The History of World Friendship Day, Date and its Significance

The History of World Friendship Day and its Significance

In the latter part of the nineteenth century Joyce Hall, the person who founded Hallmark Cards, aimed to mark Friendship Day on August 2. In the United States, the day died out, though it is still widely celebrated in Asia. On July 30, 1958, the World Friendship Crusade proposed an international Friendship day and campaigns to create a more peaceful culture through friendship. Winnie the Pooh has even been the world’s ambassador of friendship!

Winnie Pooh Pooh was the first ambassador of the world for Friendship in the United Nations

During the 1998 UN General Assembly, Kofi Annan’s wife, Nane, named the famous bear as the “World Ambassador of Friendship”. Her decision to recognize Pooh as a universal ambassador was in recognition of his role in helping young people build friendships and foster understanding between cultures. The designation is particularly appropriate given that Winnie the Pooh was created by A.A. Milne, the creator of the popular children’s books Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh.

It transcends barriers of race, colour, caste and creed

The United Nations designated Winnie the Pooh as an Ambassador of Friendship in 1988. In 2011, the 65th session of the UN declared July 30 as International Friendship Day. Friendship is a wonderful relationship that works as a strength developer in a person’s life. No matter what kind of person they are, friendship transcends all boundaries. Some people give gifts to their friends to celebrate Friendship Day. But more importantly, there are many ways to commemorate this special day.

It is celebrated in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and parts of South America

Historically, the first Sunday in August is the day when people all over the world celebrate friendship and the many people in their lives. Friendship day was first proposed in Paraguay in 1958 by the greeting card industry and has since gained in popularity. This day is celebrated around the world on the first Sunday of August, with many people exchanging flowers, cards, and gifts to show their appreciation for their friends. Parts of South America, Nepal, and India have adapted this tradition.

It is popular in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and parts of South America

Several Asian countries have adopted Friendship Day and have kept it alive until the UN’s 2011 declaration. Its revival appears to have been influenced by the development of the Internet in Asia, which makes it easier to re-connect with old friends. Parts of South America also have a strong tradition of celebrating Friendship Day with friendship bands, which are a popular gift to give and receive.

Tips to Increase the Significance of Friendship Day

There are many reasons to celebrate World Friendship Day, but what’s the significance of the day? To better understand its meaning, read on.

  • World Friendship Day originated in Puerto Pinasco, a town situated on the River Paraguay, about 200 miles to the north of Asuncion, the capital city of Asuncion. Originally, the day was to promote friendship among humankind – regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity. The goal was to promote peace and social harmony through friendship.
  • In 1930, Joyce Hall, a woman who had recently founded the greeting card company Hallmark, came up with the idea of a national friendship day. Since then, it has gained popularity. In 1958, the World Friendship Crusade proposed 30 July as the first global celebration of friendship. Hallmark took this concept and expanded it internationally, making 30 July the official date. As the idea spread, the concept of friendship day became more widespread, making it an important part of American culture.
  • While there are many ways to celebrate Friendship Day, some people like to hype it up to spread awareness and encourage more people to participate. In general, though, raising awareness in the community is a much better choice than advertising campaigns by national stores and food chains. Aside from social media, local campaigns, and workplace programs can all help increase public awareness of Friendship Day. If you want to increase the significance of Friendship Day, check out these five tips.