National Friendship Day is a time to honor the people who stand by us and enrich our lives with laughter, support, and love. Whether they are childhood companions, colleagues, or friends found later in life, this day reminds us to value these meaningful connections.
The History of National Friendship Day
The idea of dedicating a day to friends began in the early 20th century. In 1930, Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, proposed Friendship Day as a way to encourage people to celebrate their friendships with greeting cards. Later in 1935, the United States Congress proclaimed the first Sunday of August as National Friendship Day, recognising the importance of friendship in promoting peace and understanding among people.
Since then, the celebration has spread globally. In 1998, the United Nations appointed Winnie the Pooh as the world’s Ambassador of Friendship. By 2011, the UN officially proclaimed July 30 as International Day of Friendship, encouraging people around the world to build bridges across cultures, races, and religions. Despite the UN’s recognition in July, many countries, including the United States, continue to observe National Friendship Day on the first Sunday in August.
How to Celebrate National Friendship Day
There’s no one way to celebrate friendship, but here are some thoughtful and joyful ideas to mark the day.
1. Reach Out to Old Friends
Call, text, or video chat with a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Reconnecting can rekindle fond memories and strengthen your bond.
2. Plan a Get-Together
Organise a small gathering, picnic, or dinner party with your close friends. It’s a great time to relax, laugh, and celebrate your connection.
3. Send a Thoughtful Message or Gift
A handwritten note, digital card, or small gift can go a long way in showing someone they matter to you.
4. Share Memories
Post your favourite photos, inside jokes, or stories on social media using hashtags like #FriendshipDay or #NationalFriendshipDay.
5. Do Something Kind Together
Volunteer with a friend or support a cause that both of you care about. Friendship can be a powerful force for good in the community.
6. Reflect and Appreciate
Take a moment to reflect on the people who’ve stood by you, and express your gratitude. Sometimes, a simple “thank you” is all it takes to make someone’s day.
Friendship is one of life’s most precious gifts. Whether it’s shared laughter during the good times or a comforting presence during challenges, friends make our journey more meaningful. National Friendship Day is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a reminder to nurture those bonds and never take them for granted.
1. Friends are like snowflakes
They disappear when you pee on them.
2. My friends and I started a business where we weigh tiny items
It’s a small-scale operation.
3. I started a band with friends called 999 Megabytes
Still haven’t gotten a Gig, though.
4. Did you hear about the crow that was organising a party for all his crow friends?
He was arrested for attempted murder.
5. Yesterday, one of my good friends told me I often make people uncomfortable by violating their personal space.
It was an incredibly hurtful thing to say, and it completely ruined our time in the bath.
If you have two friends in your lifetime, you’re lucky. If you have one good friend, you’re more than lucky ― S.E. Hinton
Here are five graduation gifts for friends.
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Rae Aria holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Literary Studies and enjoys writing family-oriented topics. When she’s not writing or working as an editor on Support for Stepdads, she enjoys spending time with her two sons and reading a variety of subjects.
