World Gratitude Day

What Is World Gratitude Day

September 21 is "World Gratitude Day," a day observed around the world that is said to trace back to an idea born at a Thanksgiving dinner in 1965.

Born from a Thanksgiving Dinner

The story usually told is that at a Thanksgiving dinner in 1965, the idea of a worldwide day of gratitude was proposed, and the participants pledged to hold a gathering of thanks in their own countries every year on September 21. Meditation teacher Sri Chinmoy, who led meditation gatherings at UN headquarters, and his circle are said to have helped spread the day. However, accounts differ on where the dinner took place (Hawaii or the UN's meditation room) and on who first proposed the idea.

• Origin: Said to have been born at a Thanksgiving dinner in 1965 (accounts differ on the location and the person who proposed it)
• How it spread: Participants reportedly pledged to hold an annual gathering of thanks in their own countries every September 21, spreading the observance worldwide
• Theme: Sharing gratitude for the people and things around us, across national and cultural boundaries

A Simple Habit of Saying "Thank You"

World Gratitude Day has no fixed rituals or set way of celebrating. At its heart, it's simply about turning a moment of "thank you" toward the things in everyday life we too often take for granted.

Ways to Mark the Day

• Tell a family member, friend, or colleague that you're grateful for them
• Think back on the people who have supported you over the years
• Write down a few things you're thankful for
• Learn about how gratitude observances are marked in different cultures around the world

Gratitude Quietly Connects the World

World Gratitude Day reminds us how meaningful it is to share thanks across borders and cultures. This September 21, why not put your gratitude for the people and things closest to you into words?