International Day of Happiness

This morning, I learnt from Leyla Torres from Origami Spirit that today, March 20th, is the first International Day of Happiness, initiated by the United Nations.

My initial emotion to the International Day of Happiness was bafflement. I pondered briefly, why do we need a specific day for happiness? I don’t need people to remind me of eating, drinking, or sleeping, but why do I need to be reminded of happiness?

I then followed Leyla’s link to read the official document of International Day of Happiness. According to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the UN,

Two statements from the document strike a chord with me:

“Conscious that the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal.”

“Recognising the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world.”

Since last year, I’ve been involved in promoting Traidcraft in my local community. We are aware that Traidcraft fights poverty through trade, helping people in developing countries to transform their lives.

When lives are transformed, people gain true happiness.

I would like to reflect my thought on happiness and my work with Traidcraft today with something that I’ve made recently.

I made these simple yet beautiful origami garlands. The first paper garland is that of 6 crosses (or you may call it ‘kisses’). The second one is made with 3 stripes of papers, and it’s called, affectionately, Hugs and Kisses!

I learnt how to make these simple and elegant garlands from Leyla Torres from Origami Spirit.