National Handwriting Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 17, 2022
Fact-checked by Mannat Sharma
National Handwriting Day facts will give you that creative feeling.

Where is National Handwriting Day celebrated?

It is celebrated in the United States of America.

Who is National Handwriting Day celebrated by?

It's celebrated by the people of the United States of America who have a great interest in beautiful handwriting. There are different ways to celebrate this day and many people thoroughly enjoy this day.

When did National Handwriting Day first start?

It first started on January 23 in the year 1977. Since John Hancock's birthday is on the same day and because he was the first person to sign the US Declaration of Independence, the authorities at Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) decided to celebrate handwriting on this day.

Who started National Handwriting Day?

It was started by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) in the year 1977.

History And Timeline

Writing has evolved through the centuries. If we look at human history, we find different styles of writing emanating from different cultures. Historians and researchers have been able to unearth valuable information about lost cultures by studying the records preserved in writing.

Earliest Writing Records

The people of ancient Sumeria (in modern-day Iraq) knew how to write. But they did not write on paper. Instead, they engraved special letters, now called cuneiform symbols, on stone tablets to record their history.

3400 BC

Phoenician Letters Introduced In Greece

The Greeks began using the alphabet used by the Phoenicians in the Mediterranean region around this time. The Phoenician letter system would eventually contribute to the coming of the Greek, and later, the Latin alphabet.

8th century BC

Invention Of Printing Press

A revolutionary moment in the growth of writing took place in 1450 when a person named Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. The printing press started producing books in large numbers using ink and paper, democratizing access to knowledge and the art of reading

1450

National Handwriting Day Creation

The Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association began to celebrate January 23 as National Handwriting Day to encourage people, especially children, to practice writing and, more so, cursive handwriting.

1977

First Fountain Pen Invented

A Romanian student named Petrache Poenaru invented the first fountain ink pen in 1827 in Paris. His invention would give rise to the mass production of pens. Now, can you think of a world where there are no pens? How difficult would it be to write?

1827

Traditions And Customs

On this day, attempts are made to push more people toward picking up pens. The birthday of John Hancock, who has the most famous signature in US history, is honored by people who still enjoy writing using a pen.

Every year, the American Handwriting Analysis Foundation (AHAF) hosts a variety of writing competitions for children to encourage them to pick up a pen and write.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Handwriting Day

You can utilize this day to re-explore the writer hiding inside of you. Take a pen and write a journal entry to start with.

Some of us who keep forgetting our tasks throughout the day can write on sticky notes. You can practice your signature on a notepad to perfect it. Remember that it takes time to craft a good signature.

To develop a bold signature, it is important to try a variety of handwriting styles to find the right one for you. If you're writing by using a fountain pen, you can select the ink color that suits your taste.

There are millions of unlucky people around the world who do not know how to read and write. A brilliant idea would be to volunteer for an NGO and help people learn.

As always, you could share your stories on social media for everyone to cherish.

Facts And Stats

  • January 23 is celebrated as Measure Your Feet Day too.
  • 25 US states teach cursive writing in schools.
  • The US Congress made National Handwriting Day official by passing a resolution in 2018.

Is there a National Handwriting Day?

Yes, there is a National Handwriting Day.

Who invented the concept of National Handwriting Day?

The Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) invented the concept of National Handwriting Day.

When was the first-time National Handwriting Day came into actual reality?

National Handwriting Day became a reality for the first time in 1977. It was celebrated on January 23 to commemorate John Hancock's birthday.

How do families celebrate National Handwriting Day?

In the US, families celebrate this day by using a pen to write journal entries, a simple note, or a to-do list.

How can college students benefit from celebrating National Handwriting Day?

College students can benefit a lot if they engage in the practice of good handwriting on this day. It will improve their mental health and motor skills. They could also study the art of calligraphy and practice new fonts while writing.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Thursday, January 23, 2020
  • Saturday, January 23, 2021
  • Sunday, January 23, 2022
  • Monday, January 23, 2023
  • Tuesday, January 23, 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 Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Mannat Sharma

Bachelor of Technology specializing in Computers and Communication

Mannat Sharma picture

Mannat SharmaBachelor of Technology specializing in Computers and Communication

As an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computers and Communication Engineering from Manipal University, Jaipur, Mannat is driven to take on challenges outside of her niche. She has previous experience as a senior marketing and sales associate as well as in branding.

Read full bio >