National Brothers and Sisters Day
Take a moment to appreciate the bond you have with your siblings. Whether you're close or have your ups and downs, they're a part of your family and life's journey.
While most kids with siblings have probably, at one time or another, wished that they were an only child, as they become adults many people learn to appreciate their brothers and sisters. And celebrating the relationship between the kids in a family brings National Brothers and Sisters Day right to the forefront!
History of National Brothers and Sisters Day
Dating back as far as human history, brothers and sisters have probably always had somewhat of a push-and-pull relationship. They often start out as best friends when they are small but they can also have a tendency to despise each others’ existence during those middle school and teen years.
Some time around adulthood, though, brothers and sisters often come back around to find an acceptance of and an appreciation (or even love!) for one another. And showing this appreciation is what National Brothers and Sisters Day is all about!
Although the concept is similar to National Siblings Day, this is National Brothers and Sisters Day that offers its own unique opportunity for brothers and sisters to enjoy and show appreciation for the special bond that they have.
Whether getting inspired by Hollywood brother and sister duos such as Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal or Jussie and Jurnee Smollett, National Brothers and Sisters day is the perfect time to pay attention to all of the brothers and sisters whose sibling relationships make the world a better place.
And for those who have brothers and sisters? Well this is a great day to show them how much they are loved – whether by sending them a card or giving them a noogie!
How to Celebrate National Brothers and Sisters Day
Join in on the celebration of National Brothers and Sisters Day by taking part with some of these ideas:
Spend Time with Your Brothers or Sisters
One of the best things to do on National Brothers and Sisters Day is to spend a little time with those brothers or sisters. If it’s possible and they live nearby, try going out together for a cup of coffee, dinner or a movie together with your brothers or sisters. It can be a fun time to reminisce about fond memories from growing up or tell silly stories and jokes that date back many years.
For those who don’t live near their siblings, this is still a good day to show appreciation and tell them how much they are loved. Send a card or a gift. Catch them on a video call or send a text message. Take a walk down memory lane by sharing old photos.
Whatever you do, let them know it’s National Brothers and Sisters Day, but they are certainly loved all the year through!
Learn About Some Famous Brothers and Sisters
Some siblings are super famous while others may have taken more of a background role. Consider some of these interesting sets of brothers and sisters who had a large influence on the world:
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Wolfgang and Maria Mozart
Most everyone has heard of the Austrian composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who only lived to be thirty-five but composed more than 600 musical works in his short life! However, what many people don’t realize is that Wolfgang had a sister, Maria, five years his senior, who was a huge influence on her younger brother’s work.
In fact, Maria was a musical prodigy herself, touring throughout Europe playing the harpsichord. She had to stop performing when she turned 18, but Maria continued to compose music and even did some writing with her brother.
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Emily and Austin Dickinson
American poet, Emily Dickinson, has been influencing and delighting readers of literature for well over 100 years. But many people are less aware that Emily’s slightly older brother (by only 1 ½ years) was an attorney and an important figure in Amherst College in Massachusetts. In fact, Austin and Emily were very close and even lived next door to each other for some time.
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Orville, Wilbur and Katharine Wright
The fame of the Wright Brothers is undisputed, as they have been credited for being the first to successfully fly a motor-operated airplane. But fewer people are aware of the role that their younger sister, Katharine, played in their success. When Orville was injured in an airplane crash, it was Katharine who left her teaching job to nurse him back to health and she was also an important part of running the family company.
Watch a Show About Brothers and Sisters
One fun way to participate in National Brothers and Sisters Day might be to watch a movie or show, or even read a book that portrays interesting relationships between brothers and sisters. Those who live near each other might want to commit to watching a movie or a show with their siblings as an entertaining activity that can bring the bond together. Try out one of these shows that features brothers and sisters:
- This is Us. This six-season show features the past and current lives of three siblings, a set of twins as well as a brother who was adopted as an infant at the same time. Airing from 2016 to 2022, this show has a popular cast including Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia and Chrissy Metz.
- Party of Five. A classic teen and family drama from the early 1990s, Party of Five ran from 1994 to 2000, telling the story of five kids who lose their parents in a car accident. The show stars Matthew Fox (from Lost), Scott Wolf and Neve Campbell.
- Brothers and Sisters. Perfectly titled for this particular occasion, this drama about adult siblings ran from 2006 to 2011 and featured big names like Sally Field (who won an Emmy and a SAG award for her role) and Calista Flockhart.
- Arrested Development. Those who are looking for more of an offbeat comedy might be interested in the strange antics that occur around the dysfunctional Bluth brothers and sisters, as well as their parents. With an all-star cast including Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi and Will Arnett, this comedy ran from 2003-2006 and had two more seasons in 2013 and 2019.
National Brothers and Sisters Day FAQs
How many seasons of Brothers and Sisters were there?
The American family drama Brothers and Sisters had five seasons airing from 2006-2011.[1]
Are brothers and sisters DNA the same?
On average, siblings share approximately 50% of the same DNA.[2]
Can brothers and sisters be identical twins?
Twins of the opposite sex are considered fraternal twins because they come from two separate eggs.[3]
How many brothers and sisters did Jesus have?
At least four brothers of Jesus are named in the Bible. His sisters were unnamed, but they were referred to as “sisters” so he had at least two.[4]
Are brothers and sisters siblings?
Yes, the definition of sibling is the non-gender name for either brothers or sisters.[5]
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