National Siblings Day

National Siblings Day - Thursday, April 10, 2025

Relationship Family

Our siblings are our family, and they are a huge part of our lives – that’s why we celebrate them on National Siblings Day every April 10! Siblings are our best friends and sometimes our worst enemies. Our siblings encourage us to be our best, embarrass us, and be our biggest motivators and competitors. It’s now growing into a nationwide day of both remembrance and celebration. Three U.S. presidents have recognized the event — most recently, President Obama in 2016. The “Siblings Day Foundation”, sponsors of this day, gained non-profit status in 1999. They are working on establishing a United Nations resolution for an International Siblings Day.

History of National Siblings Day

Hindu peoples celebrate Raksha Bandhan to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters. In Raksha Bandhan, Hindu women tie a band around their brother’s wrists, symbolizing that the sister will protect them. The brothers give a gift in return, both agreeing to protect and care for each other. The festival has ancient origins but is still popular to this day — it is the earliest known celebration of siblings!

Claudia Evart created the US holiday in 1995 after losing her brother and sister at a very early age. She realized what an important role siblings have in our lives, so she created the holiday to honor the memory of her siblings. For the holiday, Claudia chose April 10 — her late sister Lisette’s birthday. Mother’s Day has been around since 1907, and Father’s Day has been around since 1910. This makes almost 100 years without a day honoring our siblings!

Claudia founded the “Siblings Day Foundation” which continues to spread the mission of honoring our siblings. The foundation is working to make the holiday federally recognized in the United states, and are working on establishing an International Siblings Day through the United Nations. Since 1998, 49 states have issued gubernatorial proclamations to observe this day on April 10; three US presidents have recognized the holiday.

Sibling love is global — Australia, India, and Spain are only a few of the countries that celebrate Siblings Day. In Europe, National Siblings Day is celebrated as Brothers and Sisters Day on May 31. The President of the Republic of Portugal has even recognized Siblings Day as a holiday!

National Siblings Day timeline

2016

Presidential Recognition

President Obama recognizes National Siblings Day.

1997

Can’t Stop a Non-Profit

Claudia Evart created the non-profit “Siblings Day Foundation” in honor of her late brother and sister.

1903

Siblings Make History

The Wright Brothers made the first successful airplane.

400 B.C.

The First Celebration of Siblings

Hindus begin celebrating Raksha Bandhan in reverence of their brothers and sisters.

National Siblings Day FAQs

Is National Siblings Day a real holiday?

You might not get the day off of work, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t celebrate! We should always express our appreciation for our siblings but having a day to remind us certainly doesn’t hurt. Give your sibling some love!

Can we still celebrate if we’re step-siblings?

Of course! National Siblings Day is a fantastic opportunity to show any sibling some love — step-sibling, half-sibling, or full-sibling. They are a huge part of your life and let’s be honest — do we really need an excuse to tell somebody that we appreciate them?

What is the best way to celebrate National Siblings Day?

Anything that you and your siblings will enjoy. Post some memories of your siblings, go through old photos together, cook them their favorite dish, do an activity that you both love, or just spend time with them!

5 FACTS ABOUT SIBLINGS THAT WILL SURPRISE YOU

  1. Older is wiser

    Firstborns tend to have an academic advantage over their younger siblings. So unfair, right? But…

  2. Younger is funnier

    According to a recent Harvard study, younger siblings have a better sense of humor than their older siblings.ds

  3. Dating gets easier

    Studies have shown having a sibling of the opposite sex makes you more attractive to the opposite sex when dating. Score!

  4. If you’re younger, you might be shorter

    A study of British families found that in families with multiple children, the younger children tend to be about an inch shorter on average.

  5. Birds of a feather

    Birth order matters! If you’re a middle child, you’re more likely to marry a middle child; if you’re the oldest, you’re likely to marry an oldest child.

National Siblings Day Activities

  1. Post a childhood shot on social media

    Remember that time you cut their hair while they were sleeping? Shouldn't everyone see it? Sharing childhood photos and memories will absolutely bring a smile to their face — and who knows, they may post some of their own memories!

  2. Send your sibling a handwritten note

    Give your sibling that warm and fuzzy feeling! A heartfelt text can make their day, but seeing the effort that you put into a handwritten note can really make them smile. Plus, who doesn’t love opening a thoughtful, hand-picked card?

  3. Share a top 10 list

    Write down a list of the top 10 things you love about your siblings or great memories you’ve experienced with them. Share it with your sibling or on social media and give them a shout-out. It’ll delight you as you’re writing it and it will certainly remind your sibling of just how special your relationship is.

Why We Love National Siblings Day

  1. They just know you

    Your siblings grew up with you and have seen you at your worst and at your best. They were there when you decided to cut your own hair… and when they had to help you fix it. Your siblings were by your side when your crush rejected you. Your brothers and sisters understand you — and they love you no matter what.

  2. Words of wisdom

    If you’re a younger sibling, you look to your older sibling to show you the ways of the world. Sure, mom and dad teach you things, but there’s nothing like the wisdom our siblings impart upon us. They teach you the secret sibling knowledge that parents just can’t.

  3. You have so much in common

    DNA is cool! The same genetic material that went into making you went into making your siblings. Sometimes, you might feel like your sibling is from another planet, but you share about 50% of the same genetic makeup.

Also on Thu Apr 10, 2025...

Good Friday
Apr 10
Sibling Day
Apr 10