National Cousins Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Cousins Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Cousins Day is celebrated on July 24th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Cousins Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you might want to know about National Cousins Day.

📅 What day is National Cousins Day 2024?

In 2024, National Cousins Day is on Monday, July 24th. It is the 4th Monday in July; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the cool details and facts about July 24, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

National Cousins Day is observed on July 24 each year and is a great opportunity to express love and appreciation for our cousins. Cousins are the people who made family get-togethers enjoyable, even if they were sometimes a bit awkward, when we were growing up. They could be our closest companions or occasional foes. Regardless of whether they are close or distant relatives, friends or rivals, those of us who are lucky enough to have cousins should take this day to celebrate and honor them.

📜 National Cousins Day History

Throughout American history, families have gathered for reunions as they ventured westward in search of fame, wealth, and land. As generations passed, the responsibility of maintaining family connections fell upon cousins. Even in families where formal reunions no longer occur, cousins often reach out to each other later in life, rediscovering their shared experiences and familial bonds. For those who grew up as close friends or even like siblings, setting aside a specific day to keep in touch may not be necessary. However, for those with smaller families or a tendency for their cousins to wander off, marking National Cousins Day on the calendar becomes a way to justify reaching out and reconnecting with childhood cousins. Regardless of the circumstances, reuniting with a family member after years of being separated, perhaps even relegated to the kids’ table during past gatherings, is always a meaningful and sentimental experience. It provides an opportunity to see how life has unfolded, the families that have been formed, the careers pursued, and the changes in appearance over time.

✅ National Cousins Day Facts

🔖 All in the family
Like anyone else, celebrities can also have talents that run in their families. It’s fascinating to discover famous cousins in the entertainment industry, such as singers Whitney Houston and Dionne Warwick, as well as Snoop Dogg. Another example includes actress Sissy Spacek and actor Rip Torn, who happen to be first cousins. And an interesting and unexpected pair is actress Lauren Bacall and Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, who are also first cousins.

🔖 Maybe not all in the family
Marriage between second cousins is permitted in all fifty states, while the majority of states do not allow marriage between first cousins.

🔖 Six degrees of separation
AncestryDNA states that the average person in Britain has over 193,000 relatives who are still alive and are at least sixth cousins. Although the exact number of living cousins for an average American is uncertain, this information raises the question of how many of us may have unintentionally dated one of our own cousins.

👍 Why Is National Cousins Day Important

Today is a good day to make peace with alienated family members, starting with our cousins.
Sometimes all it takes to mend things is a friendly handshake. National Cousins Day is a reason to phone, email, or utilize social media to find long-lost cousins. Making an attempt, regardless of the outcome, is what counts.

Our relatives were among our initial best buddies. We’d see them at family gatherings, talk with them, and sneak extra food behind our parents’ backs.

The old adage, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” is true.
Telling our favorite relatives how much we respect and value them gives us great feelings that come back to us. Everyone wants to feel unique.

🙂 How To Observe National Cousins Day

⚡ Send your DNA off to be tested

⚡ Binge-watch cousin-themed reruns
Today is a perfect day to look back and remember those strange and entertaining cousin relationships we used to see on TV and in movies when we were young. Remember when they would air the same shows again during the summer? Well, now we can easily access most of those classic films and TV sitcoms whenever we want, thanks to digital platforms. Some of our all-time favorite movies about cousins include The Parent Trap with Hayley Mills and My Cousin Vinny from 1961. And who could forget The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? It premiered in 1992 and starred Joe Pesci, Ralph Macchio, and Marisa Tomei. Will Smith took the lead role from 1990 to 1996.

⚡ Host a digital National Cousins Day reunion
If your cousins live far away, whether it’s in another part of the country or even in a different country altogether, consider using digital tools to plan a live reunion. You can use communication technologies on social media networks or opt for a webinar service to bring everyone together.

📅 When is National Cousins Day?

Explore all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Relationship and other 🔗 Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National Cousins Day. So be sure to check back soon.