Share a smile with a stranger and brighten their day ... like we just did right now! π»
We know the day originated from the iconic smiley face created in the early 1960s by Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts USA. It was established to remind people of the power of kindness and to encourage acts of goodwill by bringing smiles to othersβ faces. World SMILE Day is celebrated on the 1st Friday in October.
In 1963, Harvey Ball was commissioned by the State Mutual Life Assurance Company to create a simple, eye-catching image to boost the morale of the companyβs employees. Ball created the iconic yellow smiley face with two dots for eyes and a broad, curved line for a mouth. The design was intentionally uncomplicated, and it quickly gained popularity as a symbol of happiness and positivity.
The smiley face became a cultural phenomenon in the 1960s, representing the counterculture movementβs embrace of peace and happiness. It was featured on buttons, posters, and various merchandise, becoming an iconic symbol of the era.
Later in 1999, Harvey Ball, concerned that the original meaning of the smiley face was being lost amid commercialization, declared the first Friday in October as World SMILE Day. He wanted to dedicate one day each year to focus on acts of kindness and spreading smiles to make the world a better place.
The primary purpose of World SMILE Day is to encourage people to perform acts of kindness and make others smile. Harvey believed that a simple smile could positively impact the world, and this day serves as a reminder of the power of kindness and positivity.
World SMILE Day is celebrated worldwide, with people participating in various activities to bring smiles to others. This can include acts of charity, sharing jokes, giving compliments, and performing random acts of kindness.
Harvey Ball continued to champion World SMILE Day until his passing in 2001. Today, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation, established after his death, continues to promote his message and supports various charitable causes.
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