| Siblings Day | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | Several countries, originally USA[citation needed] |
| Significance | Honouring relationships of siblings |
| Date | April 10 |
| Next time | 10 April 2023 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | In honorees: Raksha Bandhan In history and celebrations: Children's Day, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Parents' Day |
| Brothers and Sisters Day | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | Several countries, namely France, Portugal, Spain[citation needed] |
| Significance | Honoring bonds and relationships of siblings |
| Date | May 31 |
| Next time | 31 May 2023 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | In honorees: In history and celebrations: Children's Day, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Parents' Day, National Grandparents 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. 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.[2] Since 1998, the governors of 49 states have officially issued proclamations to recognize Siblings Day in their state.[3]
Siblings Days are celebrated also in India.[4][5] The Hindu holiday of Raksha Bandhan, which is the oldest festival in this category, also celebrates the bond of brothers and sisters.[6]
The US holiday was conceived by Claudia Evart to honor the memory of her brother and sister, who died at early ages.[7] The Siblings Day Foundation was incorporated in 1997 and achieved non-profit status in 1999.[8] 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.[9]
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[10] has become very popular and the President of Republic of Portugal has greeted it publicly, in 2016 and 2017.[11][12]
ELFAC has associate members in several European countries:[13] 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.[10]
In the United States, approximately 80% of people have siblings.[7][14] The holiday is intended to be a celebration of the relationship of brothers and sisters.[5]
Examples of commemoration during this observance include giving your sibling a gift (including a surprise gift),[15] a giftcard, and taking one out for dinner.[16] 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.[15][17]
