Every year on the first Friday of October, World Smile Day is observed. Harvey Ball, an artist, established World Smile Day in 1999. The goal of observing Smile Day was to dedicate one day a year to smiles and kind acts.

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History

In 1963, Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts, invented the smiley face. The image became the world’s most recognisable symbol of goodwill and good cheer. As time passed, Harvey Ball became concerned about the over-commercialization of his symbol (the smiley face) and the loss of its original meaning and intent. This sparked the concept of World Smile Day. Every year on the first Friday of October, Harvey Ball declares World Smile Day. He intended for one day each year to be dedicated to smiles and kind acts all over the world. The first World Smile Day took place in 1999.

Significance

The idea behind the day is to encourage people to be kind and make others happy. It also aims to recognise smiles’ non-political and cultural boundaries. People all over the world celebrate World Smile Day in various ways. One of these is the throwing of a ball, which has been going on since the year 2000. The Worcester Historical Society hosts the event, which includes a variety of events and displays related to the day.

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Theme

Every year, the theme of World Smile Day remains the same:’Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile’.

According to the Henry Ford Foundation, smiling can help a person’s body release various chemicals in their systems, in addition to improving their mood. Endorphins and cortisol are two examples. It also helps to lower blood pressure, increase endurance, reduce pain and stress, and strengthen the immune system.

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According to studies, people who smile are more likeable and appear to be more competent. They can also be more efficient at work.

When people smile, their brain activates a feature that allows them to synchronise with others, according to researchers.