National Aunt and Uncle’s Day: Why it is celebrated in the United States

The United States celebrates its National Aunt and Uncle’s Day on 26 July each year, and social media is rife with posts where people have declared their unwavering love for their parents’ siblings. Although it is difficult to pinpoint any clear origin of the day, what is clear is that it does hold a special place in the hearts of many Americans.

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South Carolina Senator Tim Scott has also joined in the celebrations, posting a couple of pictures with his uncle, Ben Scott, and reminiscing about a time when the two of them were enjoying an NBA match together:

Living it my way

Sometimes one’s favourite uncle might not be a direct relative. It might just be a legend of American cinema and music. In the same vein, Deana Martin, daughter of famed American singer-actor Dean Martin, has also shared a picture with her icon father and his legendary friend, Frank Sinatra:

Iconic fictional aunts and uncles

Throughout the history of movies and television, we have witnessed certain fictional aunts and uncles who went on to become pop culture icons. Uncle Phil and Aunt Viv from the show ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ is still etched on fans’ memories. And who can forget Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben, a man who advised Peter Parker, “with great power comes great responsibility”, a lesson that would become the friendly neighbourhood hero’s motto in the days to come?

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July 26 marks some other special days

Apart from National Aunt and Uncle’s Day, July 26th is also celebrated in the United States as Disability Independence Day, National All or Nothing Day, Coffee Milkshake Day, and National Bagelfest Day.

All around the world

Liberia and the Maldives celebrate July 26 as their Independence Days, while Cuba marks it as Day of the National Rebellion. India celebrates July 26 as Kargil Vijay Diwas, the day it won the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistan.