National Aunt and Uncle Day
National Aunts and Uncles Day is observed every July 26. Our aunts and uncles are unique parts of our family; they can be like a second set of parents, or great friends you happen to be related to. Often, they’ve watched us grow up, and are full of stories about things we did in our youth we might not even remember. July is a great month for a cookout, or outdoor activities. Call up your aunts and uncles and ask them to come out and celebrate their special place in your life.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL AUNT AND UNCLE DAY
It’s unclear exactly when National Aunts and Uncles Day was started, but it’s safe to say people have been celebrating their parent’s siblings for a long time. The word aunt is derived from the French word for the same familial relation, tante. Uncle is also derived from a french word — oncle. Both of these words start even further back in history, stemming from the Latin words amita and avunculus respectively.
Aunts and uncles have different roles in many human societies. For example, in the Ashanti tribe of Ghana, aunts and uncles are given free reign to discipline and raise their siblings’ children. They’re essentially a second set of parents, who you real parents trust the most because, well, they were raised together. In many Polynesian cultures, anyone older than you may be addressed as aunt or uncle as a term of respect and endearment. Aunts and uncles also occupy a place of importance in modern pop culture, with many famous examples across television, literature, and film. Often, these characters, such as Uncle Phil from The Fresh Prince, act as parental figures for their niece, nephews, and their own children, signifying their position as wise and trusted members of the family.
NATIONAL AUNT AND UNCLE DAY ACTIVITIES
1.Spend some quality time with your aunts and uncles
This might seem obvious, but what better way is there to celebrate your extended family than by spending time with them?
2.Go through a photo album with them
Dust off an old photo album and fip through it with your aunts and uncles. Find pictures of them — and your parents — as kids, and have them tell you the stories that go with them.
3.Make a family tree
Your aunts and uncles might have better insight into your family history than you; after all, they’ve been around longer. Asking them to help you flesh out a family tree will be fun, and educational.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL AUNT AND UNCLE DAY
A. It reminds us to spend time with our family
Today’s world is busy and distracted. It’s easy to forget to check in with family if you don’t see them every day — so make a point of getting in touch to celebrate this holiday!
B. It makes memories that will last forever
Taking the time to have a great day with your family is never something you’ll regret. Use today to have great times that you’ll always remember.
C. You can learn about yourself and your family
Aunts and uncles are full of stories and family history. By spending the day with them, you’ll probably learn some new and fun information about your family
References:
“National Aunt and Uncle Day” │ https://nationaltoday.com/national-aunt-and-uncle-day/