May 24 is National Brother’s Day, so call your brother and tell him you love him, even though he’ll say you‘re weird afterwards. When you were younger, you argued over LEGOs or whose turn it was to sit in the front seat. Yet in some strange way, those childhood squabbles served to make you closer over the years.
History of National Brother's Day
The word brother stems from the Latin root frater and the Proto-Germanic word brother, which itself comes from the Proto-IndoEuropean root bhrater. Regardless of origin, both in words and in blood, our bothers have our backs over and over again. They’re our closest friend, and sometimes, the most annoying people we know. But we love them anyway. Even some of the most famous people in history had brothers to lean on and be annoyed by.
1. Henry and William James
Henry James was one of America’s most acclaimed novelists in the late 1800s and early 1900s, penning books such as “The Portrait of a Lady” and “The Turn of the Screw.” His older brother, William James, was a renowned American philosopher and considered by many to be the father of psychology.
2. The Bee Gees
Famous pop group, the Bee Gees, was made up of brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb. They have sold more than 120 million records worldwide making them one of the world’s best selling artists of all time. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 and were presented the award by Brian Wilson, the frontman of another famous family act, The Beach Boys.
3. The Sullivan Brothers
Following the loss of their friend in Pearl Harbor, George, Francis, Joseph, Madison, and Albert Sullivan enlisted in the US Navy. All five were serving on the USS Juneau during World War II when it sunk in a 1942 naval battle. When three uniformed men called upon their parent’s house, their father — bracing for the bad news — asked “Which one,” to which the lieutenant commander replied “I’m sorry. All five.” Because of them, the US War Department established the Sole Survivor Policy to protect those who lost family members in military service from combat duty.
National Brother's Day timeline
- 1964
A band of brothers
The Jackson 5, composed of brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael Jackson, formed in Gary, Indiana.
- 1933
Hollywood Brothers
The Marx Brothers debut "Duck Soup," their most famous Hollywood film
- December 17, 1903
Brothers in Flight
The Wright Brothers make the first successful flight
- 1812
Fairytale Siblings
The Brothers Grimm publish Grimm's Fairy Tales
National Brother's Day FAQs
Is today National Brothers Day?
If today is May 24, then you’re in luck, because it’s National Brothers Day! Wow, what excellent timing!
Which day is Brothers Day in 2020?
In 2020, Brothers Day lands on a Sunday. The perfect day to take your brother out after work for some beers and laughs!
Is Brothers Day celebrated in India?
Though India does not celebrate a Brothers Day, they do celebrate the Hindu Holiday Raksha Bandhan, which acknowledges the bond between brothers and sisters, much like our National Brothers and Sisters Day on May 2!
National Brothers Day Stats
14% decrease in obesity
Apparently living in the same home with our siblings keeps our weight in check. Studies found risks of obesity drops by 14% for every additional sibling in a household. Perhaps this is because siblings tend to keep each other physically active, especially brothers who like to be competitive with each other and make any type of situation some form of a race.
2% lower divorce rate
For every sibling someone has, their odds of divorce falls by 2% according to a study. More siblings can mean more experience dealing with other people, which creates an advantage when it comes to negotiating the ups and downs of marriage.
50% of genes
Full siblings are considered first degree relatives and, on average, share 50% of their genes. Half-siblings are genetically second degree relatives and share about 25% overlap in their genetic variation. However, whether you share the same two parents, one parent, or no parents, your sibling is your sibling and genetics don’t affect how much they add to your life.
National Brother's Day Activities
Indulge in your favorite bonding ritual
Beer? Ballgames? Barbecue? Brunch? Whatever you guys like to do, today’s the day to do it together. Even if it just means grabbing a bite to eat, take time out to bond with your brother.
Tell him what he means to you
This doesn’t have to be as touchy-feely as all that, but it ought to be a bit more meaningful than slurring “I love you, man!” after a couple of Jameson shots. Just let him know that you appreciate all he’s done for you, or that you really dig hanging out with him.
Buy him a little something
Unlike Mother’s Day, when it’s basically de-rigeur to spring for flowers, perfume, or a brunch buffet, there are no guidelines when it comes to buying your brother a treat. How about a funny t-shirt you saw online, a book he’d enjoy, or movie tickets? If he’s a whiskey aficionado, get him that special bottle he wouldn’t buy for himself. Who knows, maybe he’ll share.
Why We Love National Brother's Day
Brothers understand you like no one else
There aren’t many people who can communicate volumes with one raised eyebrow or a kick under the dinner table, but brothers can. Over the years, you forged a bond built on long, boring car trips, Mom’s lame puns, and fighting over the last serving of Dad’s famous 4th of July potato salad.
Brothers have your back
Forget scorned women — hell hath no fury like a protective brother. From schoolyard spats to a family fracas to a barroom brawl, your brother will be there for you. Unless, of course, you’re the one fighting with him. Stay on his good side, though, and you two can take on the world.
Brothers are in it for a lifetime
Robert Frost famously said, “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in,” and that extends to wherever your brother’s home is. You’ve fought over girls and you’ve gone without speaking and you’ve maybe said some choice words about one another, but at the end of the proverbial day, he ain’t heavy. He’s your brother.
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