Friendship Day History
There is not much literature on Friendship Day history as
we celebrate today. However, there are numerous folktales and several instance
in mythological legends that shows that friends and friendship have been valued
since the beginning of civilized world. As an intrinsically social creature, men
love to make friends to further this process of socialization.
History of Friendship Day in US
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Considering the valuable role friends play in our life it was deemed to fit to
have a day dedicated to friends and friendship. The United States Congress, in
1935, proclaimed first Sunday of August as the National Friendship Day. Since
then, celebration of National Friendship Day became an annual event. The noble
idea of honoring the beautiful relationship of friendship caught on with the
people and soon Friendship Day became a hugely popular festival.
Following the popularity and success of Friendship Day in US, several other
countries adopted the tradition of dedicating a day to friends. Today,
Friendship Day is enthusiastically celebrated by several countries across the
world including India.
In 1997, the United Nations named Winnie - the Pooh as the world's Ambassador of
Friendship.
Importance of Friendship in Bible
The Bible, the primary text of the western civilization, reflects upon
friendship as the bond that forms the foundation to human faith, trust and
companionship. Following verses from the bible aptly portray the importance of
friends:
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door
will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7
“Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his
friends.”
John 15:13-15
Besides, there are several tales from the Old Testament and the New Testament
about the value of friendship and how true friendship is a treasure to unearth.
A noticeable point is that, both the versions make a difference between the two
broad meanings of friendship- one is a mere acquaintance, the other is a more
affectionate relation.
In the Old Testament, Abraham is called the “friend of God” because of the
intimacy of his relations. God speaks to Moses face to face “as a man…unto his
friend” (Ex 33:11). The romantic friendship of Ruth and Naomi, the devotion of
the subordinate Hushai for David, or the mutual relation between David and
Jonathan - the Old Testament is replete with these interesting tales of friends
and friendship.
In the New Testament, the relationship between Jesus and his disciples clearly
depicts how human friendship can constantly grow. From being teacher and
disciple, to lord and servant their relationship finally grew to an unparalleled
friendship.
Importance of Friendship in Mahabharata
In the famous Hindu epic ‘Mahabharata’, Lord Krishna demonstrates the many
colors of friendship - affection, romance, brotherhood, protection, guidance,
intimacy and even teasing. Friendship is all about these and much more.
