Siblings Day | |
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Observed by | Several countries |
Significance | Honoring relationships of siblings |
Date | April 10 |
Next time | 10 April 2017 |
Frequency | Annual |
Related to | Raksha Bandhan |
Siblings Day (sometimes called National Siblings Day or National Sibling Day) is a holiday recognized annually in some parts of the United States on April 10, honoring the relationships of siblings. Unlike Mother's Day and Father's Day, it is not federally recognized, though the Siblings Day Foundation is working to change this. Since 1998, the governors of 49 states have officially issued proclamations to recognize Siblings Day in their state. From its American beginnings the observation has become international, spreading as far as India and Australia.
The holiday was originally conceived by Claudia Evart to honor the memory of her brother and sister, both of whom died at early ages. The organization was incorporated in 1997 and achieved non-profit status in 1999.
Carolyn Maloney, then U.S. Representative for New York's 12th congressional district, officially saluted the holiday and introduced it into the official Congressional Record of the United States Congress on September 26, 2005.
In the United States, 80% of all children have siblings. The holiday is intended to be a celebration of the relationship of brothers and sisters. Examples of commemoration during this observance include giving your sibling a gift (including a surprise gift), a giftcard, and taking one out for dinner. Nonmaterial examples of observances during this day includes giving hugs to one's sibling(s), spending enjoyable times with them, and honoring them and watching specific videos together.