TodayTools

Donate

About Farewell

About Farewell

A farewell is a goodbye with good wishes: a colleague moving on, a friend moving to another city or country, or seniors leaving school or college.

Offices hold a small party with cake and speeches. Schools hold farewell days where juniors perform for seniors. Friends meet for one last meal before the move.

A farewell message thanks the person for the time together and wishes them well wherever they go next.

  • When someone moves on
  • Word from old English
  • Speeches, gifts and meals

Where it began

The English word farewell comes from an old wish to fare well, which means travel well or go well.

Many cultures send travellers off with care. In India elders bless those leaving, and curd and sugar may be given before a journey.

Farewell parties at schools and offices grew common in the 1900s, with speeches, gifts and group photos.

Waving goodbye at the station

How it grew over time

  1. Old times

    Families bless travellers and give food for the journey.

  2. Middle Ages

    The English wish fare well comes into use.

  3. 20th century

    Farewell parties at schools, colleges and offices become common.

  4. Today

    Farewell cards are signed by whole teams, in person or online.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • India

    Schools hold farewell days for final year students, with songs and speeches.

  • Japan

    Colleagues hold a farewell dinner, and flowers are given on the last day.

  • Offices worldwide

    Teams sign a card and share cake on the last day.

Farewell moments

A last hug on the platform
Goodbyes from a train window
Families wave as a ship sails
A station, a place of many farewellsYork, England

Farewell today

Today a farewell message thanks someone for the time shared and wishes them joy in what comes next.

How people celebrate Farewell

  • A farewell party or lunch
  • Speeches and memories
  • A card signed by the team
  • A small gift
  • Promises to stay in touch

How to wish well

  • Thank them for one specific thing.
  • Keep it positive, whatever the reason they are leaving.
  • Share your contact details if you want to stay in touch.

Questions about Farewell

What do you write in a farewell card for a colleague?

Thank them for their help, share a memory and wish them success in their next role.

What is a short farewell message?

"It will not be the same without you. All the best for what comes next."

What do you say to seniors at a school farewell?

Thank them for guiding you, wish them luck for college and life, and say they will be missed.

How do you say goodbye to a friend moving away?

Tell them you will miss them, thank them for the memories and promise to visit or call.

What is a good farewell gift?

A card signed by everyone, a photo book, a plant or something useful for their next place.

Keep exploring

Related

Coming up next

    All festival wishes

    Donate