National Smiling Day

A diverse group of people with bright, beaming smiles, wearing colorful clothes, in a park setting.. — National smiling day illustration

Smile, because today is National Smiling Day! It's time to flex those facial muscles and spread some joy with your pearly whites. Hold on tight to your cheeks because we're about to take you on a journey that will leave your face sore from grinning. So, get ready to discover the captivating history and delightful traditions of this national day!

When is Smiling Day?

It's national smiling day on the 1st June.

The Origin of National Smiling Day

Have you ever wondered who came up with the brilliant idea of having a whole day dedicated to smiling? Well, it turns out that National Smiling Day began as an internet sensation, because let's face it, the internet loves a good trend. Back in 2016, a video of a baby laughing went viral, and people couldn't help but smile along. The internet collectively decided that this moment of pure joy deserved its own day of celebration, hence the birth of National Smiling Day.

Word spread like wildfire, and now, every year on June 1st, people from all around the world come together to share their happiness and embrace the power of a smile.

How to Celebrate

Celebrating National Smiling Day is as easy as saying cheese. Here are a few delightful ways to join in on the fun:

Gather your loved ones for a smile-filled day of fun and laughter. Organize a picnic or play some outdoor games to release your inner child and bring out those natural smiles.
Indulge in some mouthwatering food that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Treat yourself to your favorite cuisine or bake some tasty treats that are sure to make you grin from ear to ear.
Get active and engage in your favorite sports or physical activities. The rush of endorphins will not only make you feel fantastic but also give you a reason to smile.
Take a moment to celebrate those who came before us and remember their contributions. Share stories, photos, and memories with loved ones to keep their spirit alive and honor their legacy.

Did You Know?

Did you know that it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown? That's right! Smiling not only brightens your mood but also saves you some muscle power. So, whenever you're feeling down, remember that smiling is an efficient workout for your face!

History behind the term 'Smiling'

1622

The Introduction of the Term

The term 'smiling' first came into the English language during the year 1622. It was derived from the Middle English word 'smilen' which meant 'to smile or smirk'. The word had its roots in the Old English word 'smilian' meaning 'to laugh, sneer, or ridicule'. With the introduction of this term, a new expression for facial happiness entered the lexicon of the English-speaking world.

18th Century

The Cultural Significance

During the 18th century, smiling started to gain cultural significance and became associated with positive emotions and friendliness. In many cultures, a smiling face became a symbol of approachability and warmth. Not only was smiling seen as a form of nonverbal communication, but it was also considered a sign of good manners and social etiquette.

19th Century

The Science of Smiling

In the 19th century, scientists began to study the phenomenon of smiling. French scientist Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand Duchenne de Boulogne conducted pioneering research on the different types of smiles and their underlying muscular movements. He distinguished between genuine smiles, known as Duchenne smiles, which involve both the muscles around the mouth and the eyes, and social smiles, which only involve the mouth muscles.

20th Century

The Rise of Smiling in Pop Culture

The 20th century witnessed the rise of smiling in popular culture. With the advent of photography and later film, people started capturing and spreading smiles through visual media. Smiling became a common pose in photographs and an expression often associated with happiness and joy. This trend continued to grow with the popularity of television and the emergence of iconic smiling figures in entertainment, such as the 'Mona Lisa' painting and the 'smiley face' emoticon.

21st Century

The Science of Smiling Continues

In the 21st century, the study of smiling has continued, with researchers exploring its psychological and physiological effects. Studies have shown that smiling not only enhances one's own mood but also has a positive impact on the moods of others around them. Smiling is now recognized as a powerful tool for building rapport, promoting well-being, and fostering positive social interactions.