International Peace & Love Day is celebrated on July 7 to spread positive energy across the world. Peace and love don’t cost a thing, but their power goes far beyond anything words can capture. Different cultures have their concepts of peace. The philosophy of ‘Ubuntu’ among the Zulu in Africa teaches that humanity is linked. To the Japanese, ‘Heiwa’ means “aligning oneself to the common good.” The spirit of ‘Shalom’ among Hebrews translates to “unity and prosperity, with a sense of wholeness arising from justice.” Most cultures seem to agree that the world needs more love and peace.
International Peace & Love Day was introduced by the Beatles’ drummer Richard Starkey — better known by his stage name Ringo Starr — whose birthday falls on July 7. Starr’s ‘Peace and Love’ birthday initiative, which was launched in 2008, inspired the idea for International Peace and Love Day. Starr was 68 at the time, and after a journalist asked him what he’d like for his birthday, he responded with “peace and love.” Every year since then, Starr has encouraged people worldwide to spread peace and love. Fans could talk about it, post it on social media with the hashtag #PeaceAndLove, or simply, think about it.
Aside from making the rallying call, Starr began the tradition of meeting with friends and fans at the Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago, handing out cupcakes and joining the crowd in saying, “peace and love,” at noon. In 2019, more than 30 ‘Peace and Love’ events were celebrated worldwide, and Starr’s 800-pound ‘Peace and Love’ statue was exhibited in Beverly Hills, California. Mayor John Mirisch unveiled the eight-foot-tall work of art on Santa Monica Boulevard in front of City Hall.
In 2020, Starr moved the celebrations online, inviting musicians to perform at ‘Ringo’s Big Birthday Show,’ which he hosted. Dave Grohl, Paul McCartney, and Sheryl Crow were some of the performers. Through the International Space Station, NASA astronauts sent birthday wishes and a message of peace and love to the world.
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