Brief History

National Handwriting Day was established in 1977 by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) to promote the art of handwriting and raise awareness about its decline due to technological advancements. January 23 was chosen as the date because it marks the birthday of John Hancock, the American revolutionary famous for his bold and distinctive signature. Handwriting has played an essential role in human communication for centuries, but in modern times, digital communication has overshadowed traditional penmanship. The holiday encourages people to take a break from typing and revisit the joy of writing by hand, whether it's for a personal note, a letter, or simply practicing cursive or calligraphy.

How it is Celebrated

On National Handwriting Day, individuals are encouraged to put down their devices and pick up a pen to practice writing. Some schools and organizations host handwriting competitions, while others might hold writing workshops focusing on improving penmanship. People also take the time to write thank-you notes, letters to loved ones, or journal entries as a way to reflect on the importance of handwritten communication. Many also share their handwritten notes or cards on social media to inspire others to join the celebration. For some, it’s an opportunity to revisit old forms of writing, such as cursive or calligraphy, while others may explore new techniques or styles to enhance their penmanship.

National Handwriting Day

Interesting Facts

• John Hancock's Signature: The holiday was chosen to coincide with the birth of John Hancock, known for his large and bold signature on the Declaration of Independence.
• Digital vs. Handwriting: Despite the rise of digital communication, research shows that writing by hand helps improve memory retention and cognitive function.
• First Typewriter: The first typewriter was invented in 1868 by Christopher Latham Sholes, but it didn’t replace handwriting entirely.
• Cursive Decline: Many schools have reduced or eliminated cursive writing from their curricula, but National Handwriting Day highlights the importance of this skill.
• Handwriting Analysis: Graphology, the study of handwriting, is a field that claims to interpret personality traits based on writing styles.