Friendship is a beautiful bond that always brings joy, support, and love into our life. A very special day has been celebrated for centuries to appreciate this healthy relationship between two souls. Friendship Day is observed on the first Sunday of August every year. In 2011, the General Assembly of the United Nations decided to designate 30 July as the International Day of Friendship. This special occasion is dedicated to honoring and cherishing our lovely connections with our friends. One of the most beloved traditions associated with Friendship Day is the exchange of friendship bands. These simple but meaningful tokens of friendship hold a special place in our hearts. Let’s explore why friendship day bands are traditionally special and why they still hold significance in today’s fast-changing world.
The tradition of exchanging friendship bands dates back to ancient times when people realized the importance of friendship. In ancient China, the trend was friends would tie threads around each other’s wrists. This is to symbolize the bonds between them. In India, a similar type of practice is observed during the festival of ❝Raksha Bandhan❞ where sisters tie threads called “Rakhi” on their brothers’ wrists. They believe this will protect their brothers from any kind of harm. It is believed that, over time, these practices merged and the idea of friendship bands emerged.
Friendship bands are often handmade which adds a personal touch to the gift. Different kind of materials like threads, ribbons, beads or even metals can be used to craft these bands. The process involves much time, effort and creativity that makes it a labour of love and care. You can imagine the dedication as well as hours spend just to emerge a nice looking pattern on it. Besides, selecting colours is also important as it reflects their friends’ personality. Every single thread adding unique charms or symbols that decorate their bond. This handmade aspect adds a touch of authenticity to the friendship band, making it even more special.
The act of exchanging friendship bands itself is a beautiful scenario. It increase the acknowledgment and appreciation shared between two individuals. When two friends exchange bands, it unconditionally signifies their commitment to be there for each other throughout ups and downs. The bands become sign of support, care and trust as well as something that can be worn and cherished every day.
Friendship bands can be ice breaking among classmates, colleagues, and even acquaintances. It’s a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude and extend a hand of friendship. They serve as to bridge gaps and strengthen our existing bonds. The simplicity of friendship bands makes them accessible to people of all ages. They possess the power to connect hearts and to make irreplaceable memories.
Friendships are often tested by distance and time. A riendship band reminds that true friends are always with us, regardless of physical proximity. Many people continue to wear them long after the Friendship Day, as a symbol of their friendships. These bands thus become a part of their identity which reflect the love and support they receive from their friends.
Friendship bands have evolved to include modern variations such as personalized engraved bracelets or digital representations exchanged through social media. Although modern bracelets received a technological advancements, they still have the vibe of traditional friendship bands— full of expression of love, appreciation and connection.
let’s cherish this beautiful tradition and embrace the opportunity to express our gratitude and love through the simplicity of a friendship band. They way it portraits the emotions and sentiments, makes it undoubtedly worthy. They represent the value of friendship, reminding us of the people who have stood by us through thick and thin. Last but not the least, the process of making and exchanging these bands creates memories – even if that friend dies, memory remains.
❝ In the realm of friendship…
Where memories are made & bonds never fade,
Let our friendship bands forever be displayed…❞
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Writer :
MD Rakib Rayhan
Intern, Content Writing Department,
YSSE