National Brother’s Day
May 24 is National Brother’s Day, so call your brother and tell him you love him, even though he’ll say you‘re weird afterward. When you were younger, you argued over LEGOs or whose turn it was to sit in the front seat. Yet in some strange way, those childhood squabbles served to make you closer over the years.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL BROTHER’S DAY
“Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero.”– Marc Brown, author and illustrator of children’s books.
The word ‘brother’ stems from the Latin root ‘frater’ and the Proto-Germanic word ‘brothar,’ which itself comes from the Proto-Indo-European root ‘bhrater.’ Regardless of origin, both in words and blood, our brothers have our backs over and over again. They’re our closest friends and, sometimes, the most annoying people we know. But we love them anyway. Even some of the most famous people in history had brothers to lean on and be annoyed by.
Brother’s Day has been celebrated on May 24 since the year 2005. Although the exact details of the holiday are unknown, it was Alabama-based C. Daniel Rhodes who had first organized the holiday and its proceedings. In some regions, National Brother’s Day is an unofficial holiday. It is not to be confused with National Siblings Day, which takes place in April. You are lucky if you are blessed with having a strong unbreakable bond with your brother. Fortunately, there are other people who can sometimes fill the void of a brother in our lives and serve as one to us, like a cousin, brother-in-law, or friend. Everyone should have that one brotherly person in their lives whom they can count on for some sincere advice or who can get them out of a pickle. For all their quirks and annoyances, a brother is sometimes your best secret keeper and will never expose you or leave you behind. Feel free to go all out on this day with the mushy stuff in expressing your affection for your brother and his importance in your life.
Brotherhood is also very strong among men. Whether it is a blood relation or not, men take their ‘bro code’ VERY seriously. There isn’t much that can ever come between a strong brotherhood in the long term. This theme has inspired countless movies, books, paintings, plays, and TV series like the aptly named “Band of Brothers.” History has many distinguished brother duos and groups. Stories told by the Brothers Grimm are famous to this day, and advancement in flying and aeronautics wouldn’t have been possible without the Wright brothers putting their minds together.
National Brothers Day is mostly observed in the United States, but many other countries around the world also acknowledge the day. Australia, Russia, Asian countries like India, and European countries like France and Germany all celebrate brothers on May 24.
“When brothers agree, no fortress is so strong as their common life.” – Antisthenes, Greek philosopher and star pupil of Socrates.
NATIONAL BROTHER’S DAY ACTIVITIES
1.Indulge in your favorite bonding ritual
Beer? Ballgames? Barbecue? Brunch? Whatever you guys like to do, today’s the day to do it together. Even if it just means grabbing a bite to eat, take time out to bond with your brother.
2.Tell him what he means to you
This doesn’t have to be as touchy-feely as all that, but it ought to be a bit more meaningful than slurring “I love you, man!” after a couple of Jameson shots. Just let him know that you appreciate all he’s done for you, or that you really dig hanging out with him.
3.Buy him a little something
Unlike Mother’s Day, when it’s basically de-rigeur to spring for flowers, perfume, or a brunch buffet, there are no guidelines when it comes to buying your brother a treat. How about a funny t-shirt you saw online, a book he’d enjoy, or movie tickets? If he’s a whiskey aficionado, get him that special bottle he wouldn’t buy for himself. Who knows, maybe he’ll share.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL BROTHER’S DAY
A.Brothers understand you like no one else
There aren’t many people who can communicate volumes with one raised eyebrow or a kick under the dinner table, but brothers can. Over the years, you forged a bond built on long, boring car trips, Mom’s lame puns, and fighting over the last serving of Dad’s famous 4th of July potato salad.
B.Brothers have your back
Forget scorned women — hell hath no fury like a protective brother. From schoolyard spats to a family fracas to a barroom brawl, your brother will be there for you. Unless, of course, you’re the one fighting with him. Stay on his good side, though, and you two can take on the world.
C.Brothers are in it for a lifetime
Robert Frost famously said, “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in,” and that extends to wherever your brother’s home is. You’ve fought over girls and you’ve gone without speaking and you’ve maybe said some choice words about one another, but at the end of the proverbial day, he ain’t heavy. He’s your brother.
References:
“National Brother’s Day” │ https://nationaltoday.com/national-brothers-day/