National Hi Five Day

Young person in casual attire, giving a high five to someone in vibrant street art backdrop.. — National hi five day illustration

Hey there, high five enthusiast! Get ready to celebrate National Hi Five Day with a bang (or should I say, a slap?). This delightful day is all about spreading good vibes and connecting with our fellow homo sapiens in the most energetic way possible. So, put a smile on your face and your palm up in the air, because it's time for some epic high fives!

When is Hi Five Day?

It's national hi five day on the 20th April.

The History of National Hi Five Day

Now, you might be wondering, where did this undeniably awesome day come from? Well, let me take you on a journey back to the year 2002. Back then, two college students named Conor Lastowka and Sam Miotke decided to create a fun way to connect with others and bring a little extra joy into the world. And thus, National Hi Five Day was born!

What started as a small celebration among friends quickly gained popularity, spreading like wildfire across college campuses and eventually making its way onto the internet. People from all walks of life embraced this simple yet powerful gesture, recognizing its ability to bridge gaps and foster a sense of unity.

Since then, National Hi Five Day has become an annual tradition observed on the third Thursday of April. It serves as a reminder to slow down for a moment, share a positive interaction with someone, and acknowledge the awesomeness that exists within each and every one of us.

How to Celebrate National Hi Five Day

Now that you know the backstory, it's time to get to the real nitty-gritty: how to celebrate National Hi Five Day like a pro! Here are a few ideas to get those high fives flowing:

Organize a high five flash mob in a bustling public area. Trust me, watching people's faces light up as they get caught in an unexpected wave of enthusiasm is pure magic!
Challenge your friends to a high five endurance competition and see who can keep the high five chain going the longest. Warning: this could result in some seriously sore palms!
Spread the virtual high fives by sharing uplifting messages and virtual high five GIFs on social media. Sometimes, a little digital love is all we need to brighten someone's day.

Why High Fives Are Awesome

You might think that a high five is just a simple hand gesture, but it's so much more than that. Here's why high fives are awesome:

They release endorphins: Slapping palms with someone releases those feel-good chemicals in our brains, instantly boosting our mood.
They create connections: A high five is like a quick burst of human connection. It's a way to say, 'Hey, I see you, and I appreciate you!'
They're contagious: The energy of a high five is infectious. Once you start, it's hard to stop!

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Guinness World Record for the most high fives given in one minute is a whopping 107? That's some serious hand slapping dedication right there!

History behind the term 'Hi Five'

1977

The Birth of the Hi Five

The term 'hi five' was coined in 1977, and it refers to a celebratory gesture where two people raise one hand, slap their open palms together, and then retract their hands. This simple yet powerful action has since become an iconic gesture of friendship, congratulations, and camaraderie.

1980s

Popularization in Sports

During the 1980s, the 'hi five' gained immense popularity in the world of sports. Athletes embraced this gesture as a way to express exuberance after scoring a goal, making a great play, or winning a match. It became a symbol of teamwork and celebration, displaying the unity and excitement within a team.

1990s

Cultural Ubiquity

By the 1990s, the 'hi five' had transcended the realm of sports and made its way into mainstream culture. It became a common greeting and expression of enthusiasm among friends, colleagues, and even strangers. The simplicity and universality of the gesture contributed to its widespread adoption, solidifying its place in popular culture.

2002

The World Record Hi Five

In 2002, a Guinness World Record was set for the largest 'hi five' chain. It involved 2,524 people in Ottawa, Canada, forming a continuous line and performing the gesture simultaneously. This record-breaking event highlighted the global reach and impact of the 'hi five,' as people from diverse backgrounds and cultures came together to celebrate unity and joy.

Present

Digital Hi Fives

In the digital age, the 'hi five' has transformed into a virtual expression of affirmation and appreciation. Emojis, GIFs, and social media stickers featuring the 'hi five' have become popular ways to convey congratulations and support online. This evolution showcases how a physical gesture has adapted to the digital era, continuing to play a role in fostering connections and spreading positivity.