National Good Samaritan Day

National Good Samaritan Day is an American holiday celebrating good selfless acts. It is based on the parable of the Good Samaritan. It is annually on March 13.

History

It is believed that a tragic story of a girl named Catherine Susan Genovese contributed to the establishment of this day. She was murdered in New York on March 13, 1964. The residents of the building where the tragedy took place witnessed the girl’s torment, but no one wanted to come to her aid. If things had worked out differently, Catherine would still be alive.

As stated earlier, the purpose of the holiday is explained by one of the biblical parables Jesus told his disciples. In the story, a man of Jewish descent was robbed, beaten, and left on the road to die. A Jew passed by who, despite his nationality, did not help his fellow countryman. Next came a priest, but his intolerance for Jews took over, despite his status, he would not help the wounded man. For the third time, a Samaritan passed by. The Jewish and Samaritan peoples had long been at enmity, but that did not stop him from helping someone in trouble.

Thus, National Good Samaritan Day is aimed at helping other people, renouncing personal beliefs and prejudices. All people are equal, so you can’t leave another person in trouble if you can help them.

Interesting facts

• Pictures were painted based on the parable. For example, the painting “Good Samaritan” by the Italian artist Jacopo Bassano, was created in 1592.
• Psychologists say that kind and unselfish acts contribute to the production of “Dopamine” – the hormone of happiness, which relieves stress and improves mood.

How to celebrate

Channel your energies on National Good Samaritan Day to help others. It could be random passersby or your friends/relatives. Volunteer for the day or give financial support to charities.

Spread the word on social media. Ask other users if they often help people unselfishly.

When is National Good Samaritan Day in 2025?

National Good Samaritan Day is observed on March 13 each year.

Observations