Fact 1: The Ancient Connection International Friendship Day traces its roots back to 1930, but its concept has ancient origins. Historians believe that the tradition of celebrating friendship can be traced back to the writings of the great philosopher Aristotle.

Fact 2: A Worldwide Affair While many countries celebrate Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August, there is no set date for its observance worldwide. Some nations commemorate it on different days, making it an exciting and diverse global affair.

Fact 3: Winnie the Pooh's Role Did you know that Winnie the Pooh, the lovable bear created by A.A. Milne, was named the world's Ambassador of Friendship by the United Nations in 1997? This iconic character has since inspired millions with its friendship-themed adventures.

Fact 5: The Friendship Arch The Chinese city of Beijing boasts a stunning Friendship Arch that stands as a symbol of international unity and camaraderie. It was constructed as a welcoming gesture to visitors during the 2008 Olympic Games.

Fact 5: The Friendship Arch The Chinese city of Beijing boasts a stunning Friendship Arch that stands as a symbol of international unity and camaraderie. It was constructed as a welcoming gesture to visitors during the 2008 Olympic Games.

Fact 8: A Space Friendship In 1975, the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project made history by being the first joint space mission between the United States and the Soviet Union. This historic event fostered friendship between the two superpowers during the Cold War era.

Fact 9: The World Friendship Crusade The founder of International Friendship Day, Dr. Ramon Artemio Bracho, co-founded the World Friendship Crusade, an organization aimed at promoting friendship and understanding among nations.

Fact 10: The Friendship Dolls Exchange In 1927, the U.S. sent 12,739 Friendship Dolls to Japan as a gesture of goodwill. In return, Japan gifted 58 traditional dolls known as "Hinamatsuri Dolls" to the U.S., further strengthening the bond between the two nations.

Fact 11: International Day of Friendship and UN SDGs In 2011, the United Nations officially recognized International Friendship Day, and in 2015, it was integrated into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Friendship was acknowledged as a vital aspect of achieving global peace and cooperation.

Fact 12: The Friendship Stone Located in Argentina, the Friendship Stone weighs over 360 tons and serves as a powerful symbol of unity and friendship among South American nations.

Fact 13: Friendship Day in Paraguay In Paraguay, people celebrate "Dia de la Amistad" with a unique twist. Instead of just focusing on friends, they also extend their celebrations to include "Dia del Amigo Secreto" (Day of the Secret Friend), where participants exchange anonymous gifts with their friends.

Fact 14: The Ancient Celtic Friendship Knot The ancient Celts had a symbolic friendship knot that represented the unbreakable bond between friends. This intricate knot design has continued to inspire jewelry and artwork that celebrates friendship.