History of Friendship Day

In the year 1935, the Congress of US, declared that every first Sunday of the august month would be observed as - the friendship day. With Friendship Day coming up once more, you too must be waiting enthusiastically to celebrate the holiday? But are you sure you know enough about Friendship Day? Do you know about the history of Friendship Day; when the day come to be celebrated first, or when this day came to be declared as a holiday?

The tradition of celebrating Friendship Day began in 1935 when the US Congress decided to dedicate a day in the honor of friends. Since then, celebration of National Friendship Day became an annual event. The noble idea of honoring the beautiful relationship of friendship caught on with the people and soon Friendship Day became a hugely popular festival. A special day dedicated just for friends is something that everyone looks forward to. The beautiful idea of honoring one of the most pious relations of all, i.e. Friendship, is appreciated by people all over the world. It has assumed the proportion of being celebrated as a festival. Friends all over the world pay tribute to their chums by giving those gifts and other tributes. The best way to celebrate this beautiful day is by spending the entire day with your special pals.

Today, Friendship Day is enthusiastically celebrated every year by many countries. The occasion is observed on the first Sunday of every August. The traditional celebrations include meeting with friends and exchanging of cards, flowers and gifts. Many social and cultural organizations also celebrate Friendship Day by hosting programs and get togethers. Special performances by rock bands are also organized in countries like the US to enhance the jubilations.

Importance of Friendship in Mahabharata

In the famous Hindu epic ‘Mahabharata’, Lord Krishna demonstrates the many colors of friendship - affection, romance, brotherhood, protection, guidance, intimacy and even teasing. Friendship is all about these and much more.

Importance of Friendship in Bible

The Bible, the primary text of the western civilization, reflects upon friendship as the bond that forms the foundation to human faith, trust and companionship. Following verses from the bible aptly portray the importance of friends:

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7

“Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13-15

Lets see some tales from the Old Testament and New Testment about friendship and how true friendship is a treasure to unearth. Both the versions make a difference between the two broad meanings of friendship- one is a more acquaintance, the other is a more affectionate relation.

In the Old Testament- Abraham is called the “friend of God” because of the intimacy of his relations. God speaks to Moses face to face “as a man…unto his friend”. The romantic friendship of Ruth and Naomi, the devotion of the subordinate Hushai for David, or the mutual relation between David and Jonathan – the Old Testament is replete with these interesting tales of friends and friendship.

In the New Testament – The relationship between Jesus and his disciples clearly depicts how human friendship can constantly grow. From being teacher and disciple, to lord and servant their relationship finally grew to an unparalleled friendship.