Friendship Day: History, significance, and celebrations around the world
What's the story
Time, distance, events, and emotions - there's absolutely nothing a real friend can't overcome to be with you in your thick and thin.
And celebrating that, August 6 marks Friendship Day in India, allowing us to acknowledge our tribe with whom we vibe.
So gather your pals and make the most of it by learning more about this special day.
History
History: A marketing strategy that became a holiday
Friendship Day was a marketing strategy. Yes, during the 1930s, Hallmark Cards in the US proposed this occasion to celebrate friendships.
This quickly became a popular move, such that the United Nations (UN) named Winnie the Pooh the world ambassador of friendships.
Though the original date was August 2, it's now celebrated on the first Sunday of August.
Information
The UN had designated July 30 as International Friendship Day
Back in 2011, the folks at the UN had designated July 30 as International Friendship Day to celebrate the friendship and ties between countries, communities, and cultures. They also emphasize seeking unity and appreciating diversity in everything.
Significance
Significance: A day of gratitude and love for your pals
Friendship Day pays tribute to friendships around the world. It offers the perfect excuse to make the most of this sacred relationship and remember those without whom life is unimaginable.
Per studies, people are seven times more likely to be productive at work if they are working with their friends.
Not just that, on average, a person spends 20-25 hours a week just socializing.
Traditions
Traditions: People have fun ways of enjoying this day
United by friendships, divided by celebrations! There's no single way to celebrate Friendship Day as people from around the world do it differently.
While some revive the age-old culture of tying Friendship bands, others hit the dance floor and let their hair down.
Some also exchange presents like lockets, scrapbooks, etc as memorabilia of their ever-lasting bond.
Celebrations
Celebrations: Countries celebrate this day on different days/months
Although Friendship Day is celebrated globally, many countries celebrate it in different months.
Ecuador, Mexico, Estonia, Finland, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic celebrate this day on February 14 annually, instead of Valentine's Day.
On the other hand, South Africa celebrates it on April 16, while Singapore celebrates Friendship Day in the third week of April.
Celebrations in Ukraine happen on June 9.