But it can look very different for those whose fathers have died, and can be a difficult day when someone important is missing.
In Oamaru, Whitestone Funerals and The Florist Oamaru wanted to support people to remember their fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers on Father’s Day.
Whitestone Funerals manager Jamie Harvey said daffodils would be left at the gates of the Oamaru Lawn Cemetery and Whitestone Funeral’s Westview Memorial Gardens tomorrow for those visiting their father’s grave.
‘‘They’ll be clearly labelled so people know that they can help themselves and place a wee token gesture with their special dad,’’ Mr Harvey said.
‘‘It’s just something we can do to give back to the community and just let them know that they’re not alone.’’
The funeral directors were also offering to lay flowers for anyone who was unable to be in Oamaru due to regional travel restrictions.
It was one of three new annual events planned by the funeral directors as a way of giving back to the Oamaru community. There would also be a similar offering for Mother’s Day, and an event during Cemeteries and Crematoria Week, when people could make posies to lay at the memorial garden or take home.
Grieving the loss of a loved one in lockdown was also hard, Mr Harvey said.
Gathering for funerals and tangihanga was not permitted at Alert Level 4. At Level 3, funerals, tangihanga and burials are limited to 10 people.
‘‘It has been very difficult, because gathering together as family and friends when you’re farewelling a loved one starts a healthy grieving journey,’’ he said.
Whitestone Funerals had used technology to help families during Level 4, facilitating virtual viewings for them.
‘‘So even though they’re not physically present, they’re still able to see that care and attention that we’re giving at all times.’’
