Here's Why We Celebrate National Sibling Day

Grab your brother or sister (or both) and give them a big hug today, because April 10 is National Sibling Day. What is National Sibling Day, you may be asking? While not a federally recognized holiday, today is the perfect time to celebrate the people you share countless childhood memories with (and the only ones who truly understand just how crazy your family is). There are many ways to pay homage to this special relationship, whether with a sweet quote written in a card or an adult-friendly boozy brunch. But how you choose to ring in the holiday isn't necessarily important. What matters the most is that you take the time to give a little shout-out to your sibling and the unique bond you share, no matter how big or small the gesture.

And who knows? This could be a fun new tradition for you and your sibling to partake in for years to come. After all, there is no better excuse to ditch your usual errands and spend some much needed quality time with your sister or brother than National Sibling Day. Before you kick off the festivities though, here's what you need to know about the holiday and how it got its start.

1. It was created by Claudia Evart

Evart, a native New Yorker, was inspired to create the Siblings Day Foundation (SDF) in honor of the memory of her brother and sister, who both died at early ages. The foundation works toward officially establishing National Sibling Day, which is celebrated annually on April 10, the birthday of Evart's late sister, Lisette.

2. It's recognized in most states

Though National Sibling Day is not a federal holiday (something the SDF is looking to change), it's widely recognized at the state level. Since 1998, 85 governors have officially issued proclamations to recognize Siblings Day across 49 states.

3. It was introduced to Congress in 2005

Carolyn Maloney, the U.S. Representative for New York's 12th congressional district, officially saluted the holiday and introduced it into the official Congressional Record of the United States Congress in September 2005.

4. It's spread overseas

The holiday is also celebrated internationally, with people as far as India and Australia also ringing in the family-themed festivities.

5. There are many ways to celebrate

Like Mother's Day and Father's Day, there's no one right way to mark National Sibling Day. But in recent years, many people have observed the holiday by posting pictures of their siblings on social media — a practice that has also helped to an increase in awareness of the holiday.

Images: NBC; Giphy (3)