13 June 2011

Papa and Pinkster


So, yesterday was Father's Day (Vaderdag) here in Belgie. All children here call there father, Papa. No Daddy, Dad, or Father. Just Papa' with an accent on the last "a".

Yesterday was also Pentecost Sunday (Pinksterzondag) here and everywhere, I assume.

Interesting how the Germans combine Father's Day with Ascension Thursday (the ascension of Jesus into heaven) and Belgians combine it with Pentecost Sunday (descent of the holy spirit).

Americans celebrate Father's Day next Sunday. There's no religious holiday to coincide, but there are several theories on why this date was chosen. None of them very profound or interesting.

Since yesterday was Pinksterzondag, today is Pinkstermaandag and tomorrow will be Pinksterdinsdag. Just kidding. The pinkstering ends today. It's a day off work for everybody and the grocery is closed. That's about it. Tomorrow will be business as usual.

So Happy Father's Day to all you Belgian papas!

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