Why is International Day of Happiness Celebrated? A Brief History
International Day of Happiness is a special day celebrated on March 20th every year. The day is dedicated to spreading happiness and promoting the idea that happiness is a fundamental human right.
It is important to discuss the history and meaning of International Day of Happiness because it provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of happiness in our lives and the world.
Get ready to explore the history of International Day of Happiness, its meaning, and how it is celebrated around the world. By the end of the post, you will have a better understanding of why International Day of Happiness is celebrated and how you can participate in spreading happiness in your own life and community.
History of International Day of Happiness
International Day of Happiness was first celebrated on March 20th, 2013, after the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution recognizing happiness as a fundamental human right and calling for “a more inclusive, equitable, and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness, and the well-being of all peoples.”
The resolution was inspired by the Kingdom of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index, which measures a country’s progress and well-being based on factors such as economic development, environmental sustainability, and social justice, in addition to more traditional measures of economic growth.
Since then, International Day of Happiness has been celebrated around the world with various events and initiatives aimed at promoting happiness and well-being.
In 2015, the United Nations launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which include a goal to “promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all,” as well as a goal to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”
Today, International Day of Happiness serves as a reminder of the importance of happiness and well-being in our lives and the world. By celebrating this day, we can work towards creating a happier and more sustainable future for everyone.
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The Meaning of International Day of Happiness
At its core, International Day of Happiness is about recognizing happiness as a fundamental human right and promoting the idea that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a happy and fulfilling life.
Happiness can mean different things to different people, but it generally involves a sense of well-being, contentment, and positive emotions.
The United Nations recognizes that happiness is essential to sustainable development, and that promoting happiness and well-being can help to create more peaceful and equitable societies.
By celebrating International Day of Happiness, we can raise awareness about the importance of happiness and well-being and work towards creating a world where everyone can live a happy and fulfilling life.
One of the key messages of International Day of Happiness is that happiness is not just a personal responsibility, but a collective one as well.
Governments, organizations, and communities all have a role to play in promoting happiness and well-being. By working together, we can create more supportive and inclusive environments that foster joy and welfare for everyone.
In short, the meaning of International Day of Happiness is about recognizing the importance of happiness and welfare in our lives and the world, and working towards creating a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.
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How International Day of Happiness is Celebrated
International Day of Happiness is celebrated around the world with various events and initiatives. Some common ways that people and organizations celebrate this day include:
- Spreading Kindness: Many people celebrate International Day of Happiness by doing random acts of kindness, such as leaving uplifting notes for strangers, donating to a charity, or volunteering in their community.
- Hosting Events: Organizations and communities often host events aimed at promoting happiness and well-being, such as meditation sessions, yoga classes, or community service projects.
- Sharing Happiness Online: Social media is often used to spread happiness and positivity on International Day of Happiness. People share inspiring quotes, happy photos, and positive messages using the hashtag #InternationalDayofHappiness.
- Education and Awareness: Many schools and educational institutions use International Day of Happiness as an opportunity to teach students about the importance of happiness and well-being. This can involve classroom discussions, group activities, and other educational initiatives.
- Sustainable Development: International Day of Happiness also serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable development for all. Governments, organizations, and communities may use this day to raise awareness about the need for more sustainable and impartial policies and practices.
Overall, International Day of Happiness is celebrated in many different ways, but the common thread is a focus on promoting happiness and well-being for everyone. By participating in these activities and initiatives, we can all work towards creating a happier and more sustainable future for ourselves and our communities.
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Wrap Up – Why do we Celebrate International Day of Happiness
International Day of Happiness was established by the United Nations to promote the idea that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a happy and fulfilling life, and that happiness is essential to sustainable development.
Since its establishment in 2013, International Day of Happiness has been celebrated around the world with various events and initiatives. These celebrations serve as a reminder that happiness is not just a personal responsibility, but a collective one as well.
So, on this International Day of Happiness, let us take a moment to reflect on what happiness means to us and how we can promote it in our lives and the world. Let’s work towards creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to live a happy and fulfilling life, and where happiness is recognized as a fundamental human right.