Global Love Day (GLD) is an annual celebration of humanity which is celebrated in countries and communities around the world each May 1. The Love Foundation, the nonprofit organization whose mission it is to “Inspire people to love unconditionally” presents the international event as a symbolic day of unconditional love. Global Love Day’s main theme, “Love begins with me,” has been the focus since its inception.
Contents
The six tenets of Global Love Day are:
We are one humanity on this planet.
All life is interconnected and interdependent.
All share in the Universal bond of love.
Love begins with self acceptance and forgiveness.
With respect and compassion we embrace diversity.
Together we make a difference through love.
History
The name and concept of Global Love Day was pioneered by Harold W. Becker in 2003 and first launched for May 1, 2004. The annual event was created as a way to celebrate our humanity and unity through unconditional love. In his opening letter, Becker stated, “There is nothing we have to ultimately do, rather we need only allow ourselves to feel and be love. It is that simple. Global Love Day is merely our way of saying let's remember love is ours to be and to share every moment of our lives.”
Events
Since 2004, Global Love Day events have taken place yearly all across the world. Individuals, groups and organizations are encouraged to create and host gatherings and celebrations according to their unique inspiration and inclusive of other cultures and social considerations. According to The Love Foundation, there have been over 150 country connections made in response to Global Love Day. Some of the more notable celebrations that have attracted large attendance have taken place in Cameroon, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Liberia, India, Pakistan, Uganda, Nepal, Sierra Leon, Guatemala, Spain, Korea, Kenya, and all across the United States of America.
Proclamations
To date, over 500 proclamations have been received by governors, mayors and councils from around the United States of America and Canada, recognizing May 1 as Global Love Day.
Second Life
In recent years, Global Love Day has additionally been celebrated in the virtual world of Second Life. Since 2010, the virtual event is held in a specially created sim and includes a full day of dancing, meditating and other activities. In 2011, it was reported that over 800 avatars from around the world attended Global Love Day in Second Life.
2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 GLOBAL LOVE DAY has been celebrated Second Live with in song and dance. People (Avatars) gather from around the world to CELEBRATE that which is within all of us... LOVE.Emoto Water Crystal
In 2007, Masaru Emoto offered the laboratory image of the Global Love Day water crystal. The crystal shows the effects of global love and gratitude for life.
Art, Essay & Poetry Invitational
In honor of Global Love Day, The Love Foundation also hosts an annual Art, Essay and Poetry Invitational where people of all ages can share their creative expression of global love. Submissions reflect the universal understanding of love, unity, tolerance, compassion and represent the idea of Global Love Day along with its theme “Love begins with me.”