The origins of Esther Day, explained

On August 3 each year, it's customary for more people than usual to prioritize expressing their non-romantic love for friends and family. The tradition, started by the Vlogbrothers fandom known as Nerdfighteria, has continued for over 10 years.

Anyone can participate in the festivities of Esther Day. Here's everything you need to know to take part in the holiday/.

Esther Day began thanks to a YouTube video

Esther Day commemorates the birthday of Esther Earl, who turned 16 the year she died from cancer. When the Nerdfighteria fandom was still small, John Green met Esther in person and promised that he and his brother Hank Green would keep her memory alive by making videos about whatever she wanted.

In response, she told John that she wanted her birthday to be about love and family and friends. In his first Esther Day video on August 2, 2010, John declared that Esther Day would henseforth be about telling the people in your life that you love them.

In particular, because John found it hard to tell his family and friends he loved them, he specified that people should try to say "I love you" to the people it's hardest to say it to.

How to celebrate Esther Day

Though Esther Day technically began with a YouTube video, the holiday can be celebrated both online and off. If you're interacting with a friend or family member in person, you can tell them in person. But you can text or call or FaceTime someone as well.

Another way to celebrate Esther Day and Esther's memory is by supporting This Star Won't Go Out, a nonprofit organization founded in her honor. You can purchase wristbands, Esther Day socks, and more to support TSWGO and keep Esther's star forever shining.

You can also purchase a copy of the book The Life and Words of Esther Grace Earl, published after her passing.