LEFT-HANDERS DAY
Left-Hander’s Day is observed annually on August 13th. In a right-handed dominated world, left-handed individuals claim August 13th as their own.
Approximately 10% of the population is a southpaw. Scientists don’t know why a person will be left-handed, but it’s more likely a child will be left-handed if one parent is. Parents of left-handed children used to force them to use their right hands. Left-handedness was considered evil and parents feared their communities would shun their children. While we accept left-handedness more readily than days gone by, its occurrence hasn’t increased.
Sometimes, a lefty will seek to blend in because they will stand out soon enough. Their unique quality makes them feel awkward, bump elbows or seem like a klutz. However, in a world designed for the right-handed, those who are other dominant have adapted quite well. For example, eight United States presidents were left-handed, including Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Would the Sistine Chapel and the Mona Lisa stand the test of time if Michaelangelo and Leonardo de Vinci had been right-handed?
Left-hander’s Day recognizes the uncommon individual who throws, catches, writes and uses a fork with their left-hand. They view the world just a little differently. At a restaurant, they seek out the seat that will place their dominant elbow on the outside of the booth. Right-handed athletes groan a bit when the southpaw shows up as an opponent on the roster. They present a challenge right-handers aren’t always sure how to handle due to lack of practice. Lefties square off against righties all the time.
Don’t be shy on Left-Handed Day. Show the world how brilliant and unique you are!
HOW TO OBSERVE
Take a left-handed friend to lunch or out for coffee. If you’re right-handed, try doing everything with your left hand. Left-handers post photos using #lefthandersday to prove your left-handed awesomeness.
Educators, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for a project designed just for Left-Hander’s Day. Use #NDCClassroom to let share your ideas with us.
HISTORY
International Left-Handers Day was founded in 1992 in the United Kingdom. Because of the popularity of this observation in the United States, the Registrar at National Day Calendar has added it to its list of national days.