Coastin Carl
ποΈ World LETTER WRITING Day ORIGIN & HISTORY
World LETTER WRITING Day was established by Richard Simpkin, an Australian photographer, in 2014 and is celebrated on the 1st Day in September. His goal was to rekindle the tradition of handwritten correspondence and encourage people to connect on a deeper level through the art of letter writing.
Richard Simpkin himself was inspired by his own experiences with letter writing. He believed that letters had the power to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and create meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world. With this vision in mind, he founded World LETTER WRITING Day to bring attention to the sentimental value and emotional impact of handwritten letters.
The day is celebrated annually on September 1st. This date was chosen for its symbolic significance as the beginning of autumn in many parts of the worldβa season that invites reflection, connection, and a sense of renewal. It’s a day to slow down, step away from screens, and engage in a more thoughtful and deliberate form of communication.
Eventually, World LETTER WRITING Day gained recognition and support from individuals, communities, and even organizations like UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization). The recognition from UNESCO underscores the cultural and historical importance of letter writing as a form of human expression and communication.
Since its inception in 2014, the holiday has gone on to inspire people around the globe to participate in various activities related to letter writing. From penning letters to loved ones to organizing letter-writing events, workshops, and community outreach, the day has become a platform for celebrating the enduring value of handwritten correspondence.
It’s a celebration of the past, present, and future β a timeless tradition that continues to touch hearts, create connections, and capture the essence of human emotions through the written word.
βοΈ HOW to Celebrate & Observe World LETTER WRITING Day?
Not sure how to LOVE the day? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help get you started.
Here are some activities that you can do on World LETTER WRITING Day!
π Write Letters to LOVED ONES
Take the time to write heartfelt letters to family members, friends, or anyone you care about. Express your feelings, share memories, and strengthen your connections.
π Exchange Letters with a PEN PAL
Connect with someone from a different city or country through handwritten letters. Share your experiences, culture, and interests through this timeless form of communication. I did in 4th grade!
π Write Surprise Letters of GRATITUDE
Use the day to express your gratitude. Write letters to mentors, teachers, healthcare workers, or anyone who’s made a positive impact on your life.
Write and send surprise letters to people who might not expect it β a neighbor, a coworker, or an old friend. Spread positivity and make their day brighter.
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π Write a Letter to Your FUTURE SELF
Pen a letter to yourself that you’ll open on next year’s World LETTER WRITING Day. Reflect on your goals, experiences, and hopes for the year ahead.
π START a Journal or Diary
Begin a letter-writing journal to capture your thoughts, experiences, and reflections over time. It can serve as a personal record of your journey.
π Read Letters from HISTORY
- Spend time reading letters written by historical figures. Gain insights into their lives, thoughts, and experiences from a bygone era.
- Many libraries and museums have exhibitions related to letter writing, handwriting, and historical correspondence. Spend the day exploring and gaining inspiration.
- Nanny, BTW, and I have all visited the British Library with one of the finest collections of manuscripts in the world. From Bede’s Ecclesiastical History from 731 AD, Beowulf, and the Magna Carta to the epistolary correspondence of Alexander Pope. It’s FREE and well worth the trip if you’re ever near.
π RAISE Social Awareness
Use social media posts with the hashtags #WorldLetterWritingDay, #LetterWritingDay, #LetterWriting, #SpecialInterestHolidays, #SeptemberHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you β€οΈ World LETTER WRITING Day.
LEARN more about the art of LETTER WRITING
LETTER WRITING FOR KIDS
THE JOYS OF WRITING LETTERS
SEVEN Fun Facts you never knew about World LETTER WRITING Day
- The world’s first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black, was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1840. It marked a significant development in the history of letter writing and mail delivery.
- It’s thought that Persian Queen Atossa wrote the first handwritten letter around 500 BC, according to the ancient historian Hellanicus. Their popularity as a way of sending messages grew as more people became literate.
- In the 19th century, postage stamps were used as a way to convey messages silently. For instance, an upside-down stamp might indicate disagreement or love. A stamp placed diagonally could indicate a secret message.
- In 1960, author Harper Lee wrote a heartfelt letter to Oprah Winfrey about her love for books and reading. This letter was later auctioned for a significant sum.
- Two of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, exchanged letters throughout their lives. Their correspondence provides fascinating insights into their thoughts on politics, philosophy, and friendship.
- Some classic novels are written entirely in the form of letters. Examples include “Dracula” by Bram Stoker, “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, and “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker.
- Braille, a tactile system of raised dots interpreted by touch, lets the blind or visually impaired write their own letters.
Famous PEOPLE also born on September 1st
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Edgar Rice Burroughs
American author best known for creating the character Tarzan, a popular figure in literature and pop culture. Burroughs wrote nearly 80 books, including 26 Tarzan stories. He was also attracted to the myth of Martian life subsequently creating the character John Carter of Mars. Born 1875.
EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS Quote
“A warrior may change his metal, but not his heart.”
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Gloria Estefan
Cuban-American singer, songwriter, and actress often referred to as the “Queen of Latin Pop” for her influential contributions to music. Born 1957.
GLORI ESTEFAN Quote
“You can put things off until tomorrow but tomorrow may never come.”
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Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman
American actress and singer who gained prominence for her roles on Disney Channel. She has since become a successful and influential figure in the entertainment industry, starring in movies like “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “The Greatest Showman” while also making a mark in fashion and activism. Born 1996.
ZENDAYA Quote
“Determination. No matter what field you’re in, determination will surely get you to the top.”
Future DATES for World LETTER WRITING Day
| Year | Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 1 | Friday |
| 2024 | September 1 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 1 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
π Letter Writing FAQ
WHEN is World LETTER WRITING Day?
- World LETTER WRITING Day is an annual celebration held on September 1st each year.
Are there any famous HISTORICAL FIGURES KNOWN for their letter writing?
- Yes, many historical figures are known for their prolific letter-writing. Notable examples include Jane Austen, Vincent van Gogh, and Ernest Hemingway. Their letters provide valuable insights into their thoughts and personalities.
How IMPORTANT is knowing HOW TO WRITE a good letter?
- Depending on the letter and its purpose, setting a suitable & effective tone comes from good letter-writing skills when you take the time & care to express your thoughts and feelings. Letters can be written for apologies, thank yous, personal references, congratulations, invitations, and condolences.
The Impπrtance of World LETTER WRITING Day
World LETTER WRITING Day holds significant importance as it revives the age-old tradition of handwritten correspondence in a modern world dominated by digital communication.
In an era where instant messages, sliding into DMs, checking your feed, and emails have become the norm, this day reminds us of the value of personal connection and emotional expression through the art of letter writing. It serves as a platform for individuals to slow down, reflect, and communicate their thoughts, feelings, and stories in a more deliberate and intimate manner.
Handwritten letters hold a unique charm, carrying the writer’s individuality and sentiment in every stroke of the pen. Beyond the words themselves, letters become tangible keepsakes, preserving cherished memories and relationships for generations to come.
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NOSTALGIC Tradition
World LETTER WRITING Day invokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when handwritten letters were the backbone of communication. It taps into our appreciation for tradition and the sentimental value of tangible correspondence in an increasingly digital world.
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EXPRESSION of Emotion
Letters resonate with us by emphasizing emotional expression. It delivers a canvas for articulating thoughts, feelings, and experiences with depth and sincerity, enriching communication and fostering understanding.
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MENTAL Health & Well-Being
The day’s importance is magnified by its positive impact on mental health. Writing letters can serve as a therapeutic outlet, alleviating stress and promoting well-being by enabling us to share our feelings, seek solace, and connect with others. Try writing a letter to yourself almost daily and see how you feel!
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BRIDGE Between Generations
It allows us to share stories, wisdom, and experiences across ages, fostering intergenerational connections and preserving cultural legacies through the written word.
