October 1st: World Smile Day :)

 

As is well known by now throughout the world Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts created the smiley face in 1963. That image went on to become the most recognizable symbol of good will and good cheer on the planet.

As the years passed Harvey Ball became concerned about the over-commercialization of his symbol, and how its original meaning and intent had become lost in the constant repetition of the marketplace.  Out of that concern came his idea for World Smile Day®. 

He thought that we, all of us, should devote one day each year to smiles and kind acts throughout the world.  The smiley face knows no politics, no geography and no religion.  Harvey’s idea was that for at least one day each year, neither should we.  He declared that the first Friday in October each year would henceforth be World Smile Day®. Ever since that first World Smile Day® held in 1999, it has continued every year in Smiley's hometown of Worcester, MA and around the world.

 After Harvey died in 2001, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation was created to honor his name and memory.  The Foundation continues as the official sponsor of World Smile Day® each year.

Events Around the World :) 

People, schools, businesses and organizations around the world have also celebrated World Smile Day® in fun and creative ways that have included attempts to break the record for largest human smiley faces, delivering meals and smiley treats to needy, smile events in hospitals, making videos, and so much more.  In fact we are not even aware of all the ways WSD has been celebrated around the world but do receive emails and photos which we share on facebook.