Initially, the tradition of friendship day was started by the founder of Hallmark Cards, Joyce Hall, in order to allow people to celebrate their friendships by holiday celebrations. While the celebration died out in America as fast as it had started, it continued to grow in Asia. In its honor, in 1988, Winnie the Pooh was named as the world’s Ambassador of Friendship.
Traditionally, the celebration has been commemorated by the exchange of cards. The exchange of friendship bands has also been quite popular amongst South Asian countries. While many argue that the celebration is a “marketing gimmick,” others agree that the bond of friendship is one that deserves to have an entire day dedicated to it. It’s a celebration that lets you wind back and reminisce about the days spent bathing in joy. A day that lets you appreciate friends; people that cling to you like your own shadow, and help you out, regardless of whether it is a time of need or not.
A feeling of love, sharing and caring is ignited from making friends. It makes you feel appreciated, respected and wanted. The boundaries set by race, sex, creed and caste are broken by friendship -- it is the truest of all bonds. It sets no limits. Much of the kind of people we grow up to be is because of who we surround ourselves with, which is why it is important to choose friends carefully, for they will play a significant role in shaping our personalities.
Friends are considered great pillars of life. In times of crisis and depression, a friend is there to calm us and to help lift up our spirits. In all phases of life, and especially during the struggling teenage years, it is important to have someone to confide in, a person who listens to you and doesn’t judge. Consistent love and support are necessary ingredients to help an individual thrive. In a world full of people in black and white, friends add a splash of color. They bring with them joy, happiness, joviality and laughter.
This friendship day, go out of your way and appreciate your friends. Throw them a party. Buy them a rose. Tell them how much you love and cherish them. Go all out.
Friendship -- a concept. Embrace it.
