National Light It Up Blue Day

Young girl holding a blue balloon, wearing a blue t-shirt, sunny park setting with families playing in the background.. — National light it up blue day illustration

Get ready to light up your world with the color blue because today is National Light It Up Blue Day! This vibrant and meaningful day is all about raising awareness and showing support for those on the autism spectrum. So grab your blue gear and get ready to spread some blue-tiful vibes!

When is Light It Up Blue Day?

It's national light it up blue day on the 1st April.

The Internet History of National Light It Up Blue Day

If you're wondering how National Light It Up Blue Day came to be, let me take you on a little internet history journey. The first mention of this day happened on April 1, 2015, and since then, it has gained quite a bit of attention online. With 10 mentions detected across various platforms, it's safe to say that people are excited to light up the world in blue!

Why Light It Up Blue?

On this day, communities all over the world come together to shine a light on autism awareness. By lighting up buildings, landmarks, and even homes in blue, we're showing our support for individuals on the autism spectrum and their loved ones. Through education and acceptance, we strive to create a world that celebrates the unique qualities and abilities of those with autism.

How to Celebrate

Ready to join the blue brigade? Here are some ways you can participate in National Light It Up Blue Day:

Dress in your favorite blue outfit and share a photo on social media using the hashtag #LightItUpBlue.
Illuminate your surroundings with blue lights or create a blue-themed display.
Donate to organizations that support autism research, advocacy, and services.
Start conversations about autism and share the importance of acceptance and understanding.

Remember, the sky's the limit when it comes to showing your support, so let your creative blue juices flow!

History behind the term 'Light It Up Blue'

2007

Autism Speaks launches Light It Up Blue campaign

In 2007, Autism Speaks, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for individuals with autism, launched the Light It Up Blue campaign. This initiative aimed to promote awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorders by encouraging communities to light up prominent buildings and landmarks in blue during the month of April, which is recognized as Autism Awareness Month.

2009

United Nations declares World Autism Awareness Day

In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day. This resolution aimed to bring global attention to autism and called for member states to take measures to raise awareness about the rights of individuals with autism. The timing of this declaration aligned perfectly with the Light It Up Blue campaign, further emphasizing the importance of autism awareness during April.

2010

Symbolic significance of the color blue

The color blue holds symbolic significance in relation to autism. Many individuals with autism experience heightened sensitivities to stimuli, including light and colors. Blue became a widely recognized symbol of autism awareness, representing the challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum and the hope for a better future. The use of blue in the Light It Up Blue campaign helped create a visually striking display of support and solidarity for the autism community.

2012

Global participation and iconic monuments

The Light It Up Blue campaign gained global traction, with landmarks and iconic buildings worldwide participating by illuminating themselves in blue lights. Landmarks such as the Empire State Building in New York, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt have all been lit up in blue during Autism Awareness Month, attracting widespread attention and further raising awareness about autism.

2015

Expanding beyond buildings – blue clothing and social media

The campaign expanded beyond just illuminating buildings. Supporters began wearing blue clothing on April 2nd to show their support for autism awareness. Additionally, social media played a significant role in further promoting the campaign. People started sharing photos of themselves wearing blue or showcasing blue-lit landmarks using the hashtag #LightItUpBlue, allowing the movement to reach even more individuals and communities around the world.

Did you know?

Did you know that the color blue was chosen for autism awareness because it is often associated with calmness and serenity? It's the perfect color to symbolize the peace and understanding that we aim to promote on this special day!