National Share A Smile Day

A happy child with a broad smile, dressed in bright colors, surrounded by balloons and confetti.. — National share a smile day illustration

Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, where we uncover the fascinating origins of national days! Today, we're diving into the history of National Share a Smile Day, a day dedicated to spreading joy and happiness. So, turn that frown upside down and let's explore the internet's history of this delightful occasion.

When is Share A Smile Day?

It's national share a smile day on the 1st March.

The Birth of National Share a Smile Day

Picture this: It's a gloomy day with clouds covering the sky like a blanket, and everyone around you seems to be walking around with a permanent scowl. But fear not, because National Share a Smile Day is here to brighten up even the dullest of days!

This whimsical holiday, celebrated annually on March 1st, was created with the simple mission of sharing smiles and spreading positivity. It's the perfect excuse to put on your happiest face and turn someone else's frown into a grin.

Spreading Smiles in the Digital Age

The advent of the internet has revolutionized the way we celebrate special days, and National Share a Smile Day is no exception. From hilarious memes to heartwarming videos, the online world is a treasure trove of smile-inducing content that can instantly brighten your day.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have seen a surge in smile-related posts on this joyous occasion. Users share funny jokes, cute animal photos, and personal stories that bring a smile to everyone's face. It's a virtual smile parade that spans the globe, connecting people from all walks of life in a celebration of happiness.

Smile Your Way Through the Day

Now that you're armed with the knowledge of National Share a Smile Day's origin and internet presence, it's time to fully embrace the spirit of this delightful celebration. Here are a few ideas to make the most out of this joyous day:

Send funny gifs or memes to friends and loved ones to brighten their day.
Perform random acts of kindness, whether it's buying a coffee for a stranger or helping someone in need. Your good deeds are guaranteed to bring smiles to the faces around you.
Visit your local children's hospital or nursing home and spread some cheer. Sometimes, a simple smile can make a world of difference to those who need it most.

Did You Know?

Did you know that smiling is contagious? Research has shown that when we see someone smiling, our brains automatically mimic the expression, and we can't help but smile back. So, if you're looking to spread some happiness, just flash those pearly whites, and you'll have others grinning from ear to ear!

History behind the term 'Share A Smile'

1970

The Birth of the Smiley Face

In 1970, the iconic yellow smiley face was created by Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts. He was commissioned by a local insurance company to design a happy face button to boost employee morale. The simple design, with its bright yellow color and cheerful expression, quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of happiness.

1999

The Power of Smiling

In 1999, a groundbreaking study conducted by psychologists at the University of California, Berkeley, revealed the significant impact a smile can have on both the person smiling and those who see the smile. The study found that smiling not only improves one's mood but also reduces stress, increases social connection, and enhances overall well-being. This research shed light on the incredible power a smile holds in creating positive and meaningful interactions between people.

2001

Share a Smile Day

In 2001, the concept of "Share a Smile Day" was first introduced as a way to encourage people to spread happiness through small acts of kindness and by simply sharing a smile. This day was designated to remind individuals about the positive impact they can have on others just by smiling. Share a Smile Day quickly gained popularity and became an annual event celebrated on March 1st.

2010

Social Media and the Global Smile Movement

With the rise of social media platforms, specifically Instagram and Twitter, the power of sharing a smile extended far beyond a single day. People started using hashtags like #ShareASmile and #SmileChallenge to spread positivity online. Numerous campaigns emerged, encouraging individuals to post smiling selfies or share uplifting stories to brighten someone's day. The global smile movement transformed the simple act of smiling into a viral phenomenon, connecting people from different cultures and continents through the universal language of happiness.

2020

The Pandemic Smile

As the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing measures, and the wearing of face masks became essential for public health. However, this posed a challenge for sharing smiles in person. People quickly adapted by using their eyes and body language to convey warmth, empathy, and positivity when interacting with others. The pandemic emphasized the importance of the smile as a powerful communication tool, even when hidden behind a mask. It reminded humanity of the need for kindness and the ability of a smile to uplift spirits in difficult times.

Did you know?

Did you know that smiling is contagious? When you smile at someone, their brain can't help but mirror that cheerful expression. So why not be the catalyst for a smiley epidemic on National Share a Smile Day?