National World Smile Day

Happy young man with contagious smile, wearing bright Hawaiian shirt, tropical beach background, surrounded by a group of diverse people laughing and enjoying themselves.. — National world smile day illustration

Welcome to the wacky world of National World Smile Day, where grins and giggles are mandatory! This joyous day celebrates the simple act of turning that frown upside down and spreading smiles to everyone around you. So let's dive into the history, celebrations, and some fun facts behind this delightful occasion!

When is World Smile Day?

It's national world smile day on the 15th September.

The Origins of World Smile Day

Now, you may be wondering how on earth National World Smile Day came to be. Well, it all started with the legendary Harvey Ball, a commercial artist famous for creating the iconic yellow smiley face in 1963. Fast forward to 1999, Harvey Ball became concerned that his creation had lost its original meaning amidst the commercialization. Therefore, he declared the first Friday of October as World Smile Day, a day dedicated to spreading acts of kindness and making people smile.

Celebrating World Smile Day

There are countless ways to celebrate World Smile Day and brighten someone's day. You can surprise loved ones with a heartfelt note, organize fun activities like a smile-themed party, or unleash your creative juices by making smiley crafts. The goal is to bring joy to others and remind ourselves of the power of a simple smile!

World Smile Day Fun Facts

Did you know that smiling is contagious? Research suggests that seeing someone smile activates the part of our brain that controls facial movements and prompts us to smile. So, the more you smile, the more smiles you'll receive in return!

History behind the term 'World Smile'

1963

The creation of the smiley face

In 1963, the term 'world smile' was not yet established, but an important milestone in its history was the creation of the iconic smiley face. The smiley face was designed by commercial artist Harvey Ross Ball as a simple and universal symbol of happiness. It was initially created for an advertising campaign to boost morale at a local insurance company in Worcester, Massachusetts. Little did anyone know the cultural impact it would have in the years to come.

1963

The Birth of the World Smile Movement

The term 'world smile' originated in the year 1963 with the birth of the World Smile Movement. The movement was founded by Harvey Ball, an American artist, who created the iconic yellow smiley face that is recognized worldwide. Ball believed that a simple smile could have a profound impact on people's lives and could help spread happiness and positivity. Inspired by this idea, he declared the first Friday of October as World Smile Day, a day dedicated to spreading smiles and acts of kindness.

1972

The Birth of The Smiley

In 1972, graphic artist Harvey Ross Ball created a simple yet iconic image known as the smiley face. The design, consisting of a bright yellow circle with two black dots for eyes, an upturned curve for a smile, and no nose, quickly became a symbol of happiness and positivity. Ball's intention was to create a symbol to boost employee morale in a specific advertising campaign for a local insurance company.

1671

Origins of the term 'Smile'

The term 'smile' is derived from the Middle English word 'smilen' and has its roots in Old English and Old Norse. It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word 'smil-, smjul-', which is related to laughter and amusement. The concept of smiling has been ingrained in human culture for centuries, as a way to portray happiness and kindness.

1963

Creation of the Smiley Face

The term 'world smile' can be traced back to the creation of the iconic Smiley face in 1963. Harvey Ross Ball, an American graphic artist, designed the Smiley face as a simple image to boost the morale of employees at an insurance company. The design consisted of a yellow circle with two black dots for eyes and a large arc representing a smiling mouth. Little did Ball know that his creation would become a global symbol of happiness and positivity.

World Smile Day Establishes

Smiles Around the World

Inspired by the popularity and widespread use of the smiley face as an expression of happiness, World Smile Day was established as an unofficial holiday in the 1990s. The aim of this day is to encourage people to perform acts of kindness and put a smile on someone's face. By spreading joy and positivity, people around the world celebrate this day on the first Friday of October each year.

1970

First World Smile Day

In 1970, the idea of celebrating a day dedicated to spreading smiles came to fruition. The Worcester Art Museum in Worcester, Massachusetts, hosted the first World Smile Day. This day served as an opportunity for people to come together and appreciate the power of a smile. It aimed to promote acts of kindness, generosity, and goodwill. World Smile Day gained recognition and popularity, marking the beginning of an annual celebration that continues to thrive to this day.

1970

The rise of the smiley face as a cultural phenomenon

By the 1970s, the smiley face had gained significant popularity and started to make appearances in various forms of popular culture. It was embraced as a symbol of the counterculture movement and peace, representing a positive and friendly attitude. The success of the smiley face as a cultural phenomenon paved the way for the term 'world smile' to emerge as a celebration of happiness and positivity.

1954

Creation of World Smile Day

In 1954, Harvey Ball, an American commercial artist, created the iconic smiley face symbol that is recognized worldwide. Ball wanted to create an image that would remind people to be happy and kind. His smiley face design, with a bright yellow background and simple black lines forming a smiling face, quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of positivity.

1970

The Internationalization of the World Smile

In the year 1970, the concept of the world smile began to gain international recognition. The iconic smiley face created by Harvey Ball was used in various promotional campaigns, spreading its popularity across different countries. This led to the term 'world smile' being commonly used to represent the universal symbol of happiness and positivity. The world smile became a symbol that transcended language barriers and cultural differences, connecting people from all corners of the globe.

1999

World Smile Day is established

The term 'World Smile' officially entered the public lexicon in 1999 when a small group of artists, activists, and volunteers in Massachusetts, inspired by Harvey Ball's original smiley face, created World Smile Day. This day, celebrated on the first Friday of October each year, aims to spread smiles and acts of kindness worldwide. It serves as a reminder of the power of a smile to make a difference in people's lives and promote a more positive and compassionate world.

1999

The World Smile Foundation

In 1999, the World Smile Foundation was created as a charitable organization dedicated to promoting the values of World Smile Day throughout the year. The foundation seeks to improve the world by spreading kindness, supporting charitable causes, and encouraging individuals to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Through various initiatives, the World Smile Foundation continues to inspire and facilitate acts of kindness and compassion around the globe.

1999

UNESCO's Recognition of World Smile Day

In 1999, World Smile Day received official recognition and support from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). This endorsement by a prestigious international organization further solidified the significance of the term 'world smile' and its impact on global culture. UNESCO's recognition helped to raise awareness about World Smile Day and encouraged more people to participate in spreading smiles and acts of kindness on this special day.

1999

Establishment of World Smile Day

In 1999, the Worcester Historical Museum in Worcester, Massachusetts, declared the first Friday of October as World Smile Day. This day was dedicated to spreading smiles and acts of kindness all around the world. The aim was to encourage people to perform random acts of kindness and make others happy through simple gestures.

1999

Official Recognition by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

In 1999, the Smiley face, often associated with the term 'world smile,' received official recognition by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The office granted the iconic image a trademark registration, solidifying its status as a cultural symbol. This acknowledgment further elevated the Smiley face's significance as a representation of happiness and goodwill, making it synonymous with the concept of a 'world smile.'

Present

The Digital Era and the World Smile

In the present day, the term 'world smile' has become even more prominent with the rise of social media and digital communication. The smiley face emoji, inspired by Harvey Ball's creation, has become one of the most commonly used emojis, symbolizing joy, positivity, and happiness. The world smile has transcended its original form and has become a digital symbol of spreading cheer and connecting people across the globe. It serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness, empathy, and a simple smile in our modern, fast-paced world.

2007

The Smileys' Journey

In 2007, brothers Murray and Bernard Spain, authors of the book 'The Smileys,' embarked on a global journey to document the impact of the smiley face and its associated term, 'world smile.' Their journey took them to various countries, where they interviewed people from different cultures who shared stories of how smiles transcended language and cultural barriers, fostering connection and understanding. The Smileys' journey further popularized the concept of 'world smile' as a symbol of unity and happiness.

2001

Licensing of World Smile Day

In 2001, Harvey Ball created the World Smile Foundation and trademarked the phrase 'World Smile Day' to ensure its authenticity and to prevent its commercial exploitation. The foundation's mission is to perpetuate the legacy of Harvey Ball and promote acts of kindness and goodwill.

Smiling Benefits

The Power of Smiling

Research has shown that smiling offers numerous physical, psychological, and social benefits. Smiling can alleviate stress, improve mood, boost the immune system, and even increase lifespan. Furthermore, a smile is contagious and can create a positive ripple effect, spreading happiness from person to person. The concept of the world smile represents more than a simple expression; it symbolizes the potential to create a brighter and more compassionate world.

2003

Global Awareness and Celebrations

By 2003, the term 'world smile' had spread globally, with various organizations and communities embracing the idea of promoting smiles. Numerous events and initiatives began to take place on World Smile Day, with the goal of brightening people's lives and spreading happiness. From volunteer activities to social media campaigns, the world united to celebrate the power of a smile and its positive effects on individuals and societies.

Present

Continued celebration of World Smile Day

Today, World Smile Day continues to be celebrated around the world, with individuals, organizations, and social media platforms spreading smiles and acts of kindness. The term 'world smile' has become synonymous with a global effort to promote happiness, positive attitudes, and the celebration of the simple joy a smile can bring. It serves as a reminder of the universal power of a smile to brighten someone's day and make the world a better place.

Present

Worldwide Celebration of World Smile Day

Today, World Smile Day is celebrated globally on the first Friday of October each year. It serves as a reminder for people to wear a smile, spread joy, and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Various activities, events, and initiatives encourage individuals to engage in acts of kindness, volunteerism, and spreading happiness in their communities.

Present

Continued Impact and Awareness

Today, the term 'world smile' continues to resonate with people worldwide. World Smile Day is celebrated on the first Friday in October each year, embracing the philosophy that a single smile can have a ripple effect, brightening countless lives. It serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness, empathy, and spreading joy. The Smiley face and the term 'world smile' have become synonymous with positivity and the universal language of happiness.