Every year on July 24, families across the United States celebrate National Cousins Day, a special occasion honoring the unique bond between cousins. Whether they were our childhood playmates, confidants, or even rivals at times, cousins hold a special place in our lives and family histories. This day reminds us to cherish these connections and perhaps reach out to cousins we’ve lost touch with over the years.
The History and Significance of National Cousins Day
The exact origins of National Cousins Day are unclear, but the celebration itself underscores the enduring importance of extended family ties. For generations, yearly family reunions have helped American families maintain connections as they spread out across the country in search of new opportunities and adventures. Cousins often led the charge in organizing these gatherings and keeping far-flung relations in touch.
Even in an age when many families no longer hold large reunions, cousins continue to serve as vital links to our roots and shared history. Whether they were our first best friends or the relatives we only saw at holidays, cousins are part of the tapestry of our upbringing. National Cousins Day encourages us to reflect on these relationships and, if need be, make an effort to reconnect with cousins who were once near and dear to us.
Fascinating Facts About Cousin Relationships
- A 2019 study by Ancestry.com found that the average person has 193,000 living cousins (up to 6th cousins).
- Talent and fame often run in the family – celebrity cousins include Whitney Houston and Dionne Warwick, Snoop Dogg and Brandy, and even Lauren Bacall and Shimon Peres.
- While first cousin marriage is restricted in many U.S. states, marrying a second cousin is legal across the country.
- When two siblings from one family marry two siblings from another family, their children are considered “double first cousins” and share about 25% of their DNA.
Ideas for Celebrating National Cousins Day
There are many creative ways to honor your cousins on this special day, even if you’re separated by geography:
Plan a Virtual Reunion
Gather your cousins for a digital get-together using a platform like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. Share favorite memories, catch up on each other’s lives, and maybe plan a future in-person celebration.
Create a Family Tree or Website
Work with your cousins to map out your family tree or build a family history website. Compile photos, stories, and research into your shared ancestors.
Start a Cousins Club
Establish a regular tradition of cousin get-togethers, whether in-person or online. Choose books to read together, places to visit (when possible), or recipes to try from your family’s cultural heritage.
Share the Love on Social Media
Post favorite photos of you and your cousins, tag them, and share a heartfelt message about what your relationship means to you. Encourage them to do the same and make it a family affair!
However you choose to celebrate, National Cousins Day is a wonderful opportunity to nurture some of the most precious relationships in our lives. By honoring our cousins, we’re really celebrating the love, laughter, and sense of belonging that family provides. So here’s to our cousins – may we never take them for granted and always make time to cherish these one-of-a-kind bonds.