Today is an interesting day for more than one reason. It’s not only the 221st day of the year but it also features some interesting observances and celebrations.
Things like:
National Book Lovers Day
National Hand Holding Day
International Day of the Worlds Indigenous People
Nagasaki Memorial Day
National Rice Pudding Day
National Peacekeepers Day in Canada
My late Dads birthday
One of the national days I find intriguing is National Hand Holding Day so I did a bit of research. Unfortunately its origins are unknown but the act of holding hands is quite common among most cultures. It’s a sign of love, friendship and solidarity. It’s not practiced only by those in love, but also by platonic friends, family and strangers in different situations.
I think holding hands is comforting. I remember holding hands with my parents. One of the many fond memories in particular from my childhood was walking between my parents and holding their hands. Sometimes they’d both swing at the same time lifting me off my feet. This could happen anywhere … along a sidewalk, walking through a store, walking on a pathway … it was random and so much fun.
And some sadder memories come to mind as well. I remember sitting beside my mom at my dads funeral giving and getting comfort holding her hand. And sadly I remember sitting by my moms bed when she was hospitalized holding her hand and giving her much needed comfort. I suppose I was comforting myself as well because inside I knew it would be one of the last times holding her hand.
I also have some wonderfully happy memories holding hands with my husband during different stages of our lives. Sometimes it was for love, sometimes for comfort, sometimes for solidarity and sometimes just because we could.
So to celebrate this day be sure to hold someone’s hand in either love, friendship or solidarity. I think you’ll not only feel comforted but you’ll feel happy as well.
Until the next time.
What a lovely touching piece…remembering your father’s birthday and how loving a couple your parents were…I know you were the apple of their eyes…hand holding is such a lovely way to express feelings …happiness,sadness ,love and support …your words touched my heart ! ❤️
Such a simple gesture but sooo very comforting. I hadn't thought of it, so thanks for getting me to think about it a bit more in depth!