Republic of China's 88 Father's Day (Eight-Eight Day): Historical Origins

The Republic of China's Father's Day (August 8, commonly called the Eight-Eight Day/Dad's Day) originated during the **Anti-Japanese War**. To honor the fathers who sacrificed their lives and protected the nation during the war, patriotic citizens in Shanghai initiated a 'Father's Day' activity in the 34th year of the ROC (1945). After the war victory, party and government elders and prominent gentry jointly petitioned the central government to designate August 8 each year as a national Father's Day. The choice reflects the homophonic similarity between 'Eight-Eight' and 'Dad' in Chinese, and the visual similarity of two '8's combined resembling the character for 'Father.'