Singles' Day - November 11, 2024

What is Singles’ Day?

Single Day, alternatively known as Bachelor Day, is celebrated on November 11 by many individuals all over the globe, especially in China. 

The Chinese created Singles' Day, so those who aren't in committed relationships might have a reason to rejoice in their single status. It is also the biggest online sale day.

Singles’ Day All Quick Overview

• Time / Date: November 11, annually
• Category: Relationship
• Where It's Marked: China
• Why It's Marked: Singles’ Day is an opportunity for those who aren't in relationships to rejoice in their single status. 

The History Of Singles’ Day

It all started at Nanjing University in China in 1993. A group of friends proposed the idea of holding an event opposing Valentine's Day.

According to one version of the story, on November 11, 2004, four male students living in the Mingcaowuzhu dorm at Nanjing University were tired of the same old routine of being single. They decided to celebrate with a party and enjoy the moment. The idea was fun for both males and females because not all girls have boyfriends! 

Afterward, the celebration became a trend. Participation in group activities has grown so widespread among campus students and other educational institutions that more and more people have joined in the celebration. 

Since then, the day commemorates that you can be single yet happy!

Singles’ Day and Online Shopping 

Four single male students attending Nanjing University in China were the ones who came up with the idea for Singles' Day. On the other hand, Jack Ma, CEO of Alibaba, transformed it into a holiday dedicated to shopping.

It's been said that entrepreneurs can turn any feeling into a profit. But while the singles had begun the day intending to celebrate their status as such, Jack Ma saw enormous business potential.

In 2009, he established Singles' Day online sales and discounts, which has since become the most lucrative shopping day in the world. When Singles’ Day became the most significant day of internet sales ever, the world finally understood its goal.

During Singles' Day, the most significant shopping holiday in the world, Alibaba received a record number of orders equivalent to $84.54 billion. That is a gain of 8.45% compared to the shopping extravaganza held the previous year, the event's lowest growth rate ever recorded.

How to Celebrate Singles’ Day

Singles' Day is dedicated to celebrating the thousands of benefits of being single. 

When your days as a single person are finally over, you may suddenly realize that there are many things you will miss. The freedom, the alone time, hanging out with friends, and many more. So, enjoy the day in such a manner that you won't regret it afterwards!

1. Do What You Love to Do

Celebrate the day by doing what you love but do not normally do. 

Start the day off with breakfast in bed. Enjoy your coffee afterwards while writing a note of appreciation to yourself. 

A great way to celebrate Singles' Day is to unplug yourself and go on a solo trip. Then go out for a walk with friends. Or stay at home curled up with a good book and binge-watch your favorite tv show while munching on a takeout pizza. 

Either way, do the things that bring you joy. 

2. Shop Online

Since its inception, the global phenomenon of "11/11 sales" has spread to every continent, with many stores following Alibaba's lead and hosting 24-hour "flash" deals beginning at midnight on November 11. 

You can shop for clothing, tech gadgets, appliances, cosmetics, food, grocery items, beverages, and loads of other things at a considerable discount. So, shopping during the 11.11 sale is a lucrative deal.

The bottom line is that shopping is a must to celebrate this day. Follow your heart and buy whatever you like. You may buy things for yourself, your loved ones, and your pals at the office. 

Give them a token of appreciation to show them how much they mean to you in your life.

3. Spend the Day with Fellow Singles

Who else would understand the joy of being single except your single friends?

The options are endless, whether you want a poker night, a costume party, or a regular old game night. Gather all your single friends, go to a bar, sing, dance, order some drinks and enjoy. Or go out, meet new people and flaunt being single with pride.

4. Make It a Self-Pampering Day

Enjoy some self-care; you've earned it!

Enjoy a spa service like a facial, massage, hot bath, etc. Go for a complete makeover, get a new and bold haircut, and get your mani-pedi done with a dash of color in your hair.

Or relax and have a glass of wine as you soak in a hot tub. Light a scented candle of your taste and play some music that soothes your soul.

Countries That Observe Singles' Day

Beginning as a day of celebration in China, the holiday soon became a global phenomenon. The idea of Singles' Day is gradually gaining traction in countries all around the world. 

The festival is now celebrated not just in its traditional homeland of Southeast Asia but also in other European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Belgium.

Many countries around the world also celebrate holidays that are similar to or inspired by Singles' Day. For example, on April 14, South Korea celebrates Black Day. The United Kingdom celebrates National Singles' Day on March 11, and the United States of America has Single Awareness Day on February 15. 

Interesting Facts About Singles' Day

Let’s talk about some interesting facts regarding Single Day that you may find intriguing:

• Since the numbers 11 and 11 stand together to represent four ones, or four singles standing together, Singles' Day is always observed on November 11 of each year.
• Guanggun Jie, from which Singles' Day was adapted, is a pun on the visual appearance of the date 11/11, meaning "single sticks day" in Chinese.
• For the Single’s Day celebration, the time of 11:11 was selected because it looks like four isolated sticks.
• Single’s Day is now used as a chance for unmarried people to meet one another at parties and other social activities, and it is also a popular day for weddings. 
• March 11 is the traditional date in Great Britain, and matchmakers were the ones who first initiated the tradition.
• During the 40 days leading up to Singles' Day sales in 2021, Alibaba ran a content-heavy campaign on Taobao.

Unique Singles' Day Celebration Ideas

This Singles' Day, do something nice for yourself. 

• Spend the day with friends and family. 
• Throw a single-only dinner party, cook some Singles' day unique recipes and complete the fun night with karaoke.
• Have a weekend getaway.
• Go on a date with yourself, and have a meal you love most; indulge in desserts with extra toppings!
• Surprise yourself with a suspiration box.
• Purchase some flowers for yourself.
• Book a day-long spa for yourself. Relax and take the day off for yourself.
• Go out in nature. Walk in the woods, and watch sunshine, butterflies, and rainbows. Enjoy the serenity around you.
• Buy something that you have been longing for, regardless of its price!
• Order some sweet treats, and we encourage ordering your favorite ones.
• Experiment with something different, send a friend a surprise delivery and compose a thoughtful note.
• Help less fortunate people around you. You'll feel fulfilled. 

Singles' Day Quotes

Whether you want to wish your single friends or write a caption for your Instagram post this Singles' Day, the following quotes will come in handy.

Being single is fun! Happy Single's Day.

Why should couples have all the fun? Happy Single's Day.

Authenticity is everything! You have to wake up every day and look in the mirror, and you want to be proud of the person looking back at you. And you can only do that if you're honest with yourself and a person of high character. You have an opportunity to write that story of your life every day. - Aaron Rodgers

“Being single makes holiday parties so easy. I decide to go or not—nobody else gets to vote. I get ready at my own pace. I don’t have to think about whether my date is having fun. And I leave when I want to.” - Trisha B

FAQ

1. Is Singles’ Day a real Holiday?

Singles' day is a holiday celebrated in China on November 11. It is an actual holiday and is celebrated with festivity.

2. Why is 11.11 special for sale?

To increase sales, numerous businesses throughout the globe provide discounts to customers during the 11.11 Global Shopping Festival. This 24-hour occurrence happens annually, in the eleventh month of the year.

3. Is 15 February Singles' Day?

February 15 is National Singles' Day, celebrated in the United States. It is different from Singles' Day.