Family Reunion Month is in July and we are excited to get the reunion get-together going. Family is described as a relationship with a person or people related to you by blood or by law. This can include your grandparents, parents, siblings, cousins, uncles, and aunts. It can also include husband, wife, and the relationships created under the court of law. Family reunions mean people coming together to spend time and share experiences. It could be meeting for food or barbeque sessions. The reunion can also include board games, bonfires, and sleepovers. In today’s day and age, a family reunion acts as a good rejuvenation exercise as many are caught up in hectic lifestyles where, in many cases, they rarely get to spend time with family.
History of National Family Reunion Month
While we do not know when the first Family Reunion Month was celebrated, we do know that it is a month of great merriment and pleasure. Family, as a concept, is defined as people sharing a common ancestry, either through blood or through law. Because of the increase in globalization and people moving to different countries or continents for the sake of a livelihood or better living conditions, families have become separated. This separation can last for months or years on end. Such long periods can cause yearning as well as people missing out on important occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or graduation ceremonies. Family reunions help unite families and catch up. Reunions usually take place during public holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Eid.
In the olden days, family reunions were not as common as they are today. Traveling was harder as not many options were available. Moreover, it would take much longer to reach your destination. At the same time, families tended to live nearer to each other, either in the same neighborhood or in the same city. When we talk about family reunions, we are also reminded of The Great Migration of African Americans during 1915 and 1970. Black people were moving from rural south to urban north. This also meant many families being separated and new families being made. A study showed that African Americans attend more family gatherings than any other ethnic group. These large family reunions consist of extended family members, friends, neighbors, and church-goers. Just like any other family reunion, the African American family reunions also have a host of activities that people participate in to have fun and bond together. Activities can include story-telling, graduation celebrations, food preparations, and sports.
National Family Reunion Month timeline
After the Great Depression, more African Americans migrate to the North for a better lifestyle.
After the Great Depression, more African Americans migrate to the North for a better lifestyle.
With better socio-economic status, more and more people use airlines to travel to their loved ones for the holidays.
Families in different parts of the globe are forced to stay away from family due to the coronavirus pandemic.
National Family Reunion Month FAQs
When is National Family Reunion Month?
The National Family Reunion Month takes place in July every year.
When did family reunions start?
While it is unclear when exactly family reunions started, the Great Migration of 1915 to 1970 is credited with increasing family reunions. Many families were separated during the said period, so they would reunite in large gatherings for the sake of kinship and bonding.
What is the meaning of a family reunion?
A family reunion’s purpose is to reignite familial bonding and love. Such reunions allow everyone to wind down and enjoy amongst their near and dear ones. People play board games, do barbeque, and just generally enjoy each other’s company.
How To Celebrate Family Reunion Month
Plan ahead for the reunion
Make a list of the plans you would like to do for the reunion. This listing can include traveling, family members’ names, activities, and food. You can also get others in on the action to make it more fun and to make sure that you do not miss out on any important information.
Watch old family videos
Dig into your storeroom or attic to take out those old family recordings. Reminisce together to fully get into the spirit of family reunions.
Connect with your family
You can connect with your family either through calls or through story-telling. The internet has made it extremely easy to call up loved ones. You can also sit down for a story-telling session with your family members.
5 Facts About The Nuclear Family That Will Blow Your Mind
Stability and consistency in a nuclear family
Nuclear families with a married couple tend to have more stability and consistency than people who are simply living together.
Safer socio-economic opportunities
Nuclear families can provide family members with more socio-economic opportunities.
Better overall health
Children born in nuclear families tend to have better mental, physical, and emotional well-being as they are the focus of the parents.
Easy burnouts for mothers
Mothers in nuclear families burn out easily because of the number of responsibilities related to children and the number of chores.
Conflict resolution skills take a hit
Nuclear families have fewer arguments within the household and more differences with extended family members.
Why We Love Family Reunion Month
It’s a celebration of family
When the going gets tough, the family has your back. They are there to support and guide you along. They are also present in happy times to cheer you on. This kind of kinship allows life to become more enjoyable.
It’s a celebration of ancestry
Our ancestors have gone through hardships just so we can enjoy the life we have today. It is always interesting to sit down and listen to their stories of survival. Each time, you can take away lessons from them as well as get to know them a little better.
It’s a celebration of bonding
Who says family has to be blood? Family also includes those people who came into your life and never left. This bond can be extra special because you became family by choice instead of fate.
National Family Reunion Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | July 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | July 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 1 | Saturday |
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