INTERNATIONAL LEFT HANDERS DAY | AUGUST 11
International Left Handers Day on August 13th recognizes all those individuals who have mastered using their left hand in a right-handed world. We take our hats off to you – left-handed!
#LeftHandersDay
Approximately 10% of the population are southpaws. Scientists don’t know why a person develops left-handedness. But it’s more likely a child will be left-handed if one parent is a lefty, too. Parents of left-handed children used to force them to use their right hands. In the eyes of right-handers, the predominant use of the left hand seemed evil. Parents feared their communities would shun their children. While we accept left-handedness more readily than days gone by, its occurrence hasn’t increased.
Famous Lefties
Many lefties seek to blend in because they will stand out soon enough. Their unique quality makes them feel awkward. They bump elbows or seem like a klutz. However, in a world designed for the right-handed, those who are other dominant adapt 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?
Don’t be shy on Left-Handers Day. Show the world how brilliant and unique you are!
HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL LEFT HANDERS DAY
Left Handers 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, too. 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. And yet, lefties square off against righties all the time.
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.
Looking for more ways to celebrate? Well, we’ve got them! Educators, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for a project designed just for Left-Hander’s Day. You can also download and print a left-handed coloring page!
Use #NDCClassroom to let share your ideas with us.
INTERNATIONAL LEFT HANDERS DAY 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 added the day to its list of national days.
August 13th Celebrated History
1889
William Gray received patent No. US 408079 A for his coin-operated telephone. So afterward, he founded the Gray Telephone Pay Station Company.
1913
Harry Bearley is credited with discovering stainless steel. Charged with developing a metal that was erosion-resistant for an arms manufacturer, Bearley happens upon the right percentage of chromium and carbon to create rustless or stainless steel.
1918
Opha Jacob Johnson enlists in the United States Marines at the age of 40 years old. Upon her enlistment, she becomes the first woman Marine.
1934
Li’l Abner, a comic strip created by Al Capp, debuted. The strip featured characters Little Abner and Daisy Mae as well as Mammy and Pappy. Several other characters filled the frames of the comic strip, too.
1935
Roller Derby is born when the first match debuted at Coliseum Park in Chicago. It began as a marathon race and evolved into a sport involving teams.
1942
The Walt Disney animated feature film, Bambi, debuts at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
1942
The Manhattan Project, code-named “Development of Substitute Materials,” begins with the establishment of the Manhattan District.
1948
Satchel Paige pitches a shut-out and his first complete game in Major League Baseball. The Cleveland Indians beat the Chicago White Sox 5-0.
1961
East Germany begins building the Berlin Wall. One of the most visual reminders of the Cold War, the wall remained standing for 28 years.
1967
Featuring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, the film Bonnie and Clyde debuted in the United States.
1997
The animated adult cartoon, South Park, debuts on Comedy Central.
2006
North Dakota native, Travis Hafner, hits his 6th grand slam playing for the Cleveland Indians. His homer off of Kansas City’s Luke Hudson ties Don Mattingley’s grand slam record.
August 13th Celebrated Birthdays
Annie Oakley – 1860
Best known for her sharpshooting skills, Oakley starred in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. She was also a supporter of women in the military.
Julius Freed – 1887
Freed founded a change of fruit beverage stores under the name of Orange Julius in 1926.
John Logie Baird – 1888
Baird was instrumental in bringing color television to the world. The inventor and innovator advanced television with his experiments and inventions.
Bert Lahr – 1895
Lahr’s best-known role is as the Cowardly Lion in the film The Wizard of Oz.
Alfred Hitchcock – 1899
The English director and filmmaker directed his first film in 1925. He became known for his suspenseful movies, including Birds and Psycho. In 1955, he began producing the television series Alfred Hitchcock Presents, a series of dramatic thrillers.
James Benton Parson – 1911
Parsons served many roles in his life. Putting his goal to be a lawyer on the back burner, Parsons pursued a career in education. As the U.S. entered World War II, he enlisted in the Navy. Following the war, Parsons enrolled in the University of Chicago and earned his law degree in 1949. He would go on to be the first African American appointed as an Article III judge in 1961.
Fidel Castro – 1926
The revolutionary served as both Prime Minister of Cuba and President. He was also the First Secretary for the Communist Party in Cuba.
Don Ho – 1930
Don Ho’s career as a musician and actor led him to host a variety show (The Don Ho Show). Best known for the song “Tiny Bubbles,” Ho would also make cameo appearances on several popular television series.
Janet Yellen – 1946
Dr. Yellen served as Chair of the Federal Reserve Board from 2014-2018.
Dan Fogelberg – 1951
Fogelberg released his first album in 1972, the country-rock Home Free. However, it was his second album that made a name for him – Souvenirs went platinum. In 1981, Innocent Age featured “Same Old Lang Syne” and “Leader of the Band,” bringing him commercial success.
Danny Bonaduce – 1959
Best known for his role as Danny Partridge on The Partridge Family, Bonaduce is also comedian and radio show host.
Kevin Plank – 1972
In 1996, Plank founded the sportswear manufacturing company, Under Armour.
