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National Handwriting Day – Learn About the History and Art of Handwriting

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January 23 is National Handwriting Day. This national day reveres the art of handwriting and encourages us to practice our own.

Let’s think about it for a minute – how often do you actually put a pen to paper to handwrite something? Do you frequently write letters, or is it easier to pick up the phone or send an email?

Do you have a paper to-do lists or do you use apps on your phone to keep track? Handwriting is not obsolete, but technology has definitely impacted how and when we write.

Keep reading to learn creative ways to celebrate National Handwriting Day, and learn some fun facts about the history of handwriting.

Pencils and other school supplies on a blue background with a text overlay for National Handwriting Day.

How to celebrate National Handwriting Day

Would you like to celebrate National Handwriting Day in a special way? Try one of these ideas.

Woman writing a handwritten letter for National Handwriting Day.

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  • Write a handwritten letter to a friend or family member you haven’t seen in a long time. It’s often quick and convenient to send an email, but there’s something so much more personal about a handwritten letter.
  • Start a journal today, to practice your penmanship. Maybe journaling was a New Year’s Resolution you abandoned early in the year. If so, today gives you the perfect excuse to begin journaling again! 
  • Take a calligraphy class to jazz up your own handwriting.
  • Solve the word search puzzle for January to see if you can find Handwriting Day in it.
  • Leave a handwritten love note for you special someone today. Feel free to use one of our inspirational love quotes on it! It will brighten their day!
  • Get a set of nice pens to encourage you to write more.
  • The next time you go out for a meal, leave your server a hand written thank you message on the receipt along with their tip. Simple words of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s day!
  • Spread the word on social media using the hashtag #NationalHandwritingDay.

History of National Handwriting Day

National Handwriting Day was established in 1977 by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association, also known as WIMA.

WIMA created this day to encourage interest in the use of pens, paper and pencils. 

A vintage letter with cursive writing to honor National Handwriting Day.

While National Handwriting Day was established relatively recently, the history of handwriting is much older.

The earliest handwriting dates back to around 3400-3100 BC, where it was found in Egyptian hieroglyphs and Sumerian archaic writing. 

Fun facts about handwriting for National Handwriting Day

Brush up on your knowledge of handwriting with these fun facts. Some may surprise you!

Woman writing a handwritten thank you note at her desk for National Handwriting Day.

  • There is enough graphite in the average pencil to write roughly 45,000 words (or to draw a 35 mile long line). Though untested, it is theoretically possible.
  • Though some states have different policies, most do not include cursive writing in the K-12 school curriculum.
  • Forensic Document Examination (the analysis of disputed handwritten documents) is widely accepted in courts of law.
  • Studies show that you are more likely to retain information if you take notes by hand than you are if you take notes by typing.
  • National Handwriting Day falls on January 23, which is also the same date as the birthday of John Hancock, the first signatory of The Declaration of Independence, known for his large, bold signature.
  • If you’ve ever had anyone ask for your “John Hancock”, they’re referencing his famous signature, and asking for your own signature.
  • The first handwriting was discovered as early as 3400-3100 BC, in Egyptian hieroglyphs and Sumerian archaic writing.

More January 23 national days

Did you enjoy learning about National Handwriting Day? You’ll be excited to know that January 23 is host to more than just one national day! 

A card that says "hello January" arranged with a cup of coffee, fir bough, nuts and cranberries to celebrate the national days in January.

Here is a complete list of all the January 23 national days:

  • National Handwriting Day
  • National Pie Day
  • Measure your Feet Day
  • National Rhubarb Pie Day

Looking for more reasons to celebrate this month? Be sure to check out this list of national days in January and January food holidays.

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Did you know there's actually a National Handwriting Day? Grab a pen and paper and head over to Always the Holidays to celebrate the day! 📝 #NationalHandwritingDay Share on X

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Watch our YouTube video to learn about more January national days.

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