Birthday
Hydrangeas30 July is International Friendship Day. It is a reason not to wait for a birthday to message an old friend, meet up or send a small bouquet for no particular reason. Here is where the day comes from, how it is celebrated and what to give the people close to you.
A bouquet for no reason: flowers for a friend and flower baskets.
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History of the day
The idea of a world friendship day was put forward in Paraguay in the late 1950s by a civic movement, and 30 July became its date. In 2011 the UN General Assembly officially proclaimed 30 July the International Day of Friendship, a reminder that friendship between people and nations helps build trust.
Some countries, such as India, traditionally celebrate Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August. There are national dates too: in Argentina it falls on 20 July.
Friendship Day traditions
- Friendship bracelets. Especially popular in India and Latin America, where friends tie woven bracelets on each other.
- Time together. A walk, a picnic or a film: the day is about company, not expensive presents.
- Words. A message to an old friend with a shared photo often means more than any souvenir.
Which flowers to give a friend
In the language of flowers, friendship is most often linked with yellow: open, sunny and free of romantic overtones. Summer offers plenty of choice:
- Yellow roses. The classic symbol of friendship and joy.
- Sunflowers. Bright and cheerful, suitable for both female and male friends.
- Gerberas. Colourful daisies that lift the mood and last well.
- Alstroemerias. Florists often call them friendship flowers: each stem carries many buds that open one after another.
- A houseplant. A good choice for a male friend or anyone who likes practical gifts.
We have written about choosing flowers to suit a friend’s personality in flowers for a friend, and collected ideas in experience gifts.
FAQ
When is International Friendship Day?
On 30 July, the date adopted by the UN in 2011. Some countries also have their own national dates.
Is it appropriate to give flowers to a male friend?
Yes, if you choose something understated: sunflowers, a single-variety bunch of greenery or a potted plant.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
