National Laugh Day

Young children laughing together in a park, dressed in vibrant and playful outfits, surrounded by colorful balloons.. — National laugh day illustration

Welcome to National Laugh Day, where we celebrate the joy of laughter and all its fantastic benefits. Laughter truly is the best medicine, and on this special day, we encourage everyone to embrace their inner comedian and share a good chuckle with loved ones, colleagues, and even strangers. So put on your funniest hat, prepare those hilarious knock-knock jokes, and get ready for a day filled with nothing but laughter and smiles!

When is Laugh Day?

It's national laugh day on the 19th March.

The Origins of National Laugh Day

While we couldn't find a specific internet history for National Laugh Day, laughter has been around since the beginning of time. From cavemen cracking each other up with primitive puns to kings and queens enjoying a good jest during medieval times, humor has always been a part of human culture. In modern times, the internet has taken humor to new heights with funny videos, memes, and viral jokes spreading like wildfire.

The Power of Laughter

Did you know that laughter is not only contagious but also has incredible health benefits? When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins, the feel-good hormones that boost our mood and reduce stress. Laughing can also improve our cardiovascular health, strengthen our immune system, and even provide some gentle exercise for the abs (who needs crunches when you can laugh your way to a six-pack?).

Spreading the Joy of Laughter

On National Laugh Day, take a moment to share a funny joke or hilarious meme with your loved ones. Laughter is a universal language that can bridge gaps and bring people closer together. Whether you're gathered around the dinner table, at work with your colleagues, or even connecting virtually with friends afar, a good laugh is always welcome.

Fun Fact About Laughter

Did you know that children laugh around 300 times a day, while adults only laugh about 20 times? It's time to channel your inner child and get those laugh-o-meters up! Let's aim for at least 50 belly laughs today and spread the joy far and wide. Remember, laughter is absolutely free and doesn't require any fancy gadgets or complicated setups. It's easily accessible to everyone!

History behind the term 'Laugh'

1560

The Origin of 'Laugh'

The term 'laugh' can be traced back to the 16th century, specifically 1560. It derived from the Middle English 'laughe' and the Old English 'hliehhan,' both of which denotes the act of expressing mirth or joy audibly. The word 'laugh' itself was influenced by the Old Norse word 'hlæja,' which also means to laugh.

c. 1200

The Early Origins

The term 'laugh' can be traced back to the Middle English word 'laughen' which derived from Old English word 'hleahhan'. In the early origins, 'laugh' referred to the act of making sounds with amusement or joy, often accompanied by visible facial expressions. It was an instinctive reaction to something humorous, pleasing, or absurd, and served as a way to connect with others through shared emotions.

c. 14th Century

The Linguistic Shift

During the 14th century, the word 'laugh' began to take on its modern definition and usage. It transformed from a mere verb describing an action to a noun representing the sound or act of laughter. People increasingly recognized the universality of laughter across cultures, realizing its ability to bridge language barriers and create a sense of belonging.

1620

Spread through Shakespeare's Works

During the early 17th century, the word 'laugh' gained significant exposure due to its frequent use in the plays and sonnets of William Shakespeare. Shakespeare's works were immensely popular, and his incorporation of 'laugh' in various comedic scenes further popularized the term and its association with humor and amusement.

18th Century

Laughter's Healing Power

In the 18th century, laughter gained attention for its potential healing properties. Influential thinkers like Jean-Baptiste Molière and Jonathan Swift emphasized the therapeutic effects of laughter on both physical and mental well-being. The concept of 'laughter as medicine' gained recognition, paving the way for the establishment of humor therapy and laughter clubs in later years.

1774

Inclusion in Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

In 1774, 'laugh' was officially recognized and included in Samuel Johnson's 'A Dictionary of the English Language.' Johnson's dictionary played a crucial role in standardizing English vocabulary and cementing the usage and meaning of words. Its inclusion in this comprehensive dictionary further solidified 'laugh' as an integral part of the English language.

20th Century

The Science of Laughter

The 20th century witnessed advancements in the scientific study of laughter and its effects on the human body and mind. Researchers like William F. Fry and Robert R. Provine delved into the psychology and physiology of laughter, unraveling its role in reducing stress, strengthening social bonds, and improving overall quality of life. This period marked a shift towards a more comprehensive understanding of laughter's impact on human well-being.

1920s

Rise of Comedy Films

The 1920s saw the rise of silent comedy films, primarily featuring comedic actors like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd. These films relied heavily on visual humor, physical comedy, and slapstick, often accompanied by intertitles to convey laughter-inducing situations. The popularity of these films contributed to the cultural association of 'laugh' with entertainment and amusement.

Present Day

Laughter's Cultural Influence

Today, laughter has become an integral part of various cultures worldwide. It serves as a universal language, transcending borders and fostering connections among individuals. Laughter's cultural impact can be seen through the popularity of comedy films, stand-up comedy shows, and the widespread use of humorous content in social media. It continues to be cherished as a fundamental expression of joy, shared amusement, and positive energy.

1970s

Evolution of Stand-Up Comedy

In the 1970s, stand-up comedy gained widespread popularity and became a major source of entertainment. Comedians like George Carlin, Richard Pryor, and Joan Rivers brought new styles of comedy to the forefront, using 'laugh' as a central element to connect with audiences. Stand-up comedy further solidified 'laugh' as an essential component of comedic expression.

Present

Digital Humor and Memes

In the present day, with the widespread use of the internet and social media, 'laugh' has taken on new forms in the digital realm. Memes, humorous videos, and comedic content shared online have become an integral part of modern communication. The term 'laugh' has evolved to encompass the virtual expression of amusement, connecting people across different cultures and languages through shared humor.