What Is National Friendship Day?
Key takeaways
- National Friendship Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of August each year.
- The origin of National Friendship Day can be traced back to the founder of Hallmark Cards J.C. Hall who proposed the idea in 1919.
- National Friendship Day presents an opportunity to honor our friends and appreciate the special role they play in our lives.
Holidays celebrating mothers, fathers, and romantic partners tend to be well-known and widely celebrated, but did you know that there is also a special day dedicated to honoring friends? In the United States, the first Sunday of August marks “National Friendship Day,” dedicated to celebrating close friends and highlighting the immense impact they have on people’s lives. You can celebrate National Friendship Day both on the day itself and throughout the year by spending meaningful time with your friends, expressing your appreciation for them, and offering them support. You can also learn how to develop and maintain stronger friendships with help from a qualified therapist.
What is the purpose of National Friendship Day, celebrated on the first Sunday of August?
In the United States, National Friendship Day is recognized on the first Sunday of August. It is a day specifically dedicated to celebrating friends and recognizing the importance of strong friendships.
The origins of National Friendship Day
The history of National Friendship Day in the U.S. dates back to 1919, when the idea was first proposed by J.C. Hall. Hall was the founder of Hallmark Cards, an American company known for making greeting cards. About 15 years later, in 1935, the United States Congress officially designated the first Sunday of August as National Friendship Day.
What are the benefits of strong friendships?
National Friendship Day shines a light on the ways in which close friendships can benefit mental health, physical health, and overall well-being. These advantages can include the following:
- Increased life satisfaction
- Reduced risk of depression and anxiety disorders
- Reduced risk of premature death
- Improved resilience to stress
What is International Friendship Day on July 30?
While National Friendship Day in the U.S. is celebrated in August, other countries and regions honor Friendship Day on different dates. In addition to the various national celebrations, the United Nations has declared July 30 as International Friendship Day.
The origins of International Friendship Day on July 30
The idea for a “World Friendship Day” is thought to have originated in the 1950s in Paraguay, where the World Friendship Crusade, a foundation promoting friendship, was formed. The organization lobbied the United Nations for the observation of a global friends’ day. Decades later, in 1997, Nane Annan, the wife of then UN Secretary-General Kofi Anna, designated Winnie the Pooh as the world’s ambassador of friendship.
In 2011, the United Nations decided to proclaim the International Day of Friendship on July 30. It has been celebrated on that date ever since.
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How can you celebrate National Friendship Day?
If you want to join in on the celebrations, there are a wide variety of ways to honor and applaud the friends in your life. You can celebrate friendship both on the holiday itself and throughout the year.
How to celebrate on the first Sunday of August
There are many ways to celebrate National Friendship Day on the day itself. Below are a few options:
- Send cards with meaningful friendship quotes to current and old friends
- Gather your friend group to make friendship bands or bracelets
- For high school and college students, learn whether your school is hosting an event in honor of this day, and consider taking part
How can you cultivate strong friendships throughout the year?
Beyond taking part in National Friendship Day on the day itself, there are many other ways to celebrate friendship year-round. These can include the following:
- Spending meaningful quality time with the people you love
- Expressing your gratitude and appreciation for the friends in your life
- Making an effort to be there for your friends when they need support
- Learning to cultivate stronger friendships with support from a therapist
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How can therapy help people develop healthy friendships?
In online or in-person therapy with a qualified therapist, you can develop stronger social, communication, and conflict resolution skills that may empower you to form and maintain stronger bonds. If you have a busy social calendar or experience anxiety symptoms in social settings, online therapy may be a helpful option. It offers increased scheduling flexibility and allows you to attend sessions from the comfort of your home.
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for a range of concerns, including alleviating loneliness. Studies support its use for challenges like social anxiety disorder and depression as well.
Takeaway
Celebrated on the first Sunday of August in the U.S., National Friendship Day is dedicated to honoring, celebrating, and recognizing the importance of friendship and the ways in which strong friendships can benefit overall well-being. There are many ways to celebrate friends, both on the holiday itself and all year long, such as by expressing appreciation for your friends, offering them emotional support, and learning to cultivate stronger friendships with help from a therapist.
What is the meaning of National Friendship Day?
National Friendship Day can encourage people to celebrate their loved ones and the most important people in their lives. Aside from Friendship Day in the US, there is an International Day of Friendship celebrated in many countries.
What is the National Friendship Day in the USA?
National Friendship Day in the US is celebrated on the first Sunday in August. While some may see it as a commercial gimmick, it can be a great time to hold a friendly gathering and celebrate the human beings in your life.
Why is National Friendship Day celebrated?
National Friendship Day can be a great time to promote peace and fun among friends and family members. It is typically celebrated to express appreciation for loved ones who make a difference in your life.
What is the main purpose of Friendship Day?
Friendship Day is about connection, appreciation, and the positive impacts of friendship on individuals’ lives and the broader culture. People might celebrate by exchanging gifts, sending Hallmark cards, or even decorating a white T-shirt for the occasion.
What is the difference between International Friendship Day and National Friendship Day?
National Friendship Day takes place in the United States, while International Friendship Day was established by the United Nations. The United Nations named Winnie the Pooh as the World’s Ambassador of Friendship.
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