The Origins of Friendship Day
On the occasion of Friendship Day, watch our latest video to learn about the origins of this day.
Friends play a very valuable role in our life. So, it is correct to have a day dedicated to friends and friendship. There are numerous folktales and several instances in mythological legends that show that friends and friendship have been valued since the beginning of the civilized world. Studies have linked friendship to physical, emotional and mental health benefits. Originally the Friendship Day was proposed by Joyce Hall the founder of Hallmark Cards in 1919. It was proposed to be on the first Sunday of August. It was a day when people celebrated their friendships by sending cards. Slowly and gradually the festival became popular. Now the day is celebrated across the world including India. On 27th April 2011 the United Nations General Assembly declared 30th July as official International Friendship Day. However Friendship Day celebrations are held on different dates in different countries. In 1998 Nane Annan, the wife of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, declared Winnie the Pooh as the global Ambassador of Friendship at the UN.
In India, it is usually celebrated on the first Sunday of the month of August. This year in India, Friendship Day will be celebrated on 2nd August 2020. On this day people spend time with their friends and express love for them. Exchange of Friendship Day gifts like flowers, cards etc is a popular tradition. Children also tie friendship bands to each other. This year due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was a difficult time for people. People had to be in their houses for months. This was very stressful as people could not socialize and meet friends. During these difficult times, it was friends who were of great help as stress busters. People were able to talk to them on the phones or video calls. These phone calls helped reduce loneliness and showed the support that friends were available emotionally even if they cannot meet physically. Interacting with friends has helped in building self-confidence.
Friends helped in increasing happiness and decreasing stress. They also helped cope with trauma like job loss or death or fear. Friends also helped in changing the unhealthy lifestyle like smoking, excessive drinking and helped in following a healthy lifestyle. Although this year Friendship may not be celebrated as it is done normally due to the social distancing norms amid the coronavirus pandemic. It can be celebrated on social networking sites where friends can wish each other or share heartfelt posts about one another. Gifts, card and friendship bands can be sent via courier or through online sites. This friendship day let's remember to share positivity and support all our friends during such difficult times.
