National High Five Day

National High Five Day History

National High Five Day (NH5D) is dedicated to promoting positivity, friendly interaction, and camaraderie. It uses the universal gesture of a "high five" to encourage connection and goodwill between people. The observance holds great significance as it fosters a sense of belonging, spreads joy and fun amongst participants while emphasizing the simplicity of expressing unity, success, or affirmation through a physical gesture.

NH5D traces its origins back to the University of Virginia in 2002, when a group of students decided to create a holiday dedicated to this affirmative gesture. As it quickly gained momentum, it began to resonate with Americans nationwide, highlighting the cultural relevance of high fives. In America, the high five is often symbolic of achievement, partnership, or shared excitement, making NH5D a perfect fusion of American culture and positivity.

Celebration of National High Five Day in America typically involves individuals and communities proactively giving high fives throughout the day. Activities are often organized at schools, workplaces, and public spaces to encourage broad participation. These events uphold the spirit of the observance, spreading positivity, and reinforcing unity. NH5D is typically celebrated on the third Thursday of April each year.

Facts about National High Five Day

• The first documented instance of a high five was in 1977 at the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros game. Rookie outfielder Glenn Burke of the Los Angeles Dodgers lifted his arm high above his head and slapped palms with his teammate Dusty Baker to celebrate a milestone home run. Baker’s home run in the 6th inning certified the Dodgers as the first team in history to have four hitters with at least 30 home runs each in a single season.
• According to a study by the Institute of Biological, Environmental, and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University in Wales, fist bumps and high fives greatly reduce the spread of germs compared to handshakes. Germs were spread 20 times less for fist bumps and 10 times less for high fives.
• There are several variations of the high five. Some of these include the self high five, the two-handed high five, the air five, and the back end high five which involves an additional step following a normal high five.

In the News and Trending in the US for National High Five Day

Top things to do in the US for National High Five Day

• Learn about the origins of the high five. LA Dodgers rookie outfielder Glenn Burke was documented in 1977 raising his arm high above his head to slap palms with Dustry Baker after he hit a homerun.
• Watch a collection of videos celebrating high five day. The high five is versatile in that it can be used during funny moments or momentous ones.
• Spread virtual high fives! Covid-19 is still impacting many people around the world. You can check on others and let them know you're thinking about them with a virtual high five.