Celebrate International Day of Friendship: A Holiday Our Society Needs

If you’re feeling bogged down by the consumerist culture that permeates many of our modern holidays, you’re not alone. It’s no secret that traditional celebrations have increasingly become more about spending money and less about the values they’re supposed to honor. That’s why today we’re diving into something extraordinarily special—a holiday that can offer genuine contentment and long-term meaningful connections: International Day of Friendship. Celebrated on July 30th, this holiday reminds us of the vital role friendships play in our lives.

A personal note: Building new relationships with friends at any age is tough! And when full time work, and family obligations come into play, creating new friendships is even more difficult. That's why I think this alternative holiday is so important to celebrate every year. As a society we should acknowledge and revel in the solid friendships we already have. 

In this article, we’re exploring the rich background of this unique day, delving into why it matters from historical, sociological, and even biological perspectives. Best of all, we’re offering two distinctive ways to celebrate International Day of Friendship. Whether you live in an urban apartment or a rural farmhouse, whether you’re short on time or looking to invest some serious effort, we’ve got you covered.

So let’s unplug from the commercial matrix and plug into something that feeds the soul, shall we?

What is International Day of Friendship?

Initiated by the United Nations in 2011, International Day of Friendship falls on July 30th every year. This holiday aims to cultivate a culture of peace through friendship. Unlike holidays that can sometimes turn into consumerist traps, this one keeps the focus on what truly matters—our connections with each other.

Historical Perspective

Friendship has been celebrated in various forms since ancient times. The Greeks, for instance, had the concept of “philia,” or deep friendship, as one of the highest forms of love.

Note on Pagan Culture: In pagan traditions like those of the ancient Celts, community celebrations such as the “Feast of the Dead” were not just about family but about the broader community, strengthening social bonds and friendships. In a way, celebrating International Day of Friendship taps into this ancestral understanding of community well-being.

Sociological Perspective: The Downfall of Social Isolation and the Shift Toward Individualism

In a society increasingly geared toward individual achievement and nuclear families, the concept of community has been eroded in many ways. According to Robert D. Putnam’s seminal book, “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community,” social capital has drastically decreased since the latter half of the 20th century. Putnam discusses how civic engagement has declined, and along with it, the bonds that hold communities together. He notes a 58% decline in attendance of club meetings, a 43% decrease in family dinners, and a 35% decline in having friends over, between 1965 and 1995.

These trends are not just trivia; they have significant implications for individual and societal well-being. Social isolation has been linked to a range of health issues from depression to a decrease in lifespan. In fact, some studies, including a significant one published in PLOS Medicine, have found that social bonds increase life expectancy at a rate comparable to quitting smoking and even exceed the benefits of regular exercise.

International Day of Friendship offers a unique opportunity to counteract this isolation and individualism by intentionally focusing on building and strengthening our social bonds. It serves as a timely reminder that human beings are inherently social creatures who thrive in a community.

Thus, from a sociological perspective, celebrating this day isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s a necessary act of resistance against the tide of individualism that’s sweeping Western societies. By putting friendship back on the agenda, you’re also investing in your health, happiness, and the fabric of society itself.

Biological Perspective

Friendship isn’t just a social construct; it has biological underpinnings as well. Social bonds stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone linked to happiness and stress reduction. A meta analysis published in the journal “Royal Society” even found that strong social bonds could extend life expectancy. Here is the primary journal article that they show a “50% increased likelihood of survival for participants with stronger social relationships”!

Why It’s Important

Combining the historical, sociological, and biological angles, it becomes abundantly clear that friendships are vital to our well-being. This makes International Day of Friendship not just an occasion for fun, but an important investment in our holistic health.

Simple Celebration Method: Create a Friendship Stone

Time Required: 1-2 hours

Supplies Needed:

1. Smooth stones (you can find these at craft stores or even use smooth river stones)
2. Paints or permanent markers
3. Sealer spray (optional)
4. Brushes (if you’re using paint)
5. Small bags or pieces of cloth for wrapping

Material Choices and Pros/Cons:

• Smooth Stones: They are sturdy and can be found naturally. However, they can be heavy if you plan to give them to a friend who lives far away.
• Paints: They offer vibrant colors and allow more artistic flexibility. The downside is that they can be messier and need more time to dry.
• Permanent Markers: Easier to handle and quicker to dry, but may not offer the same vibrant color choices as paint.
• Sealer Spray: Gives a polished look and adds durability, but it’s an extra step and requires a well-ventilated area to apply.

Steps:

1. Preparation: Make sure to clean the stone thoroughly and let it dry.
2. Design: Use your paints or markers to draw a design or write a message on the stone. It can be as simple as a heart or as detailed as a small painting. The idea is to make it personal, something that your friend would appreciate.
3. Sealing: If you’re using a sealer spray, ensure the paint or ink is completely dry before applying. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for best results.
4. Wrapping: Once your stone is ready and dry, place it in a small bag or wrap it in a piece of cloth. Add a personal note if you wish.
5. Gifting: Hand it over to your friend as a tangible token of your friendship.

Why a Friendship Stone? Just like friendships, stones are enduring. They can be kept on a desk, carried in a pocket, or placed in a special spot, serving as a constant reminder of your friendship. Moreover, the act of making something with your own hands to gift someone is backed by psychology to increase feelings of happiness and strengthen social bonds.

This simple yet heartfelt method is versatile, allowing for a lot of personal touches. And it can be accomplished no matter where you live, from a bustling city apartment to a tranquil rural home.

Elaborate Celebration Method: Host a Friendship Feast with a Ritualistic Twist

Time Required: 1-2 weeks for planning, 1 day for execution

Supplies Needed:

1. Invitations (digital or physical)
2. Venue (your home, a rented space, or a park)
3. Food and drinks
4. For Pagan Traditions: Herbs, candles, a cauldron or fire-safe bowl, small pieces of paper, and writing utensils
5. Decorative items (lights, table settings, flowers, etc.)

Different Ways to Send Out Invites:

1. Digital Invites: Apps like Evite or even a well-designed email can be efficient and cost-effective. However, they may lack the personal touch.
2. Physical Invites: Handmade or boutique cards can make a lasting impression but take more time and effort.
3. Social Media Event: Great for wider circles, but you might want to supplement with personal messages for close friends.

Steps:

1. Planning: Decide on a date, time, and venue. Consider your menu—perhaps each friend can bring a dish that represents a happy memory in your friendship.
2. Sending Invites: Choose your invitation method based on your friends’ preferences and your own vision for the day. Make sure to send these out at least a week in advance.
3. Decor and Setup: Decorate your chosen venue in a way that fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere.
4. The Feast: Spend quality time relishing the dishes, sharing stories, and enjoying each other’s company.
5. Pagan Tradition – The Friendship Ritual:
   1. Light a central candle or small bonfire (safely, of course!) to represent the warmth of your friendships.
   2. Each person writes down a wish or blessing for the group on a piece of paper.
   3. Taking turns, each friend reads their wish aloud and throws the paper into the cauldron or fire-safe bowl.
   4. If you have herbs like rosemary or sage, which are often associated with friendship and good intentions, add them to the fire while focusing on your wish.
   5. End the ritual by jointly extinguishing the candle or safely putting out the fire.
6. Memories: Don’t forget to take photos or even make a short video to commemorate your special Friendship Feast and Ritual.

Why Incorporate Pagan Traditions?

Pagan rituals often center around community, the elements, and setting intentions, making them a fitting addition to your Friendship Feast. They add an element of mindfulness and spirituality to the event, enhancing the sense of connection among friends.

Pagan traditions and holidays also have the power to help focus modern climate movements both on a group and individual level.

Final Thoughts

In a world where holidays often equate to consumerism, taking the time to celebrate International Day of Friendship can be a rewarding divergence. It’s not just about breaking the monotony but about nourishing your soul and contributing to your overall well-being.

I’d love to hear how you’re planning to celebrate International Day of Friendship! Share your plans and experiences, and don’t forget to check out other posts on how to live a more intentional life. If you found this helpful, you might also enjoy our alternative holidays calendar to keep the good vibes rolling all year long.