. Carme also decided to make her own card (seeing as I might not get all the humor in a ´Hallmark´ printed card in Spanish). I worked from home in peace that day but at lunch, Carme and Alex brought me a gift...a new backpack for my laptop which is better for my back and shoulders. The strap goes over my shoulder and across my chest and to my opposing hip with the back pack perfectly centered on my back. I was a proud and beaming father.

The reason March 19 is father´s day is for a peculiar and not so surprising reason. You see, every day is a different Saint´s day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saints_day). There is a published list of all of the saints and martyrs that populate this calendar. Well depending on your typical catholic name, the day of the saint that bears the same name that you were born with, calls for a small, yet recognized effort to wish one a happy name´s day. By the way, Carme´s is July 16, Santa Carmen (Spain) and Santa Carme (Cataluña).

Getting back to the reason why March 19 is and always will be Father´s Day...Well that day is also Saint Joseph´s day. You remember Joseph, father, protector and early teacher of Jesus Christ as well as husband to the Virgin Mary. Pretty deep huh? Ok not really...

Does this mean that On Santa Maria day, it would be Mother´s day...

Ha ha...nope.