It’s International Happiness day

It’s a Day to be happy, so go ahead and smile.

International Day of Happiness is celebrated on 20 March every year. The purpose of this day is to know the value of happiness in one’s life and create awareness around it. The General Assembly of the United Nations passed a resolution on 12 July 2012 and proclaimed 20 March the International Day of Happiness. Happiness is a fundamental human goal. The United Nations General Assembly recognizes this goal and calls for a ‘more inclusive equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.’

As an interculturalist, I am curious about the relationship between happiness and culture. Culture shapes individuals’ values and beliefs, influencing their perception of happiness. For example, cultures prioritising community and family may find happiness in close relationships and social connections. In contrast, cultures that emphasize individual achievement may find happiness in personal accomplishments and success. Culture often dictates the level of social support available to individuals. Strong social support networks, characteristic of some cultures, can contribute to happiness by providing a sense of belonging, security, and emotional support during challenging times. Culture offers frameworks for understanding the meaning and purpose of life. Cultural practices, rituals, and traditions offer opportunities for individuals to find meaning in their existence, contributing to a sense of fulfilment and happiness.

Overall, culture shapes individuals’ understanding of happiness by influencing their values, social relationships, sense of identity, and opportunities for fulfilment. Understanding the cultural context is essential for comprehending the factors contributing to happiness within different societies.

When I wrote about the importance of cultural practices, rituals and traditions in relation to happiness, it reminded me of an incident I had with a trailing spouse. After coaching, she asked me if I could join her in smoking shisha. I had never done that before. She pulled this brand new pink shisha from a package and exclaimed, ‘I have not had shisha since I arrived in Germany, and I have been waiting to use my new shisha. I am so happy that you will do this with me. So, we went into her garden, and as I smoked frozen raspberry-flavoured tobacco with my client from Dubai, I smiled and thought, ‘This is what it is all about.’

https://worldhappiness.report/about/