The United Nations has recognized July 30 as the International Day of Friendship, which is celebrated around the world on that day. The day seeks to highlight the value of international friendship and understanding, as well as the idea that friendship between people, nations, cultures, and individuals can encourage efforts towards peace while building bridges between communities.
International Day of Friendship 2024: Significance
On National Friendship Day, people celebrate friendship and its importance in providing emotional support, mental health and personal growth. Friendship makes life happier, less stressful and gives people a sense of belonging. Celebrating this day can help us deepen our friendships, show our gratitude and recognise the importance of our friends. This day honours all friends, whether they give their time, confront us when we are stubborn or support us from afar. Everyone’s definition of friendship and its relationships is different, which leads to different traditions and celebrations.
International Day of Friendship 2024: History
To serve as a constant reminder of the goodness in the world, the United Nations adopted International Day of Friendship in 2011. Originally established by Hallmark in 1919 as a day to honor friendship by sending cards, the celebration actually began more than a century earlier. By the 1940s the practice had all but disappeared. Although many countries celebrate it on the first Sunday in August, Winnie the Pooh was chosen as the United Nations’ World Ambassador of Friendship in 1998. In April 2011 the UN formally recognized July 30 as International Day of Friendship. The power of friendship is an everlasting force that unites people across borders and cultural divides by encouraging kindness and unity.
International Day of Friendship 2024: Ways to Celebrate
Show kindness to others – try to smile at your friends. This could be sending a message to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while or having a cup of tea with them.
Make new friends – Meet new people in celebration of International Day of Friendship. Attend a local community event to meet new people or use the Internet to connect with like-minded individuals.
Get together with friends – If your friends are far away, send them cards or ask them to come over for dinner. Enjoy delicious food and drinks together as a way to say thank you for their friendship.
