What is the International Day of Friendship? How will you be able to celebrate it actively and healthily?
The United Nations observes International Friendship Day on July 30th. It was officially declared in 2011 to promote the role that friendship plays in promoting peace across many cultures. It encourages governments, community groups, and other organizations to plan activities and events to commemorate the friendships we cherish.
Friendship is an essential component of our lives and happiness. We treat our closest friends like family. We rely on them for support, advice, and companionship during the most stressful days of our lives, especially if we can't open things up to our family members.
Friends can have a positive impact on your emotional well-being and social development. Friendships that are fulfilling have a positive impact on our psychological well-being. Having a celebration like this is a great way to celebrate friendship in the most meaningful way.
A Brief History of International Friendship Day
1930—Friendship Day was invented by Hallmark, hoping that people would buy the idea and take time to send greeting cards to one another.
1940—The market for card writing diminished gradually as the idea did not catch on in the United States. Fortunately, in Asia, friends love to exchange gifts to show how much they appreciate and care for one another.
1958—The concept of “World Friendship Day” was proposed by the World Friendship Crusade with the main purpose of promoting world peace through friendship.
1998—Winnie the Pooh was appointed as the world's UN Ambassador for Friendship.
2011—International Day of Friendship was officially declared on July 30th by the United Nations General Assembly.
International Day of Friendship is intended to raise awareness for causes and contribute to the creation of a better world. They are declared by the UN and take place on the same day every year. The world has seen an increase in participation in the day that brings people together as a result of the rise in popularity of social media.
How to Celebrate Friendship Day the Healthy Way
You can celebrate this special day with your friends the way you want it to be celebrated. It may be grand, it may be simple, but what matters most is that you communicate openly with your friends and express your appreciation and gratitude. And you will be able to show them how much you love them.
Traditional Ways of Celebration
Aside from the traditional ways of celebrating this holiday, there are still a lot more ways to make this day meaningful and memorable.
- Create friendship bracelets together.
- Plan a movie date out for you and your friends.
- Surprise them with gifts or greeting cards.
- Dine out or set up a simple picnic at the park.
Modern Ways of Celebration
The world suffered from a pandemic recently due to the wide spread of the COVID-19 virus. Although some countries are still in the process of recovery, a lot of other nations were able to start anew and live with the new normal.
- Celebrate with friends virtually.
- Send them gifts and greeting cards.
- Use your social media to show your appreciation.
- Send them a heartfelt message through SMS.
Healthy Ways of Celebration
Modern ways of celebrating Friendship Day are also considered a way of celebrating this holiday healthily since you are following safe and healthy protocol by doing so. You distance yourself from others without compromising the opportunity to let them know that someone out there cares for them truly.
Although traditional ways of celebrating it still appeal to many, celebrating it in a healthy way is the new trend now. You can plan activities you can do outside your home and enjoy the beauty of nature, such as outdoor adventures and group hiking with your friends and family.
If you and your friends are fitness buffs, you can schedule an outdoor exercise session instead of traditional gym workouts. And then enjoy a healthy and well-balanced meal after your training. This is the perfect way to bond with them while enjoying the things you both love at the same time.
You and your friends can also try the following outdoor activities for a change, especially if you haven’t tried them before:
- Ride a bike around the plaza.
- After a feastful dinner, stroll for a walk or jog around your neighborhood.
- Go camping or trekking.
- Try a new sport that both of you might enjoy.
- Go to the beach and enjoy the sun.
- Enjoy the beauty of nature through outdoor activities.
Other Fun and Meaningful Ways of Celebrating
- Make up with a friend you haven't seen for a while.
- Apologize and reconnect with friends you are not on good terms with.
- Create a diary of the memorable events in your life.
- Give them hugs and kisses; it’s totally free, right?
- Visit a friend who has passed away and let them know they are always remembered.
- Go to church and attend a mass together.
Key Takeaway
These were just a few of the simple and enjoyable ways of celebrating the International Day of Friendship. Although it is celebrated only once a year, remember that every day is an excellent day to spend time with those who matter the most to you.
Friends, aside from family, are arguably the most important people in our lives. Take the time to remind them how much you value their friendship and all the memories you have shared all this time. Live your life to the fullest and show them how much they mean to you, even through simple gestures.
Reach out to friends you don't see on a daily basis, especially those who live or work outside the country. Let them know how much you love them and how much you miss them every single day. For those who are near you, spend time with them as much as you can.
I can’t imagine how beautiful and peaceful this world we live in would be if there was no more hatred, only love, caring, and understanding that filled each and every heart of ours. Happy International Day of Friendship to everyone!