Lost And Found Day

Deepthi Reddy
Dec 22, 2023 By Deepthi Reddy
Originally Published on Mar 08, 2022
Fact-checked by Nishtha Dixit
The official Lost And Found Day is celebrated on the second Friday of December every year since 2012


Where is Lost And Found Day observed?

Lost And Found Day is celebrated all over the world on the second Friday of December with a revived hope that the things lost should never be forgotten.

Who is Lost And Found Day observed by?

 Lost And Found Day is celebrated by people worldwide who have lost their precious belongings.

When did Lost And Found Day first start?

The first official Lost And Found Day started in the year 2012.

Who started Lost And Found Day?

Lance Morgan, a PBIS educator at an elementary school in Washington, started Lost And Found Day.

History And Timeline

The man behind this official Lost And Found Day concept was Napoleon Bonaparte, who opened an office in Paris way back in 1805. Every item found on the streets was taken by special police back to the office, and people looking for their things could go and check if they could find their lost item.

People who failed to return lost and found items were punished.

In 1733, two officials who carried a parcel of clothing were unveiled through the village and later executed. On this Lost And Found Day, anybody can make an effort to find lost things.

Japan's Lost And Found System

In Japan, lost and found items date to a specific code written in 718 CE. In those days, the punishment was severe for those who failed to return lost things. 

718 CE

Modern Lost And Found Office

The modern lost and found office was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1805, and he ordered special police to collect all the lost objects found in the streets. During their tenure, the Paris lost and found police found telescopes, skulls, pistols, and helmets.

1805

London's Lost Property Office

The concept of lost and found became popular worldwide. In 1934, London's lost property office opened, collecting 130,000 lost objects every year, including items such as wallets and other common things people lose.

1934

Official Announcement Of Lost And Found Day

The Lost And Found Day was officially announced on November 19, 2012.

November 19, 2012

Accepted By Chase Calendar Of Events

The elementary school in Washington submitted the Lost And Found Day for approval on March 11, 2013, to Chase Calendar of Events. Chase Calendar accepted this post in 2014.

2014

Traditions And Customs

There are no specific traditions or customs to be followed on official Lost And Found Day, but it can be celebrated all around the world.

Ways To Observe Lost And Found Day

We can celebrate the official Lost And Found Day by playing treasure hunt with family and tracing down the lost object. Let's ensure that we have everything with us on this day before going out or getting off from public buses.

On this Lost And Found Day, make sure we don't lose things and take extra care. We may not be awarded anything, but you can count your blessings.

Facts And Stats

  • We spend a minimum of 10 minutes a day on average, including on Lost And Found Day, looking for keys, mobile phones, or any other items.
  • People were surveyed on Lost and Found Day and it was inferred that on average, a person loses nine items a day.
  • In Chicago, around 120 phones get lost in private cabs every year. Hence, the day is popular amongst Americans who get motivated to look for their lost objects.

Why do we celebrate Lost And Found Day?

We celebrate the official Lost And Found Day as a reminder not to give up easily on the lost things in life.

When was the first Lost And Found Day celebrated?

The official Lost And Found Day was first celebrated in 2012.

What other activities can be done on Lost And Found Day?

We can teach our children about the importance of keeping their things safe.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Friday, December 11, 2020
  • Friday, December 10, 2021
  • Friday, December 09, 2022
  • Friday, December 08, 2023
  • Friday, December 13, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Deepthi Reddy

Master of Business Administration

Deepthi Reddy picture

Deepthi ReddyMaster of Business Administration

With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Nishtha Dixit

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Nishtha Dixit picture

Nishtha DixitBachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature

Nishtha is an experienced SEO writer and editor, with a passion for writing and self-expression. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate major in Literature and Communication and a minor in Political Science from the University of Delhi. Nishtha has completed a certificate master course in English from the British Council and has been appointed as the editor for the bi-monthly magazine of the University of Delhi.

Read full bio >