National Sisters Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of August — this year it falls on August 2. Nothing can quite compare to the bond that sisters have and this is a day to treasure the closeness that forms as you grow up together, sharing your secrets, your dreams, and all the fun times. Sisters have a deep connection that grows throughout childhood and remains strong throughout life. National Sisters Day is a chance for you to spend some quality time with your sister and to cherish the connection that you have.
History of National Sisters Day
Whilst the origins of National Sisters Day is unknown, we can trace the English word for sister back to the Old Norse word “systir”, which derives from the Proto–Germanic “swester.” In some societies, the term “sister” has broadened in its colloquial meaning to include women who share a close friendship. However, whether the relationship is formed by blood or friendship, sisters have been kicking butt and taking names since the beginning of time. Let’s take a moment to celebrate some great and memorable sisters from throughout history.
In 39 CE, the Trung sisters, Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, led the first Vietnamese independence movement by successfully rebelling against their Chinese dictators and establishing their own matriarchal independent state. They were raised learning martial arts and studying the art of warfare and went on to create a large army of rebels who were mostly women.
The Grimke sisters, Angelina and Sarah, were 19th century women’s rights activists and abolitionists, which is extremely impressive considering their own father was a wealthy slave owner in their hometown of Charleston. The ladies rejected their luxurious lifestyle, moved north, became Quakers, and gave lectures about their experiences witnessing the brutalities of slavery.
The Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne are known for their novels and achievements in literature. Between them, their body of work includes classics such as Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. The sisters are said to be particularly close due to the deaths of their mother and two elder sisters, as well as being raised in relative isolation.
Patricia, Minerva, and Antonia Mirabal, also known as Las Mariposas, are national heroines in the Dominican Republic for their opposition to dictator Rafael Trujillo. The three young women became symbols of both popular and feminist resistance during the 20th century.
Serena and Venus Williams are arguably the most famous sisters in the world right now. They will both go down in history as being among the greatest tennis players of all time. They have also paved the way for many other African American and Hispanic players in a once very exclusive and homogenous sport. As well as winning over 100 singles titles between them, they have won 22 titles when playing doubles together, including 14 grand slam titles and three Olympic gold medals.
These are just some of the badass sisters throughout history. Make sure you cherish your sister or sisters on National Sisters Day.
National Sisters Day timeline
- 1993
The immortal Delanys
Annie Elizabeth Delany was the second black female dentist in New York State and would give free dental exams to children in between looking after the teeth of famous civil rights leaders and authors. Sarah Delany was the first black woman to teach home economics in a New York City school. The sisters were daughters of a slave, and in 1993 they released a book titled Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years. They lived until they were 109 and 104 years old.
- 1940s
Fearless and fierce
16 year old Stefania and six year old Helena Podgorska hid 13 Jews in the attic of their house in Poland during World War II, even though they lived right next door to an SS officer.
- 1857
New York Presbyterian
Emily and Elizabeth Blackwell (two of the first American women to receive their medical degree) founded the first hospital for women and children in the US.
- 39 C.E
A matriarchal take over
The Trung sisters lead the Vietnamese revolution to break away from China and establish their own independent state
National Sisters Day Traditions
As this day is all about cherishing the bond that sisters have, the most important tradition is to spend some quality time with your sister or sisters. Do something that you have always enjoyed doing together, whether it is going for lunch, a coffee or to catch a movie, spend some quality time with each other and enjoy each other’s company.
It is also a good opportunity for you to bring out the old family photos and reminisce about your childhood together.
National Sisters Day FAQs
Is it sister's or sisters?
When referring to the noun in the singular possessive, use sister’s. To refer to the plural, sisters is used.
How can I be a good sister?
To be a loving sister means to be someone your siblings can rely on, a good example for them to follow, and a provider of unconditional love.
Is sister a proper noun?
Other than referring to a nun, the word “sister” is a common noun and is lowercased unless it comes at the beginning of the sentence.
5 Famous Sisters In Pop Culture
Jessica and Ashlee Simpson
These sisters have both launched music careers as well as being at the center of separate popular reality TV shows.
Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen
The Olsen twins have had hugely successful careers as actors and fashion designers.
Khloe, Kim, and Kourtney Kardashian
Originally known from the TV show Keeping Up With The Kardashians, these sisters are all hugely influential in modern-day popular culture.
Beyoncé and Solange Knowles
These sisters have both built successful and respected music careers.
Paris and Nicky Hilton
These sisters are socialites with a large influence on the fashion industry.
National Sisters Day Activities
Reach out
If you can't spend time with your sister in person, taking the time to call or send a card is the best gift you can give her. She'll love you just for making the effort!
Be a good listener
Attentive listening is important through good times and bad. Empathy and attention can go a long way from one sister to another.
Go on an adventure
Try something new together. What better way to bond with your sister than to push some boundaries?
Why We Love National Sisters Day
It's a time to fix any misunderstandings
Arguments happen, but don't let them dictate your relationship. Take the day to reach out, fix any unresolved conflict, and strengthen your bond.
No sister? No problem
While it may seem like National Sisters Day is only for people who have biological sisters, your best friend can be just as close. Let her know how much you appreciate and love her with a sister's night out!
Cherish the memories
Life is busy, so use National Sisters Day as an opportunity to go through your old photos (and videos) and remember the good times.
Also on Fri Aug 2, 2024...
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