US National Handwriting Day
The United States of America celebrates National Handwriting Day today. It was originally established by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association in 1977. Not many people would have heard of this holiday since it wasn’t proclaimed as a national holiday by US Congress. Their objective is to promote the use of pens, pencils and writing paper. January 23rd was chosen as this is the birthday of John Hancock. John Hancock was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence. His signature was the largest out of all the signatures. When asked why he made his signature so large, he replied with (and this is a paraphrase), “So fat King George can see it all the way from England without even wearing his spectacles”. So because his signature was so large, ‘John Hancock’ is used as a synonym for your signature.
The Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) consists of the manufacturers of pens, markers, and pencils, so it was originally for the purpose of publicity in the US. But setting aside the commercialism aspect isn’t it nice to have a day to appreciate handwriting where most people prefer texting and typing. How times have changed and the art of handwriting is now almost obsolete in today’s technological world full of spell checks and easy-to-change fonts and font sizes. Though most of us don’t have the time to write much, there is always the grocery list and quick notes one as to write with a pen or pencil from time to time and there is always the signature; though digital signatures are becoming a norm these days. After all said and done I am happy to say that there are still enthusiasts who love their pen and paper and they try to find the best that is out there. So to all those who love and enjoy a pen and fine paper; a very happy handwriting day to you all!