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Friendship Day, a celebration of the cherished bonds we share with our friends, is observed annually with heartfelt enthusiasm. But have you ever paused to wonder: Why Is Friendship Day Celebrated On The First Sunday Of August? The answer lies in a fascinating blend of history, marketing, and the universal human need for connection.
The Genesis of a Special Day: Unraveling the August Connection
The story behind Why Is Friendship Day Celebrated On The First Sunday Of August begins in 1930, when Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, proposed a day dedicated to honoring friendships. His intention was for people to celebrate their friendships by sending cards. While his initial idea didn’t immediately take off on a national scale, it planted a seed. This seed eventually blossomed into the Friendship Day we know and love today, celebrated primarily on the first Sunday of August.
The official recognition of Friendship Day came much later. In 1935, the United States Congress officially declared the first Sunday of August as National Friendship Day. This declaration aimed to honor the spirit of camaraderie and goodwill among people. The specific choice of the first Sunday in August is somewhat ambiguous, but some historians suggest that it was chosen as a strategically quiet period in the social calendar, free from major holidays, thus providing an opportune moment to focus on friendships. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- 1930: Joyce Hall proposes Friendship Day.
- 1935: US Congress declares the first Sunday of August as National Friendship Day.
- Later Years: The tradition spreads globally.
The appeal of Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August also had commercial roots. The greeting card industry, along with other businesses, saw an opportunity to promote the exchange of gifts and cards, further solidifying the tradition. While the commercial aspect is undeniable, the core sentiment of expressing appreciation for friends remains at the heart of the celebration. Beyond the US, many other countries have adopted Friendship Day, with some even recognizing it on July 30th as declared by the United Nations. However, the first Sunday of August remains the most widely recognized date internationally. Some countries choose other dates based on their culture or traditions, for example:
- India celebrates Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August.
- Argentina celebrates it on July 20.
- Paraguay celebrates it on July 30.
Want to explore more on the history of Friendship Day? Check out the history on Hallmark’s website to get more insights into its beginnings and evolution.