National Friend Ship Day

Group of diverse friends having a picnic in a park, wearing summer outfits, surrounded by laughter and joy.. — National friend ship day illustration

Ah, National Friendship Day! The day when we celebrate those wonderful people in our lives who tolerate our bad jokes, stick by us through thick and thin, and lend us their Netflix passwords. It's a time to show appreciation for our friends and remind them that we would definitely bail them out of jail, just as soon as we finish this bag of Doritos. So gather your pals, embrace the friendship bracelet trend, and let's dive into the charming history of this special day.

When is Friend Ship Day?

It's national friend ship day on the 2nd August.

The Birth of National Friendship Day

Friendship has always been an incredibly important part of our lives, but it wasn't until the rise of the internet that we truly started celebrating it on a national scale. The concept of Friendship Day can be traced back to 1930 in the United States, when Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark cards, proposed the idea of a special day to honor our friends. However, it took a little while for the idea to gain traction.

Fast forward to 1998, and a very important event in internet history occurred. A website called FriendMatch was launched, providing a platform for people to find new friends online. This was the moment when the internet truly embraced the celebration of friendship.

The Online Spread of Friendship Day

As the years went by, the internet became an integral part of our social lives, allowing us to connect with friends both old and new. Websites, social media, and online communities all played a role in spreading the word about Friendship Day.

In 2009, the United Nations officially recognized July 30th as International Friendship Day. This global recognition gave Friendship Day the push it needed to become a widely celebrated event all around the world. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter further popularized the day, with people sharing heartwarming stories, throwback photos, and viral videos celebrating their friendships.

How to Celebrate Friendship Day

Friendship Day is all about expressing gratitude and strengthening the bonds of friendship. Here are some delightful ideas to make the most of this special day:

Write a heartfelt letter or card to your best friend, and maybe include a stick figure drawing that represents your friendship.
Plan a fun outing with your squad, whether it's a fancy brunch, a movie marathon, or a hilarious game night.
Create a handmade gift for your friend, like a personalized playlist or a scrapbook filled with memories.
Organize a surprise party to show your friend just how much they mean to you. Just make sure they're not too surprised, because surprise parties can be a bit overwhelming.

Did You Know?

A fun fact about Friendship Day: Did you know that the famous quote 'A friend in need is a friend indeed' dates back to the 16th century? It still holds true today and reminds us of the unconditional support friends offer.

History behind the term 'Friend Ship'

2600 BCE

Origin of Friendship

Friendship has been an integral part of human civilization since ancient times. The concept of friendship can be traced back as early as 2600 BCE in Mesopotamia. Ancient texts reveal that friendship, known as "friendship love," was highly valued and cherished. Friends were seen as allies, companions, and confidants. This early understanding of friendship laid the foundation for the term we use today.

1553

First recorded use of 'friendship'

The term 'friendship' was first recorded in 1553, during the Renaissance period. It originated from the combination of the words 'friend' and 'ship'. The word 'friend' comes from the Old English word 'frēond', which means 'loving, affectionate, or favored'. The suffix 'ship' is derived from the Old English word '-scipe', meaning 'state, condition, or quality'. Thus, 'friendship' essentially refers to the state or quality of being a friend.

1560

The Origin of the Term

The term 'friend ship' originated in the English language during the 16th century. The word 'friend' dates back to Old English, meaning 'one who is attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.' The term 'ship' comes from the Old English word 'scipe,' which refers to 'quality, condition, shape, or nature.' When combined, 'friend ship' signifies the connection or bond between two individuals based on mutual affection and trust.

4th Century BCE

Ancient Greek Philosophers and Philia

The ancient Greeks further developed the understanding of friendship. In the 4th century BCE, Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle explored the nature and significance of friendship. They introduced the concept of "philia," which referred to a deep bond between friends based on mutual respect, shared values, and common interests. The Greek concept of philia influenced the understanding of friendship across cultures and centuries.

1795

Transition to Friendship

During the late 18th century, the term 'friend ship' gradually evolved into 'friendship,' which is commonly used today. This transition reflects the linguistic transformations that occurred over time, as language continuously adapts to societal changes. The term 'friendship' emphasizes the enduring nature of close relationships, highlighting the importance of support, companionship, and loyalty.

1795

Expansion of the concept in romantic poetry

In the late 18th century, during the Romantic era of literature, the concept of friendship gained significant attention within the realm of poetry. Poets like William Blake, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and William Wordsworth explored the depth and intimacy of friendships in their works. They portrayed friendship as a profound bond capable of providing solace, understanding, and emotional support. These poetic depictions greatly contributed to the cultural understanding and appreciation of friendship as a meaningful relationship.

1812

Friendship as a Virtue

In 1812, friendship gained recognition as a significant virtue in moral philosophy and literature. Philosophers such as Aristotle and Cicero discussed the value of friendship in fostering personal growth, happiness, and social harmony. This era marked the conceptualization of friendship as not merely a personal bond but also as a virtue associated with ethical conduct.

1850s

Friendship as a moral virtue

During the mid-19th century, the concept of friendship began to be associated with moral virtues. Influential philosophers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau emphasized the importance of friendship as a fundamental aspect of personal and societal well-being. They viewed genuine friendships as sources of moral guidance, intellectual growth, and spiritual enrichment. This philosophical perspective further solidified the cultural significance of friendship and propelled it into discussions of ethics and human values.

12th Century

Friendship in Medieval Literature

During the Middle Ages, friendship became a subject of interest in literature and poetry. Famous works like "The Song of Roland" and the writings of troubadours often depicted the ideals of chivalry and courtly love, which emphasized the platonic love and loyalty between friends. These literary portrayals played a significant role in shaping the cultural perception of friendship.

1930

Friendship Day's establishment

In 1930, Friendship Day was officially established. The idea behind this special day was to honor and celebrate the power of friendship. Although it was initially promoted by the greeting card industry, the concept gained popularity worldwide. Friendship Day serves as a reminder to cherish and nurture friendships, expressing gratitude for the positive impact they have on our lives. It has become a cherished annual celebration, observed on the first Sunday of August in many countries.

1855

Friendship in Literature

Throughout the 19th century, friendship became a prominent theme in literature, with many renowned authors exploring its complexities and nuances. Notable works, such as 'Les Misérables' by Victor Hugo and 'Emma' by Jane Austen, portrayed the power of friendship to transcend social barriers and shape individual lives. These literary depictions further contributed to the cultural significance of friendship.

18th Century

Friendship Enlightenment

The Age of Enlightenment, particularly in 18th-century Europe, brought new philosophical and social ideas. The emphasis on reason and individualism led to a reevaluation of friendship. Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire and Montesquieu perceived friendship as a form of voluntary association based on equality, personal choice, and shared intellectual pursuits. This shift in perspective contributed to the modern understanding of friendship as a bond formed through personal affinity.

1935

Friendship Day

In 1935, the idea of celebrating friendship was introduced when the U.S. Congress designated the first Sunday in August as Friendship Day. The holiday aimed to promote friendship and bridge gaps between diverse communities. Today, Friendship Day is celebrated worldwide, emphasizing the importance of fostering meaningful connections and spreading goodwill among friends.

1935

Friendship Day

Friendship Day, a day dedicated to celebrating friendship, became popular in the early 20th century. The first official Friendship Day was proposed in 1935 by the U.S. Congress. Although it wasn't widely adopted, the idea re-emerged in 1958 when the World Friendship Crusade proposed an international Friendship Day. Today, Friendship Day is celebrated on different dates worldwide and serves as a reminder to appreciate and strengthen the bonds of friendship.

1997

United Nations declares International Day of Friendship

In 1997, the United Nations officially declared July 30th as the International Day of Friendship. The aim was to promote understanding, unity, and peace among different cultures, countries, and individuals. The International Day of Friendship emphasizes the importance of friendship in building bridges between communities and fostering a more inclusive and compassionate world. It encourages people to cultivate friendships across borders, cultures, and social barriers, recognizing the significant role of friendship in promoting harmony and global cooperation.

21st Century

Digital Friendship

The advent of the internet and social media platforms in the 21st century revolutionized the way friendships are formed and maintained. Online platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become virtual spaces where people connect, communicate, and foster new friendships. Digital friendship has expanded the notion of friendship beyond geographical and cultural boundaries, allowing people to create and maintain relationships in ways never before possible.