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World Smile Day
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2016/10 - October
Contrary to popular belief, Forrest Gump did not invent the Smiley Face.
Harvey Ball, a commercial artist in Worcester, Massachusetts designed it in 1963. Now we see it emblazoned on everything from tee shirts to advertising displays to greeting cards to emoticons.
Ball meant for the icon to be a reminder to smile and be kind to each other. Smiley had no political, religious, or geographical boundaries. It didn’t even have a gender. Smiley was a gift to everyone. But sadly, over-repetition stripped the image of its initial meaning.
Even so, Ball thought that one day a year the entire world should unite in a smile. He picked the first Friday in October to henceforth and forevermore be the day we pause for a group grin, documenting humankind’s solidarity. After all, smiling is a universal language. And, who better than our champion, Smiley, to lead us in a beaming salute.
In 1999 World Smile Day was born. It’s been celebrated every year since in Ball’s hometown of Worcester and around the world.
Ball lived only two years into this annual observance. So in 2001 the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation was created to commemorate his life. It’s remained the official sponsor of World Smile Day ever since.
Join the celebration October 2. Do an act of kindness. Help at least one person smile. You’ll be honoring Harvey Ball, the man who lit up the whole world’s face.
