World Humanist Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Humanism

World Humanist Day is annually observed on June 21. The 21st of June, also known as the June solstice, is the day humanists organise conferences, celebrations, and gatherings to promote their values. On World Humanist Day, humanists raise awareness and dispel misunderstandings about humanism as a worldview and means to inspire positive change. Historians have traced the origins of humanism to Italian scholars in the early years of the Renaissance period. As early humanists believed that education could cultivate cultural consciousness and ethical values, it was initially a literary movement. Humanism evolved into a way of life that is primarily concerned with how humans relate to the world, prioritises human welfare and pleasure, and adheres to ethical principles.

The background of World Humanist Day

According to the “Encyclopaedia Britannica,” the original name for humanism was ‘humanitas,’ which signified the complete development of all forms of human virtue. Humanism is fundamentally secular and democratic. It emphasises the importance of humanity and promotes rational thought over religious dogma. Humanism can be traced back to Italy in the late 14th century, at the height of the Renaissance. At its inception, humanism was predominantly concerned with literary and linguistic knowledge, as well as the revival of classical learning methods.

The movement spread to other parts of Europe in the middle of the 15th century, and by the 16th century, it had become an enormous intellectual movement. In the mid-nineteenth century, German historian Georg Voigt coined the phrase ‘humanism as an approach to living’ to describe a human-centered philosophy. World Humanist Day originated in the United States in the 1980s, when local chapters of the American Humanist Association (A.H.A.) joined forces. Following a discussion about the precise date of this annual celebration, the date was determined. A.H.A. subsequently adopted a resolution designating June 21 as World Humanist Day in the early 1990s, and Humanists International did the same.

Since then, the event has evolved into a global platform for humanists and other organisations to promote and publicise humanist values. Humanists around the world organise and attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to commemorate the day. Since June 21 is the summer equinox, World Humanist Day is also celebrated with outdoor activities such as parties, picnics, and gatherings. The primary purpose of World Humanist Day ceremonies is to promote humanism, educate the public, and increase public awareness of the humanist movement. Humanists in various nations adopt a variety of themes and host a variety of commemorative events, but the purpose remains the same.

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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HUMANISM

There are approximately five million self-proclaimed humanists in the world.

In 1965, the ‘Happy Human’ by Dennis Barrington was designated as the international symbol of humanism.

Scotland, Northern Ireland, Jersey, and the Republic of Ireland all legally recognise humanist marriages.

Despite not being legally recognised, humanist weddings have increased by over 250% in the past 15 years, according to recent statistics.

While feminism seeks greater opportunities and justice for women, humanism focuses on science, critical thinking, freedom, and responsibility for all humans.

WORLD HUMANIST DAY DATES