Marriage is a hugely important institution in many parts of the world and symbolizes the formalization of a relationship between a loving couple. Marriage Day celebrates everything about marriage and is a great day to propose to your partner, or to get hitched!
World Marriage Day (WMD) honors husband and wife as the foundation of the family – the basic unit of society. It salutes the beauty of their faithfulness, sacrifice, and joy in daily married life.
The idea of celebrating marriage began in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1981, when couples encouraged the mayor, the governor, and the Bishop to proclaim St. Valentines Day as “We Believe in Marriage Day.” The event was so successful, the idea was presented to and adopted by Worldwide Marriage Encounter’s National Leadership.
By 1982, 43 governors officially proclaimed the day, and celebrations spread to U.S. military bases in several foreign countries. In 1983, the name was changed to “World Marriage Day,” designated to be celebrated each year on the second Sunday in February. In 1993, his Holiness, Pope John Paul II, imparted his Apostolic Blessings on World Marriage Day (WMD). WMD celebrations continue to grow and spread to more countries and faith expressions every year.
