This Sunday, on 03 August, my son asked me to buy a Friendship Band.
Being a millennial, I was already familiar with the concept—though, during our school days, we cherished friendships, we never celebrated them formally.
Out of curiosity, I decided to explore more about Friendship Day, and I’m sharing my learnings in this blog.
What Makes Friendship So Special?
Friendship is a bond that’s not based on blood, yet it’s one of the closest relationships we have.
There are no conditions, no show-off—just a pure and genuine connection.
To celebrate this special bond, Friendship Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of August.
This day is dedicated to those friends who bring joy and support into our lives.
Friends are the ones we can share our true feelings with—the ones who stand by us during tough times.
They hold a special place in our lives. A good friend is like a guiding path who never lets us go astray.
Why Do We Celebrate Friendship Day?
Let’s understand the origin and history behind this celebration.
- 1935, United States: The U.S. government declared the first Sunday of August as Friendship Day.
- This idea was originally proposed by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, who envisioned a day dedicated solely to friendship.
- Initially, it encouraged people to express affection through greeting cards and small gifts.
Over time, the day evolved from being a commercial occasion to a day filled with genuine emotional and social value.
- 1958, Paraguay: The first official International Friendship Day was celebrated.
- Gradually, this tradition spread worldwide. Today, countries like India celebrate it with great excitement and warmth.
The essence remains unchanged: to strengthen the bond of friendship and mutual respect.
Interesting Facts About Friendship Day
- The concept originated in 1930, thanks to Joyce Hall in the U.S.
- 1935: The U.S. Congress formally recognized the first Sunday of August as National Friendship Day.
- 2011: The United Nations declared July 30 as International Day of Friendship, to promote peace and connection among nations and cultures.
- In India, the most beloved tradition is the exchange of colorful friendship bands, a symbol of affection.
- In 1998, Winnie the Pooh was named the world’s Ambassador of Friendship by the United Nations.
- Celebrations today include exchanging gifts, cards, and heartfelt posts on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
- In India, Sunday is chosen for convenience, allowing students and working individuals to gather.
- In Latin America, especially Paraguay, July 30 is marked with greetings shared not just among friends, but even with strangers.
- In the U.S., Canada, and others, it continues with the tradition of exchanging cards, messages, and small tokens on the first Sunday of August.
Conclusion
So, as the first Sunday of August approaches, let us take a moment to appreciate our friends—those constants in our ever-changing lives.
Wish them well, spend time, share laughter, or simply remind them of their place in your journey.
“Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.”
