National High Five Day

National High Five Day is a high-energy observance that is observed on the third Thursday of April. This lighthearted holiday celebrates the simple yet powerful hand gesture used worldwide to express congratulations, camaraderie, and joy. It serves as a universal invitation for people to bridge social gaps and spread positivity through a quick, percussive palm-to-palm greeting. Whether in a sports arena, a corporate office, or on a busy city sidewalk, the high five acts as a momentary bond that instantly lifts spirits and reinforces a sense of shared success. The day encourages everyone to leave their comfort zones and offer a “high five” to friends, coworkers, and even friendly strangers to foster a more connected and cheerful community.

Read also about National Hug a Newsperson Day, Share a Smile Day, National Inspiring Joy Day

History of National High Five Day

The holiday was established in 2002 at the University of Virginia by students Conor Lastowka, Sam Miotke, and Wynn Walent. On a whim, the group spent the entire day on the campus quad giving out high fives to anyone who passed by, finding that the simple act was incredibly effective at making people smile. The event was so successful that they decided to formalize the date, and within a few years, it evolved from a local campus tradition into a national social phenomenon. In the years following its inception, the founders utilized the day’s popularity to raise funds for various charitable causes, such as CoachArt, an organization that provides arts and athletics opportunities to children with chronic illnesses.

While the holiday is relatively new, the gesture it celebrates has a storied and often debated history. Many sports historians credit the first “official” high five to Los Angeles Dodgers outfielders Glenn Burke and Dusty Baker, who spontaneously slapped hands during a game in 1977 after Baker hit a home run. Others point to the 1978–1979 Louisville Cardinals basketball team as the innovators of the move on the court. Regardless of who started it, the high five evolved from the “low five” or “slapping skin” gesture popular in 1920s jazz culture. National High Five Day now honors this transition, turning a once-niche athletic celebration into a daily tool for human connection.

Why is National High Five Day important?

The high five is more than just a physical action; it is a psychological tool that promotes bonding and teamwork. Research into the impact of physical touch in sports has found that teams whose members frequently high-five or fist-bump tend to perform better and show more trust in one another. This “tactile communication” releases oxytocin, a hormone that reduces stress and increases feelings of security and cooperation. By designating a day for this gesture, the holiday encourages people to utilize a simple, non-verbal way to build rapport and validate the efforts of those around them.

In a modern society that often feels digitally isolated, National High Five Day provides a rare opportunity for genuine, real-world interaction. The act of reaching up and making contact requires a level of eye contact and physical presence that digital messaging cannot replicate. It serves as a reminder that positive reinforcement and social acknowledgment are essential for mental well-being and community health. For businesses and schools, the day is a low-cost, high-impact way to improve morale and create an environment where small victories are recognized and celebrated by everyone.

• High fives are a universal language of success recognized in almost every culture.
• The gesture creates an immediate physiological boost by reducing cortisol levels.
• It is a quick and effective way to show support without needing many words.
• The holiday helps break down social barriers in professional and public spaces.
• Celebrating small wins through high fives leads to better long-term group dynamics.

How to Celebrate National High Five Day

The most direct way to celebrate is to simply high-five everyone you encounter throughout the day, from your morning barista to your late-night gym partner. To ensure a “perfect” high five, a popular tip is to keep your eye on the other person’s elbow, which helps the hands meet squarely without missing. Many offices celebrate by holding “High-Five-A-Thons” to raise money for local charities, asking employees to donate a small amount for every high five exchanged. It is a day to be unapologetically enthusiastic and to use the gesture as a way to say “good job” or “I’m glad you’re here” to everyone in your circle.

Creative celebrations often involve learning the various styles of the gesture, such as the “Double High Five” (the High Ten), the “Air Five” for those at a distance, or the “Windmill.” Some schools organize community walks where students line the halls to give high fives to one another as they head to class. Sharing photos or videos of particularly elaborate or meaningful high fives on social media using the holiday’s hashtag helps spread the energy to those who might be celebrating virtually. Ultimately, the goal is to make the day as loud and percussive as possible, leaving everyone with a literal and figurative sting of positivity on their palms.

• High-five your coworkers as you pass them in the hall or enter meetings.
• Aim for the elbow during the slap to ensure perfect hand-to-hand contact.
• Share a “digital high five” on social media with a friend living far away.
• Host a contest to see who can come up with the most creative high-five style.
• Donate to a youth sports charity to celebrate the gesture’s athletic roots.

National High Five Day Dates Table