Siblings Day

Siblings Day is a holiday recognized annually in some parts of the United States and Canada on April 10,[1] and as Brothers and Sisters Day on May 31 in Europe,[2] honoring the relationships of siblings. Unlike Mother's Day and Father's Day, it is not federally recognized in the United States, though the Siblings Day Foundation is working to change this.[3] Since 1998, the governors of 49 states have officially issued proclamations to recognize Siblings Day in their state.[4]

Siblings Day
Observed bySeveral countries, originally USA
SignificanceHonouring relationships of siblings
DateApril 10
Next time10 April 2021 (2021-04-10)
FrequencyAnnual
Related toIn honorees: Raksha Bandhan
In history and celebrations: Children's Day, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Parents' Day
Brothers and Sisters Day
Observed bySeveral countries, namely France, Portugal, Spain
SignificanceHonoring bonds and relationships of siblings
DateMay 31
Next time31 May 2021 (2021-05-31)
FrequencyAnnual
Related toIn honorees:
In history and celebrations: Children's Day, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Parents' Day, National Grandparents Day

Siblings Days are celebrated also in the United Kingdom,[5] and India.[6] The Hindu holiday of Raksha Bandhan also celebrates the bond of brothers and sisters.[7]

History
Siblings Day poster, published by APFN, the Portuguese Large Families Association, May 2016.

The US holiday was conceived by Claudia Evart to honor the memory of her brother and sister, who died at early ages.[8] The Siblings Day Foundation was incorporated in 1997 and achieved non-profit status in 1999.[9] Carolyn Maloney, then the U.S. Representative for New York's 14th congressional district, officially saluted the holiday and introduced it into the official Congressional Record of the United States Congress on April 10, 1997; and in subsequent years 2001, 2005 and 2008.[10]

In Europe, the holiday was launched in 2014 by the European Large Families Confederation (ELFAC) to celebrate siblings bonds and relationships. The May 31 feast spread in different ways in the European countries where ELFAC is present. In Portugal, Dia dos Irmãos[11][12] has become very popular and the President of Republic of Portugal has greeted it publicly, in 2016 and 2017.[13][14]

ELFAC has associate members in several European countries:[15] Austria, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Romania, Serbia and Switzerland. But adherence to the date and spirit of May 31 is open to any other European or non-European country.[12]

Celebration

In the United States, approximately 80% of people have siblings.[8][16] The holiday is intended to be a celebration of the relationship of brothers and sisters.[6]

Examples of commemoration during this observance include giving your sibling a gift (including a surprise gift),[17] a giftcard, and taking one out for dinner.[18] Nonmaterial examples of observances during this day includes giving hugs to your sibling(s), enjoying time with them, honoring their presence in your life, and greeting them on various social media platforms using childhood photos.[17][19]

See also

References
  1. "National Sibling Day – Highlight: ARISE Sibshops for Children". Oswego County Today. March 22, 2013. Retrieved March 22, 2013.
  2. "Siblings Day 2020: What is it and why is it celebrated?". Jagranjosh.com. April 10, 2020. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  3. "Siblings Day Foundation". Retrieved March 2, 2013.
  4. "Gubernatorial (State) Proclamations". Retrieved September 26, 2013.
  5. "International Brother's Day 2020 India: Date, History, Quotes, Celebration". S A NEWS. May 24, 2020. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
  6. Kapur, Arjun-Anshula (April 12, 2015). "Bollywood celebrates siblings day". The Times of India. Retrieved April 12, 2015.
  7. "Raksha Bandhan 2020: Where the Festival of Brother-Sister Bonding Really Originated From". News18. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
  8. Spiegel, Debbi (March 22, 2013). "Celebrate National Siblings Day!". Retrieved March 22, 2013.
  9. "Siblings Day Foundation". Archived from the original on April 15, 2013. Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  10. Maloney, Carolyn. "Congressional Record - 111th Congress, 2nd Session" (PDF). US Congress.
  11. "Dia dos Irmãos". Wikipedia PT. Wikipedia. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  12. "Happy National Siblings Day!". eTurboNews | Trends | Travel News. April 11, 2020. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
  13. "Presidente da República assinala o Dia dos Irmãos". Presidência da República (Portugal). May 31, 2016. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  14. "Presidente da República assinala o Dia dos Irmãos". Presidência da República (Portugal). May 31, 2017. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  15. "ELFAC members". ELFAC. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  16. "About 80 percent of Americans have at least one sibling..." Chicago Tribune.
  17. Twelve Principles of the Gilded Nest: Designing for the Soul of the Home, p 97, 2002
  18. The Oamaru Telegram Issue 192:
  19. Chases Calendar of Events, 2012 Edition, McGraw Hill Professional
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