World Gratitude Day
World ObservancesWhat Is World Gratitude Day
September 21 is "World Gratitude Day," a day observed around the world that traces back to a 1965 Thanksgiving-style gathering held at a United Nations-affiliated facility in Hawaii.
Born from a Gathering of Thanks in Hawaii
In 1965, meditation teacher Sri Chinmoy proposed the idea of sharing gratitude at a Thanksgiving gathering held at a UN-affiliated facility in Hawaii. Those who took part promised that, after returning to their home countries, they would hold a gathering of gratitude every year on September 21 — and that promise became the origin of World Gratitude Day.
- Origin: Proposed in 1965 by meditation teacher Sri Chinmoy at a Thanksgiving gathering held at a UN-affiliated facility in Hawaii
- How it spread: Participants who returned to their home countries pledged to hold an annual gathering of thanks 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?