National Cousins Day

Two cousins sitting together on a cozy couch, reminiscing with childhood photo albums, surrounded by warm and inviting family decor.. — National cousins day illustration

Welcome to everything there is to know about National Cousins Day. Remember being forced to sit awkwardly next to them during family portraits? Or perhaps they were your very first partner in crime during holiday dinners? Well, it's time to give your childhood allies their due recognition!

When is Cousins Day?

It's national cousins day on the 25th July.

The History behind the Day

National Cousins Day, observed by thousands across cyberspace, particularly spiked in popularity on July 25, 2017. While the origins of this day remain as mysterious as your cousin’s secret potato salad recipe, it's consistently celebrated on July 24th each year.

Why Celebrate

Whether they were your first friends or first foes, cousins hold a special place in our hearts. Their importance often gets shadowed by siblings or parents, but on National Cousins Day, they claim their rightful spotlight. If love was a tangible gift, this day would be Christmas for cousins!

How to Celebrate Online

The internet has given this day a platform only comparable to the tallest family reunion picnic table. Check out some cool ways to tell them you care: send them an online card filled with sweet notes and maybe embarrassing photos you've kept safe on your cloud; Challenge them to a game online; Reminisce about your funniest shared moments, or even start a group name for yourselves on social media. Give them not just a tag, but the hashtag they always deserved!

History behind the term 'Cousins'

13th century

Etymology of 'cousin'

The term 'cousin' can be traced back to the 13th century and derives from the Latin word 'consobrinus'. The meaning of 'consobrinus' was 'children of a mother's sister' or 'children of a father's brother'.

16th century

Expansion of the meaning

In the 16th century, the meaning of 'cousin' expanded beyond strictly maternal and paternal relatives. It started encompassing any child of a sibling relationship, regardless of the gender of the siblings involved.

18th century

Further extension to extended family

During the 18th century, the term 'cousin' saw another expansion in its usage. It began to include relatives beyond just direct siblings' children, such as grandchildren of siblings or even distant relatives who shared a common ancestor.

20th century

Modern understanding

In the 20th century, the concept of 'cousins' evolved to include concepts like 'first cousin' and 'second cousin'. These terms became popularized as a means to distinguish closer relationships from more distant ones within a family tree.

Did you know?

Did you know the longest length of cousins in a family tree is 121 generations, traced back by the Guinness World Records? Makes you feel bad for not remembering cousin Jim’s birthday, right?