world-hello-day-november-21

World Hello Day November 21

In the shadow of the Yom Kippur War, a conflict that drew sharp lines between nations, two visionary high school students, Wardle Hanson and Diann Blacklock, saw a beacon of hope through the simplicity of a greeting. World Hello Day, born in 1973 amidst turmoil, stands as a testament to the power of simple human connections. Imagine, in a time of global tension, the act of saying "hello" to at least ten people could bridge divides and knit the fabric of international peace and understanding tighter. This initiative challenges us all to look beyond our differences, embracing the universal language of kindness. As we celebrate this day, we're reminded that peace starts with a smile, a nod, a wave, or a cheerful "hello." Isn't it fascinating how a gesture as small as greeting someone can ripple through communities, fostering goodwill and mutual respect across the globe?

Key Takeaway

World Hello Day is an international observance held on November 21, established in 1973 by two high school students from the United States.
The purpose of World Hello Day is to promote peace and understanding among nations by encouraging people to greet at least 10 others in their own language or in English with the word “hello.”

Timeline

1973
Foundation of World Hello Day
World Hello Day was founded by Brian McCormack and Michael McCormack to promote peace and understanding through saying hello to at least ten people on this day.
1981
First Proclamation by US President
Ronald Reagan became the first US President to proclaim World Hello Day.
1992
UNESCO Recognition
UNESCO recognized World Hello Day as an international day of peace and friendship.
2000
25th Anniversary
World Hello Day marked its 25th anniversary, encouraging people to use the power of hello to bridge cultural and political divides.
2010
40th Anniversary
World Hello Day celebrated its 40th anniversary, emphasizing the importance of communication and dialogue in resolving conflicts.
2017
World Hello Day in Space
Astronauts Paolo Nespoli and Randy Bresnik greeted people on Earth from the International Space Station, highlighting the global reach of World Hello Day.

Day Activities

  1. Morning Meet-ups: Kick off World Hello Day with a smile and a hearty "hello" by organizing or joining a local meet-up. Parks, community centers, or coffee shops make perfect venues for these gatherings. Here, participants can share stories, exchange greetings in various languages, and maybe even learn a few new ways to say hello. It's all about breaking the ice and making connections that could last a lifetime.

  2. Cultural Exchange Programs: Midday activities could include hosting or participating in cultural exchange events. Schools, libraries, and community halls are ideal for showcasing dances, music, and art from around the globe. This immersive experience not only educates but also celebrates the diverse ways people communicate and express joy, all while saying hello in a universal language of friendship and respect.

  3. Evening of Reflection: As the day winds down, consider an evening dedicated to reflection and discussion. Gather friends, family, or community members for a potluck dinner where the conversation starter is the significance of a simple hello. Discuss how this small gesture can bridge gaps between cultures and contribute to world peace, emphasizing the power of personal connections in our global village.

Interesting Facts

1. Born from Conflict

World Hello Day was created in response to the Yom Kippur War, aiming to foster global peace.

2. A Simple Gesture

On World Hello Day, greeting just 10 people can promote understanding and peace.

3. Student Initiative

High schoolers Wardle Hanson and Diann Blacklock initiated World Hello Day to encourage global communication.

4. Global Participation

World Hello Day is now celebrated worldwide, showing small acts can have a big impact.

5. Encouraging Respect

This day emphasizes the importance of respect and understanding through the simple act of saying hello.

Why We Love This Day

  • Encourages Global Unity

Who wouldn't love a day that brings folks from all corners of the globe closer together? World Hello Day is all about breaking down barriers and building bridges between different cultures. Just imagine, with a simple "hello," you're part of a global movement aiming for peace and understanding. It's like giving the world a friendly nod, showing that despite our differences, we all speak the language of kindness.

  • Promotes Peace Through Simple Acts

Let's face it, the world can be a pretty tense place. But here comes World Hello Day, showing us that even small gestures can light up someone's day and spread positivity. Encouraging people to greet at least 10 others is a brilliant way to remind us that peace starts with us, one person at a time. It's a nudge to remember that sometimes, it's the little things that can pave the way for bigger changes.

  • Highlights the Power of Communication

In a nutshell, World Hello Day is a shoutout to the power of simple communication. By encouraging greetings in any language, it underlines how crucial understanding and respect are for global harmony. This day proves you don't need grand gestures to make an impact; sometimes, a heartfelt "hello" is all it takes to bridge gaps and connect hearts, showing that words have the power to unite us across boundaries.

Past & Future Dates

Month Day Year
NOVEMBER 21 2022
NOVEMBER 21 2023
NOVEMBER 21 2024
NOVEMBER 21 2025
NOVEMBER 21 2026
NOVEMBER 21 2027
NOVEMBER 21 2028

FAQ

What national day is November 21st?

November 21, 2023, marks the celebration of several national days including National Stuffing Day, National Red Mitten Day, National Gingerbread Cookie Day, World Hello Day, and World Television Day.

How do you celebrate Hello Day?

Celebrating World Hello Day is as easy as pie. Just make a point to warmly greet ten people you come across. This simple yet powerful act promotes peace and friendship through personal communication. It's a beautiful way to show you're all about fostering connections and goodwill.

When was the first World Hello Day?

Looking back, the very first World Hello Day was observed on November 21, 1973. The McCormack brothers had a vision to encourage communication as a means to settle conflicts, reaching out to world leaders and key figures worldwide. Astonishingly, participants from over 180 countries joined in this inaugural celebration, making it a global success.

What are some fun facts about Hello?

Diving into some fun facts about 'hello,' did you know this friendly greeting is tied to words signaling health? Despite making its print debut in the 1800s as an exclamation of surprise, today it serves as a universal salutation. Across the globe, greetings like Hola (Spanish), Bonjour (French), Guten tag (German), Ciao (Italian), Namaste (Hindi), Salaam (Arabic), Ohayo (Japanese), Jambo (Swahili), and Nay hoh (Cantonese) all resonate with the same welcoming spirit.