World Hello Day 2024: History, Theme and Significance

World Hello Day is observed every year on 21 November to promote awareness that conflicts should be resolved through communication rather than the use of force. Participants verbally greet ten people or more on that day as an expression of the importance of personal communication in preserving peace. The annual global event began to be celebrated in 1973 as a response to the Yom Kippur War.

31 winners of the Nobel Peace Prize are among the people who have realized World Hello Day’s value as an instrument for preserving peace and as an occasion that makes it possible for anyone in the world to contribute to the process of creating peace.

Since its inception, people in 180 countries now celebrate World Hello Day. However, there are many who are not familiar with the idea.

The word “Hello” is considered to have been first used by Mark Twain in his work Roughing It first used, in 1872. Today, it is used by everyone. Not necessarily in the same way but at least in a similar way. Today, there are as many as 800 diverse ways of saying hello. You may greet “Hello” in the following languages:

• Afrikaans (Southern Africa) – Goeie dag
• Amungme (Indonesia) – Amole Kitaitirivi
• Arabic – Marhaba, Ahlan
• Aragonese (Aragon, Spain) – Ola
• India – Namastey
• Ugandan – Yoga
• Bole (Nigerian) – Use
• In Hungary, Szia and Szervusz can mean either ‘hello” or ‘goodbye.’ This explains why Hungarians who speak English sometimes say hello when they are leaving, instead of goodbye.

History of World Hello Day

World Hello Day was originally initiated by Brian McCormack, a Ph.D. graduate of Arizona State University, and Michael McCormack, a graduate of Harvard University. It was initiated as a direct response to the Arab-Israeli war officially known as the Yom Kippur War.

Gathering all the money they had at the time, these two brothers bought postage and sent out letters to as many world leaders as they could asking them to support this new holiday. Within the first 12 months of their campaign, they received the support of over fifteen different countries. In the last 42 years, they have managed to gather the support of an additional 165 countries.

Today, ordinary people observe this day – as well as world leaders – from all around the world to settle their differences with communication rather than conflict. The McCormack brothers have also received staunch support for their holiday from writers, entertainers, and Nobel Laureates from all over the globe.

The only real custom associated with World Hello Day is the practice of saying ‘hello’ to friends, families, and strangers. People who want to celebrate this holiday should take the time to say hello to at least 10 people they meet throughout the day – particularly strangers. People should also take the time to learn how to say hello in a couple of different languages and then put that into practice sometime during the day.

World Hello Day is an opportunity for everyone, all throughout the globe, to try to reach out to one another, and take steps toward world peace. The primary means to achieving this personal connection is by simply saying, ‘Hello!”

The International Day of Peace

The theme of World Hello Day 2024

The theme for World Hello Day 2024 is “Greeting for Peace.” This theme emphasizes the importance of personal communication in preserving peace and encourages people to greet at least 10 people on November 21st to spread kindness and foster global harmony.

Significance of World Hello Day

World Hello Day, observed annually on November 21, is a global event that emphasizes the importance of personal communication in promoting peace and understanding. It was initiated in 1973 in response to the conflict between Egypt and Israel, with the goal of fostering dialogue and peaceful solutions to conflicts.

The significance of World Hello Day includes:

• Promoting Peace: Encouraging people to greet at least 10 individuals on this day, it promotes interpersonal communication and understanding, which are essential for maintaining peace.

• Encouraging Dialogue: The day serves as a reminder that simple acts of communication can bridge gaps and resolve conflicts, both big and small.

• Fostering Global Unity: Celebrating World Hello Day helps to connect people across different cultures, nationalities, and backgrounds, fostering a sense of global unity.

• Celebrating Human Connection: It highlights the importance of human connection and the positive impact that kind words and gestures can have on our lives and the lives of others.

World Hello Day is a powerful reminder of the potential for everyday interactions to contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious world. By participating, individuals can play a small but meaningful role in promoting peace and understanding.

How to celebrate World Hello Day

There are many ways to celebrate the day. When the celebration is to say hello, it is to be seen with positivity. All you must do is say hello to at least 10 people during that one day. This is supposed to send a message of openness and goodwill to others, and the creators of the holiday hoped this small gesture alone would show how communication can be instrumental in resolving disputes and preventing conflicts.

If you happen to be knowing someone and somehow get disconnected due to whatever reason, it could be the moment to bridge that gap by saying “Hello”.

You may also consider organizing talks and online seminars to enhance awareness about the movement and encourage people to understand and bring them into their lives.

Observation Dates World Hello Day

World Hello Day is observed every year on 21 November to promote awareness that conflicts should be resolved through communication rather than the use of force.

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