Friendships are some of the most remarkable experiences of our lives. Our friends can make us feel loved and make our lives more exciting.
They can help us understand more about other people and their differences.
Did you know that around half of the population made a new friend in the past year?
This shows just how important these relationships are to people. In fact, they are so special that an international day is dedicated to them.
Every July 30, people celebrate their treasured and trusted friends.
Continue reading to find out more about why friendships deserve a special day of their own.
History of International Day of Friendship
The concept of a day to celebrate friendship dates back to the early 1900s. It was introduced in 1919 by J.C. Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards.
By this point, there were days to celebrate mothers, fathers, and valentines, but he believed there should be a day to celebrate friends, too!
The Greeting Card Association agreed with him and voted to mark Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August.
It gave Hallmark an opportunity to boost its sales and encouraged friends to do something special for each other.
By 1935, the United States Congress had designated the first Sunday in August as National Friendship Day.
This sparked a wave of interest that grew stronger and reached beyond America in the following years.
In 1958, a Paraguayan campaign group known as the World Friendship Crusade began to call for a global day to celebrate friendship.
The idea has been credited to one of the group’s founders, Dr Ramon Artemio Bracho.
Dr Brancho was a medical doctor in the army. After retiring, he wanted to promote friendship as a way of building peace and overcoming barriers.
Since 1958, Friendship Day has been celebrated on July 30 in Paraguay and other parts of the world.
More than 50 years later, in 2011, the United Nations agreed there should be a universal day to commemorate and promote friendship. They officially designated July 30 as International Day of Friendship.
This was not the first time the United Nations had promoted friendship through its work.
In 1997, Nane Annan, the wife of Kofi Annan (then the United Nations Secretary-General), declared Winnie the Pooh an Ambassador of Friendship.
A. A. Milne’s classic British bear promoted peace and friendship among young people.
The stories of Winnie the Pooh often involve tales of friendship and harmony between the characters despite their different opinions and experiences.
Therefore, Winnie the Pooh was an excellent choice to demonstrate the value of friends.
Governments, campaign groups, and other organizations continue to celebrate this unique international occasion.
They host events and initiatives to help spread the message about the importance of friendship and solidarity.
How to celebrate International Day of Friendship
Get together with your friends.
Spending time with your friends can bring great joy to your life. This is what International Day of Friendship is all about.
So don’t hesitate to organize a meet-up or visit your nearest and dearest friends. Watch a movie, get some food, or go shopping together.
Reach out to an old friend.
If you haven’t spoken to some of your friends in a while, why not use this international day to reconnect?
It’s the perfect excuse to reconnect with old friends and reminisce about the good old days.
Catch up on the phone or meet face-to-face to remember why you became friends in the first place!
Exchange matching gifts.
To celebrate your most treasured friendships, gifts such as matching jewelry can show someone how special they are to you.
Friendship bracelets are a popular token to show your bond with friends.
As well as birthdays and festive holidays, there is no reason why International Day of Friendship shouldn’t be another reason for gifts!
International Day of Friendship FAQ
How can I wish my friends a happy International Day of Friendship?
You can simply say “Happy Friendship Day” or take a few moments to explain why you value your friendship so much. Send a text message, email, or card to show your appreciation!
Is International Day of Friendship the same as National Best Friends Day?
No, these days are different. While International Day of Friendship is a global day on July 30, National Best Friends Day falls on June 8.
Does everyone celebrate International Day of Friendship on July 30?
Many countries follow the official United Nations holiday on July 30. However, some have chosen different dates. For example, people in Argentina, Brazil, and Spain celebrate on July 20.
5 Facts About Friendship
The most popular place for Americans to make friends is at work.
Friendships can boost your confidence, increase happiness, and lower stress levels.
Famous musicians have sung about friendship. For example, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and Elton John performed the most famous recording of the song ‘That’s What Friends Are For’.
Around 8% of people in the United States have met a close friend online.
Animals have friends, too. For example, monkeys make friends and groom each other to show affection.
For decades, people have realized how remarkably special our friendships can be.
Commercial businesses and campaign groups promoted friendship days, which governments and the United Nations later formalized.
Whether you want to grab a drink with your friends, give a special gift, or learn more about the history of this important day, there are many ways to celebrate International Day of Friendship this year!
