Some background information on International Friendship Day

The International Day of Friendship is an initiative made by UNESCO and taken up by the UN General Assembly in 1997, which defined the Culture of Peace as a set of values, attitudes and behaviors that do not allow violence and endeavor to prevent conflicts.


In 1998, the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001–2010), the General Assembly recognized that harm and suffering are caused to children through different forms of violence and abuse. It emphasized that world peace and non-violence should be instilled in children through education. If children learn to live together in peace and harmony,international peace and cooperation will be stronger. 


The Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace adopted in 1999 set 8 areas of action for nations, organizations and individuals to undertake in order for a culture of peace to prevail:

• foster a culture of peace through education;
• promote sustainable economic and social development;
• promote respect for all human rights;
• ensure equality between women and men;
• foster democratic participation;
• advance understanding, tolerance and solidarity;
• support participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge;
• promote international peace and security.

The International Day of Friendship is also based on the recognition of the relevance and importance of friendship as important relationship in everyone around the world.

International Friendship Fun Facts

Friendship is the only relationship that has survived on earth since its existence and it is not merely a relationship rather a unique blend of affection and trustworthiness. A relationship that cares for us and helps us when we are in trouble.

1) Friendship Day was originally promoted by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark cards in 1919, and intended on first sunday of august to be a day where people celebrated their friendship.

2) The idea of a World Friendship Day was first proposed on 20 July 1958 by Dr. Artemio Bracho during a dinner with friends in Puerto Pinasco, a town on the River Paraguay about 200 miles north of Asuncion,Paraguay.

3) On 27 April 2011 the General Assembly of the United Nation declared 30th July as official International Friendship Day.            

4)   The day has been celebrated in several southern South American countries for many years, particularly in Paraguay, where the 30th July was first proposed as World Friendship Day in 1958.

 How do we celebrate international friendship day? 
 
1) Friendship Bracelets
 Friendship bracelets are back in style for adults and kids alike. Designer bracelets have even been spotted on the wrists of celebrities, which helps reinforce their versatile nature. You can give your friend a high-end bracelet, create a fun one from scratch, or even use them in a variety of ways other than as jewelry. They are a thoughtful way to let a pal know you care on Friendship Day.
 

2) Thoughtful Notes and Messages

The spirit of Friendship Day is about honoring your pals, but that doesn't mean the gesture needs to be complicated or involved. Here are some ideas on how to let your friend know you are thinking of them:

• Post a video link of a special song to their Facebook wall.


• Tweet out a short note on why they are a great friend.

Say-Thank-You-To-Your-Friend-Day~

Its just ordinary 28 December, another dull day of the rainy season, so why not help make it someone's day?

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN CHEER PEOPLE UP:
Say thank you. You need to express your gratitude and happiness for having such a wonderful friend. A simple thank you or a light chat before dinner can make you even closer than ever!

Hear one out. Don't be so busy spazzing and sharing your own funny experiences that you neglect your BFFs thoughts and opinions. They have things to share too.

Give them a token or appreciation. It may be a simple chocolate bar, a card, a lunch treat, anything! It doesn't have to be costly, it's the thought that counts!

Remember: international friendship day is just ONE day. You can't possibly treat your friends well for only that ONE day. It is important to have some bonding time. Every can be international friendship day if you love your friends the way you love yourself!

How International Friendship Day Came About

 Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, originally promoted International Friendship Day, it was supposed to be a day when people sent cards to celebrate their friendship. However many people thought that it was obviously a way to promote greetings cards. Soon the number of Friendship Day cards available in the US had decreased significantly and the holiday almost died out there. However this holiday has been kept alive by Asia and several countries have started to celebrate it as well.

 Others started to give gifts instead of cards, Friendship bands were very popular within India, Nepal, Bangladesh and parts of South America.

Some of Hallmark greeting cards promoting International Friendship Day.

Importance of international friendship

International friendship day is officially on 30 July. However, it is celebrated on the 3rd friday of term 2 in Singapore. International friendship day is very important.

It helps us to make friends with other races and countries. It enables us to learn more about the culture of other countries, helping us to accept foreign workers around us and most importantly, it promotes peace in the world. Besides making new friends, it also helps us to strengthen our relationship with our current friends. Because it enables us to realise the importance of friendship thus helping us appreciate and treasure the friends around us. There are many simple ways to celebrate friendship day, such as writing a simple card or making a friendship bracelet.