National High Five Day

Get ready to share your happiness with a high five! National High Five Day is all about celebrating friendship in a fun way. Whether you're happy for someone, saying "great work", or just enjoying a happy moment,  high-fiving is a common way to connect! This day encourages you to interact and spread positive feelings to the people around you. 

Key Takeaways:

• National High Five Day is celebrated every year on the third Thursday of April.
• It celebrates friendship, positivity, and the joy of simple human connection.
• National High Five Day was officially created in 2002 by students at the University of Virginia.
• There are plenty of ways to celebrate, from giving enthusiastic high fives to creating high five chains and sharing moments on social media.

What Is National High Five Day?  

National High Five Day is all about celebrating the fun and positive energy that comes from giving and getting a high five. It is a day to celebrate the positive emotions and relationships that this gesture can produce. It’s a joyful day to spread good vibes, show support, and cheer each other on with a simple slap of the hand.

High fives are an easy way to connect with others and brighten someone’s day. National High Five Day is really about building connections and spreading happiness.

Brief History 

The exact origin of the high five is debated, though there are a few well-known stories. One interesting tale connects it to a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 2, 1977.  As Glenn Burke walked off the field after hitting a home run, teammate Dusty Baker eagerly slapped his raised hand. Another well-known story credits the University of Louisville Cardinals basketball team with creating the high five during the 1978-79 season.

No one knows exactly where the high five started, but it became really popular in the 1980s as a way to show appreciation and celebrate in many cultures. In 2002, students at the University of Virginia created National High Five Day to keep the community spirit going. According to the National High Five Project, the event kicked off that year when a group of students set up a booth and handed out high fives and lemonade. Since then, the project has hosted events like a "high-five-a-thon" to raise money for charity.

When Is National High Five Day?

National High Five Day is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of April. Let’s check out the upcoming dates of National High Five Day.

Upcoming National High Five Day Dates

How To Celebrate National High Five Day?

National High Five Day is all about spreading positivity, making friends, and having fun with those around you. There are lots of fun ways to celebrate this day.

Some people celebrate the occasion in fun and creative ways, while others use it as a chance to support a good cause or just share a smile. Here's how you can enjoy this day to the fullest:

1. Give Enthusiastic High Fives

Keep an eye out for moments to give happy, genuine high fives throughout the day. If someone has a small win, shares good news, or just needs a boost, give them a solid high five. Don’t forget to smile and make eye contact to keep it friendly and uplifting.

2. Organize a High Five Chain

Plan a High Five Chain with friends, classmates, or coworkers to spread joy. Start with one person giving a high five to the next, and keep it going down the line.  It’s a fun way to connect with others and see how long you can keep the chain going! National High Five Day is a great chance to bring people together and share a few laughs.

3. Share High Five Moments Online

Post your high fives moments on social media with hashtags. You can post photos or short videos of you and your friends or family giving high fives to celebrate. Encourage other people to join in the fun and post their own high fives. The more people who join in, the more fun National High Five Day becomes for everyone.

4. Make a High Five Card

Make a fun high five card to share with others. You can write a happy note to go with your palm slap and decorate it with bright colors. Carry your card or sign with you and show it to others when you give them a high five and say hello. This makes your event unique and easier to remember.

5. Learn the History of High Fives

Learn about the history and societal significance of high fives. Share cool facts or stories with your family and friends about what you found out. Knowing the history can make your National High Five Day even more fun and meaningful. You might even come across some surprising stories behind this simple gesture!

Conclusion

National High Five Day is a fun reminder of how powerful simple connections can be. It’s a chance to let go of any awkwardness and enjoy the joy of a good high five. So don’t be shy—reach out and spread some positive vibes!