Do you still write or are you so used to working digitally that you forgot how to write or even to have a pen or pencil in your hand? Nowadays, it’s important to practise your handwriting because in the modern world it’s a rare form of communication. Today is Handwriting Day, and it encourages you to put pen to paper and challenge your skills!

There’s no official reason to celebrate this day, but we’re sure that you, just like PNA, appreciate the art of handwriting. Therefore, we encourage you to be your individual self, sit back and appreciate the art with us. Yes, in the generation of computers and technology, we bearly need to write. Still, you have to admit that this is South Africa and load shedding and power outages are a possibility. So somehow, somewhere we’ll have to rely on this form of communication.

Practise some handwriting with us today, whether you’re an adult or a child. Compete against each other and make a game out of it. Write a simple word in the best possible handwriting and see who wins. Might sound dull, but you’ll be surprised at how much fun it could be especially challenging people with terrible handwriting! Give it a go!

The History of Handwriting Day

Back in 1977, Handwriting Day was invented by educators who felt that the art of handwriting was getting lost as a skill. The Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) then came about Handwriting Day. Not everyone is celebrating it, but more and more are taking part now, making it a prominent day.

Write It Down!

There are a couple of ways to honour this day. We encourage you to think about all the handwritten letters, cards, vows, etc. you received and appreciate it. Maybe the sender is only with you in spirit today, and how sentimental has that specific piece of writing become? Also, think about the first things that were written by hand – the Declaration of Independence, poems, the Bill of Rights, the Bible…

Handwriting is as unique as a person’s fingerprint. Look at the handwriting of those around you. It differs from person to person.  Make another game of it and urge everyone in the office to write in one birthday card and have the received guess whose handwriting is whose.

Take the time to better your own handwriting today, especially if some people think yours is sloppy and too messy. Or go as far as teaching someone else to write. Fill the gap in your community by helping someone that hasn’t had the education opportunities you did.

Look at different fonts and try different styles. Examples could be 3D letters, bubble letters, or Roman and other ancient letters.

We’ve pulled some very neat handwritings from our Instagram for inspiration. Happy writing today!