Big Sister Day (Ane no Hi)

What Is Big Sister Day?

December 6th is "Big Sister Day" (Ane no Hi). It was established by manga artist Kunio Hatada based on the results of his research into birth order theory — the study of the relationship between birth order and personality/behavior. December 6th is also said to be related to the death anniversary of St. Nicholas (regarded as the patron saint of younger siblings, with December 6th tied to another saint associated with an "older sister" image). Together with "Big Brother Day" (June 6th), "Little Sister Day" (September 6th), and "Little Brother Day" (March 6th), it forms part of a series of sibling-themed anniversaries.

The Role and Psychological Traits of "Big Sisters"

According to birth order research, eldest daughters (big sisters) tend to have a strong sense of responsibility and be caring toward others. On the other hand, it's also pointed out that they may feel pressure to "be the responsible one" and tend to accumulate stress.

"Big Sisters" in Fiction

• Anime and manga: Big-sister characters play important roles in many works, such as "My Little Sister Can't Be This Cute" and "Haruhi Suzumiya"
• Movies: Elsa from "Frozen," Lin from "Spirited Away" (an older-sister-like figure), and more
• Literature: Meg and Jo from "Little Women," the four sisters of "The Makioka Sisters," and others

Things to Do on Big Sister Day

• Express your everyday gratitude to your big sister in words or in a letter
• Give her a gift she'd be happy with (cosmetics, sweets, an experience gift)
• Enjoy a meal or a movie together

Today's the day to say the "thank you" to your big sister that you don't usually get to say.