What is National High Five Day?

National High Five Day is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of April in the United States and several other countries, dedicated to the simple but powerful gesture of the high five. This day encourages people to share high fives as a way to spread positivity, celebrate achievements, and foster a sense of community.

The high five is often associated with sports, teamwork, and encouragement, but on this day, it becomes a symbol of joy and connection for people in all walks of life.

History and origin

The exact origin of the high five is debated, but one of the most famous stories traces it back to October 2, 1977. During a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros, Dodgers outfielder Dusty Baker hit a home run. As he returned to home plate, teammate Glenn Burke greeted him with an upraised hand, and Baker instinctively slapped it, marking one of the earliest recorded high fives.

Another claim links the gesture to the 1978–1979 Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team, where players Wiley Brown and Derek Smith exchanged the high five during practice. Regardless of its true origins, the gesture quickly spread and became a universal sign of celebration and encouragement.

National High Five Day was founded in 2002 by a group of students at the University of Virginia. They set up a booth on campus, offering high fives and lemonade to passersby. The event gained traction, and today, people worldwide participate in the celebration, sometimes using it as an opportunity to raise funds for charitable causes.

Who participates?

• Individuals: People of all ages share high fives with friends, family, and even strangers to spread positivity.
• Organizations: Businesses and nonprofits organize events or campaigns to celebrate the day and engage with their communities.
• Schools and universities: Educational institutions host activities to promote camaraderie among students and staff.
• Sports teams: Athletes and fans incorporate high fives into games and matches as a sign of encouragement and team spirit.

Slogans and themes

National High Five Day is all about positivity, connection, and fun. Common slogans include:

• “High Fives All Around!” – Encouraging everyone to participate in spreading joy.
• “Spread the Joy, One High Five at a Time” – Emphasizing the power of small gestures.
• “Give a High Five, Get a Smile” – Highlighting the positive impact of human interaction.

Colors, symbols, and patterns

Colors

• Yellow: Represents happiness, energy, and excitement.
• Blue: Symbolizes trust and unity, reflecting the communal aspect of the celebration.
• Green: Denotes growth and harmony, echoing the positive connections fostered by high fives.

Symbols

• Handprint: A visual representation of the high five gesture.
• Upraised hands: Depicting readiness to share a high five.
• Smiling faces: Emphasizing the joy and positivity associated with the gesture.

Patterns

• Radiating lines: Symbolizing the spread of positive energy from each high five.
• Interlocking hands: Representing connection and unity among participants.
• Repeating handprints: Creating a lively pattern that showcases the day’s central theme.

Most used hashtags

• #NationalHighFiveDay
• #HighFiveDay
• #SpreadTheHighFive
• #HighFiveForCharity
• #GiveMeFive

How to celebrate

• Share high fives: Exchange high fives throughout the day with friends, colleagues, and even strangers to spread positivity.
• Organize a high-five-a-thon: Participate in or create an event where people give as many high fives as possible to raise awareness or funds for charity.
• Social media engagement: Post photos or videos of your high five moments using the official hashtags.
• Teach kids about the high five: Schools can incorporate fun activities to teach children about sportsmanship, encouragement, and positivity.
• Virtual high fives: If meeting in person isn’t possible, send digital high fives through messages, video calls, or GIFs.

Why is National High Five Day important?

National High Five Day highlights the importance of small but meaningful gestures in building connections. A simple high five can boost morale, encourage teamwork, and spread positivity. The celebration also serves as a way to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and shared joy.

Additionally, many participants use the occasion to support charitable causes, demonstrating how even a lighthearted tradition can have a meaningful impact. Whether in person or online, giving a high five is a universal way to share encouragement and happiness.