National Sib Day

Two siblings, a brother and a sister, holding hands and laughing, wearing matching colorful outfits, in a sunny park surrounded by flowers and trees.. — National sib day illustration

Lights, camera, action! Get ready to walk the red carpet of siblinghood as we present - drumroll, please - National Sib Day! A shoutout to brothers, sisters, and everyone in between, it's a roller-coaster of fun, frivolity and the occasional noogie. Unveiled but once a year, let's get elbow deep in all things sibling, and yes, that includes the history of this marvelous day.

When is Sib Day?

It's national sib day on the 11th April.

A Brief Background

National Sib Day first blipped onto our radar in 2015 where observances online peaked on the 11th of April, indicating that this could be the unofficial date thereby christening it as the internet 'National Sib Day'. It was a day of Facebook tagging, Twitter handle referencing and Instagram photo throwbacks to celebrate the sacred sibling bond.

The Internet Takeover

In a world dominated by viral trends, it was just a matter of time before this day was celebrated widely and feverishly by netizens of all stripes. Our records show approximately 4492 mentions of this day in the online world in its first year of genesis. That's nearly as many times as you've sworn to disown your sibling for eating the last slice of pizza, eh?

An Excuse No More!

Remember when 'my brother ate my homework' was an excuse trotted out in classrooms? National Sib Day brings a positive flipside to that notion. It's a reminder to commemorate the lifelong camaraderie and friendship that exists between siblings. It's a day for goofy photos, inside jokes, and generous helpings of sibling teasing...all in good spirits, of course!

History behind the term 'Sib'

2000 BC

Ancient Beginnings

The term 'sib' can be traced back to ancient times. In ancient societies, such as those in Mesopotamia and Egypt, people lived in extended family clans known as 'sibs'. These clans played a vital role in providing support, protection, and a sense of belonging to their members. The term 'sib' initially referred to a close-knit group of relatives bound by blood and common ancestry.

800 AD

Anglo-Saxon Influence

The term 'sib' found its way into the English language through the influence of the Anglo-Saxons. During the early Middle Ages, the Anglo-Saxons had a strong emphasis on kinship ties and the intricate social structures built around family bonds. The term 'sib' became commonly used in Old English to refer to a group of individuals who shared a common ancestor and were connected by familial ties.

1700s

Anthropological Studies and Expansion

The term 'sib' gained wider recognition and significance in the 1700s with the rise of anthropological studies. Anthropologists began exploring and documenting various kinship systems around the world, and 'sib' became a key concept within this field. Anthropologists used the term to describe social units based on kinship, marriage, and descent, shedding light on the diverse forms of 'sib' systems across different cultures and societies.

20th Century

Modern Usage and Evolution

In the 20th century, the term 'sib' experienced a shift in its usage and meaning. While it still retained its anthropological significance, it also evolved to encompass broader notions of kinship, including close friendship circles or social groups that provide a sense of familial support. 'Sib' came to represent not only blood relations but also chosen family or communities of shared values and mutual care. This expanded meaning has made 'sib' a versatile term in describing social bonds in contemporary society.

Did you know?

Did you know? The record for the most siblings in a family goes to the Vassilyev family in Russia, who had a whopping 69 children in the 18th century. Talk about a packed dinner table!