International Lefthanders Day is an annual event observed on August 13 to celebrate left-handedness and raise awareness of the challenges and advantages faced by left-handed people.
Lefties make up about 10% of the world’s population, so being left-handed is a minority experience. In a world designed for right-handed people, lefties have to adapt in various ways. International Lefthanders Day recognizes their uniqueness and provides an opportunity to learn more about left-handedness.
This year, International Lefthanders Day falls on a Saturday. It’s a perfect chance to organize celebrations, share left-handed pride, and spread awareness of left-handers’ needs. Here is some key information about this global event:
| Date | August 13 |
| Year Founded | 1976 |
| Founder | Dean R. Campbell |
| Founding Organization | Lefthanders International Inc. |
| Purpose | Celebrate left-handedness, raise awareness of lefty issues |
| Activities | Lefty events, share stories on social media, use non-dominant hand for tasks |
| Hashtag | #LefthandersDay |
| % of Lefties | About 10% of population |
| Lefty Traits | Enhanced creativity, divergent thinking, distinct brain wiring |
| Lefty Challenges | Right-handed bias, adapting to tools and devices designed for righties |
| Famous Lefties | Albert Einstein, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Bill Gates, Justin Bieber |
History of International Lefthanders Day
- International Lefthanders Day was founded in 1976 by Dean R. Campbell, founder of the Lefthanders International Inc. organization.
- It was celebrated for the first time on August 13, 1976 to promote awareness about the inconveniences faced by left-handed people in a predominantly right-handed world.
- Over the years, the day gained recognition and is now observed globally. Brands and organizations acknowledge it by sharing left-handed themed content and product offers.
How to Celebrate International Lefthanders Day?
There are many fun ways to mark this special day and show appreciation for left-handed people:
- Lefties can share stories, interesting facts, and experiences about being left-handed using the hashtag #LefthandersDay on social media.
- Organize a left-handed event or party with other left-handed friends and family. Do everyday activities with the non-dominant hand.
- Schools and organizations can provide left-handed scissors, desks, and other supplies to create an inclusive environment for lefties.
- Restaurants can offer special left-handed menus and ambidextrous cutlery on August 13.
- Retail outlets can provide special offers and discounts on left-handed products like notebooks, scissors, guitar, etc.
- Share some of the many successful left-handed people throughout history to highlight their accomplishments and talents.
Timeline of International Lefthanders Day
- 1976: First Lefthanders Day celebrated by Lefthanders International Inc.
- 1990s: Lefthanders Day gains media attention and goes global.
- 1992: The Left-Handers Club in the UK organizes the first national event to mark Lefthanders Day.
- 1995: The Left-Handers Club UK publishes the first Lefthanders Day poster.
- 2012: Lefthanders Day included in Chase’s Calendar of Events – a reference book listing holidays worldwide.
- Present: Brands launch lefty-focused campaigns and shops offer special deals around Lefthanders Day.
Why Celebrate Left-Handedness?
Left-handed people think and process information differently from right-handed people. Their unique lateral thinking enhances creativity and cognitive skills. Famous left-handed intellectuals include Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Marie Curie, Nicola Tesla, and Leonardo Da Vinci.
However, the right-handed bias still exists in many everyday tools and activities. From scissors and school desks to cooking utensils and musical instruments, left-handers have to adapt to use right-oriented designs.
International Lefthanders Day promotes awareness so that left-handers have access to lefty-friendly tools and work in an environment where they can truly excel. It celebrates diversity and highlights the talents and contributions made by left-handed people in various fields.
Lefty Facts and Statistics
- About 10% of the world population is left-handed.
- August 13 is designated as International Lefthanders Day because it is the 13th day of the 8th month.
- Famous left-handed personalities include Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Barack Obama, Justin Bieber, and Paul McCartney among others.
- Left-handed people are said to have better divergent thinking skills and enhanced creativity.
- In the past, left-handedness was discouraged, and some children were forced to use their right hand instead. The negative associations with left-handedness led to the word “sinister”, which originally meant “left”.
- Lefties are more likely to have allergies and migraines. On the other hand, they are less likely to suffer from arthritis or ulcers.
- International Lefthanders Day is now celebrated in many countries after gaining recognition over the past few decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Lefthanders Day?
International Lefthanders Day is observed annually on August 13 to celebrate left-handedness and raise awareness of the challenges faced by left-handed people living in a predominantly right-handed world. It was founded in 1976 by the Lefthanders International organization.
Why is Left-Handers Day celebrated on August 13?
It is celebrated on August 13 because the date represents 13th day of the 8th month, playing on the fact that left-handers make up roughly 10% or less of the population.
How can I celebrate International Lefthanders Day?
You can celebrate by sharing left-hander pride on social media, attending lefty-focused events, using your left hand to do tasks, learning about famous left-handed people, and spreading awareness about lefty issues. Brands offer special deals and left-handed product ranges.
Who founded International Lefthanders Day?
It was founded in 1976 by Dean R. Campbell, who was the founder of Lefthanders International Inc., an organization that supports left-handed people and promotes awareness of left-handedness.
Is left-handedness genetic?
Left-handedness tends to run in families and has a genetic component. If both parents are left-handed, the chances of their children being left-handed go up to 26%. A left-handed parent has a 2% higher chance of having a lefty child.
Do lefties think differently?
Left-handed people process language, spatial relations and emotions in the right side of their brain, leading to more divergent thinking and creativity. Their different brain structure and connectivity leads to distinct cognitive abilities.
Are left-handed people smarter?
There is no concrete link between left-handedness and intelligence. However, their different brain wiring does give an edge in divergent thinking, imagination and the ability to make connections between ideas. Famous intellectuals like Einstein were left-handed.
What percentage of the world is left-handed?
Roughly 10% of the world population is left-handed. The distribution varies across cultures, gender and time periods, but the lefty population has remained within 7% to 12%.
What is the left-handed day logo?
The logo is a green clenched fist, representing left-handers proudly asserting their left-handed identity and fighting for their rights in a right-handed world. Some versions include two hands – one left and one right.