According to Wikipedia and the United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe, Friendship Day was established by Hallmark Cards founder Joyce Hall in 1919, and promoted in the United States. Mr. Hall was a visionary and established the day for friends to send cards to each other – providing business and advertising to his business and also helping friends stay in touch with one another. A date for Friendship Day was established by Congress in 1935, and was held on the first Sunday in August. While the holiday never gained extensive traction in the U.S. to become a major holiday, many people did and still do participate.
In 1958 the idea for World Friendship Day was founded by Dr. Artemio Bracho in a small town in Paraguay. According to Wikipedia, out of this idea a group was created called the World Friendship Crusade. In 2011, after many years of effort, the World Friendship Crusade successfully persuaded the United Nations to declare that July 30th would be International Friendship Day. According to the U.N. website, the holiday was established "with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities."
The holiday has become significantly revitalized in recent years, with help from the proliferation of the internet. Social Networking and e-mail allows people from all over the world to send e-cards and other items such as e-flowers. It has gained substantial popularity in many countries, including India and several in South America.
With the proclamation from the United Nations, there are now two separate days each year for Friendship Day. Friendship Day, set by the United States Congress in 1935, falls on the first Sunday of August of every year. International Friendship Day, as declared by the United Nations in 2011, falls on July 30th.
| Friendship Day | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Date | Year |
| Sunday | August 7 | 2011 |
| Sunday | August 5 | 2012 |
| Sunday | August 4 | 2013 |
| Sunday | August 3 | 2014 |
| Sunday | August 2 | 2015 |
| International Friendship Day | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Date | Year |
| Saturday | July 30 | 2011 |
| Monday | July 30 | 2012 |
| Tuesday | July 30 | 2013 |
| Wednesday | July 30 | 2014 |
| Thursday | July 30 | 2015 |
Send an e-card – Sending an e-card or other digital friendship token might be one of the most widespread activities taking place today, but it is highly effective in letting a friend know you are thinking of them.
Make a friendship bracelet – although it might be a little dated, this tradition is making a comeback in many areas of the world.
UNRIC @ http://www.unric.org/en/latest-un-buzz/26856-international-day-of-friendship
Wikipedia @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Friendship_Day