National High Fives Day

Two people high-fiving in a park, wearing casual clothes, surrounded by trees and colorful flowers.. — National high fives day illustration

It's time to put those palms to work, because today is National High Five Day! Get ready to celebrate this quirky holiday dedicated to the art of palm-to-palm connections and show that you're high-fiving with the best of 'em. So put on your hand-slapping shoes and let's dive into the history of National High Five Day!

When is High Fives Day?

It's national high fives day on the 21st April.

The Origins of National High Five Day

Believe it or not, the high five has an origin story that dates back decades. It all started in the glamorous world of sports, where athletes like Magic Johnson and Dusty Baker popularized the gesture during the late '70s. The high five quickly made its way into the mainstream, becoming a symbol of celebration, victory, and camaraderie.

But when did National High Five Day come into the picture? Well, it was the brainchild of a group of University of Virginia students who decided to create a day dedicated to spreading joy through the simple act of high-fiving. Back in 2002, these students made it their mission to bring people together and promote positivity by getting as many high fives going as possible on the third Thursday of April each year. And thus, National High Five Day was born!

Celebrating National High Five Day

Now that you know the background story, how can you celebrate National High Five Day to the fullest? Here are a few ideas to get your palms tingling with anticipation:

Organize a High Five Flash Mob: Grab your friends, coworkers, or fellow high-fiving enthusiasts and stage an epic high five flash mob in a public place. Spread some high-fiving love and watch as strangers join in on the fun!
Hold a High Five Challenge: Challenge your friends or family members to see who can give the most high fives in a day. Create a friendly competition that'll have everyone high-fiving their way to victory!
Donate to a High-Five-Worthy Cause: Use this day as an opportunity to support a cause that makes you want to give a high five of appreciation. Whether it's a local charity or a global initiative, make a donation to show your support.

Fun Fact About High Fives

Did you know that the highest recorded number of high fives in one minute is 289? Talk about palm power! This impressive feat was achieved by Colin C. Burns at the Minnesota State Fair in 2008. That's a whole lot of hand-slapping action!

History behind the term 'High Fives'

1977

Enter the Birth of High Fives

In 1977, during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros, a Dodger named Dusty Baker hit his 30th home run of the season. As he rounded third base and returned to the dugout, his teammate Glenn Burke excitedly greeted him with an upraised hand, palm out. This gesture, known as a high five, became an iconic moment in sports history and marked the beginning of the phrase's widespread usage.

1980s

Spread in Popularity

During the 1980s, the high five gained immense popularity, especially within the sports community. Athletes adopted this celebratory gesture as a way to congratulate and motivate one another. The term 'high five' quickly entered the vernacular as a synonym for celebrating success and camaraderie.

1980s

Integration into Popular Culture

The high five transcended its origins in sports and permeated popular culture in the 1980s. It was frequently seen in movies, television shows, and advertisements. This cultural integration solidified the high five as a universally recognized gesture of celebration, friendship, and acknowledgement.

1984

World Record High Five Chain

On October 2, 1984, in Louisville, Kentucky, a world record for the longest high five chain was set. Over 2,000 people joined hands and successfully completed the continuous chain of high fives, showcasing the widespread appeal and enthusiasm for this gesture.

2013

Trademark and Legal Dispute

In 2013, a company named High Five Trademarks attempted to register 'high five' as a trademark. This sparked a legal dispute over whether the term had become too generic to be trademarked. Eventually, the term 'high five' was ruled as being in common usage and ineligible for trademark protection.