April 18th is High Five Day, a fun and upbeat holiday that encourages people to connect, celebrate victories, and spread positivity with a simple, yet iconic gesture: the high five. Whether it’s a congratulatory slap of hands for a job well done or just a way to brighten someone’s day, the high five is a universal symbol of camaraderie and joy.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of High Five Day, share funny facts about the high five, suggest gift ideas, offer tips for celebrating, and dive into interesting tidbits about why this gesture deserves its own holiday.
What is High Five Day?
High Five Day, celebrated every year on April 18th, is all about recognizing the power of a simple hand gesture to bring people together and celebrate life’s little wins. The high five is a universal way to say "great job," "you’ve got this," or simply "I’m glad you’re here."
This holiday is a lighthearted reminder to spread positivity, connect with others, and have a little fun. Whether you’re high-fiving coworkers, friends, or even strangers, the goal is to lift spirits and celebrate the joy of human connection.
Funny Facts About the High Five
- Its origins are debated: The high five’s exact origin is unclear, but it’s widely believed to have been invented in the late 1970s during a baseball game (more on that in the history section!).
- There’s a Guinness World Record for it: The record for the most high fives in 24 hours is a whopping 14,607, set by a team in Canada in 2014.
- It has a "reverse" version: The "low five" predates the high five and was popular in African American culture during the mid-20th century.
- It’s celebrated in pop culture: From sports games to movies, the high five has become a staple of celebrations across the globe.
- It’s great for your health: A high five releases endorphins and can boost your mood—so go ahead and slap some hands!
The History of High Five Day
The history of the high five is somewhat contested, but one popular story credits its invention to a baseball game in 1977. Los Angeles Dodgers players Dusty Baker and Glenn Burke are said to have exchanged the first-ever high five after Baker hit a home run. The gesture quickly caught on and became a cultural phenomenon, spreading from sports to everyday life.
High Five Day was created in 2002 by a group of college students at the University of Virginia as a way to foster connection and positivity. What started as a campus-wide event has since grown into an internationally recognized holiday. It’s a day to celebrate simple joys, connect with others, and, of course, give out as many high fives as possible!
Gift Ideas for High Five Day
Looking for fun and creative ways to celebrate High Five Day with a gift? Here are some unique ideas:
- Custom hand-shaped items: Gift a hand-shaped keychain, stress ball, or wall art to commemorate the holiday.
- High five-themed apparel: T-shirts or hats with phrases like "High Five Champ" or "Up Top!" make great gifts.
- DIY high five coupon book: Create a booklet of "high five" coupons that friends or family can redeem for encouragement, congratulations, or just because.
- Sports memorabilia: Celebrate the high five’s roots in sports with a gift related to their favorite team or player.
- A fun desk toy: A mini hand-shaped desk toy or figurine can serve as a reminder of the holiday all year long.
- Inspirational books: Gift a book about positivity, teamwork, or self-help to inspire someone to keep celebrating life’s wins.
How to Celebrate High Five Day
Here are some fun and interactive ways to celebrate High Five Day on April 18th:
- Give out as many high fives as possible: Whether you’re at work, school, or out and about, spread the joy by high-fiving everyone you meet!
- Host a high five contest: Gather friends or coworkers and challenge each other to see who can give the most high fives in a certain amount of time.
- Create a "high five wall": Set up a board or poster where people can leave handprints, notes of encouragement, or drawings of their high fives.
- Share high fives on social media: Post photos or videos of your best high fives with the hashtag #HighFiveDay to join the celebration online.
- Teach kids about teamwork: Use the high five as a fun way to teach children about encouragement, teamwork, and celebrating victories.
- Watch sports highlights: Relive iconic high five moments from sports history and get inspired to create your own.
- Donate to a good cause: High Five Day often partners with charitable organizations, so consider donating to or volunteering for a cause that spreads positivity.
Interesting Information About High Fives
- There’s a National High Five Project: Founded alongside High Five Day, the project raises money for charitable causes by organizing high five-related events.
- It’s part of body language: High fives are a universal gesture that transcends language barriers, making them a powerful form of nonverbal communication.
- High fives in space: Astronauts have been known to exchange high fives in zero gravity, proving they’re as fun on Earth as they are in space.
- There’s a psychology behind it: A high five triggers the release of oxytocin, known as the "feel-good" hormone, which strengthens social bonds and boosts happiness.
- They’re not just for humans: Some animals, like dogs and cats, can be trained to give high fives—an adorable twist on the classic gesture!
Why High Five Day Matters
High Five Day is more than just a silly holiday—it’s a reminder of the power of connection, positivity, and shared celebration. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, a simple high five is a universal gesture of support, encouragement, and joy.
This holiday encourages us to take a moment to celebrate life’s little wins, connect with others, and spread happiness in a way that’s easy, fun, and contagious. Plus, in the age of digital communication, High Five Day reminds us of the value of physical, in-person interactions.
So, this April 18th, get out there and give some high fives! Whether you’re celebrating with friends, coworkers, or strangers, let the power of this simple gesture bring a smile to your face and theirs.
What’s your favorite high five moment? Share your story in the comments below and spread the High Five Day love! 🙌🎉
