National Ampersand Day

National Ampersand Day is a holiday dedicated to the Latin character “&,” which means “and.” Surprisingly, the ampersand is one of the oldest symbols, with origins dating back to the first century AD. With such a rich history, September 8 is the perfect day to celebrate this unique character.

History

The ampersand comes from the Latin word “et,” meaning “and.” Over time, the letters “e” and “t” were combined into a single ligature, which made writing faster. The earliest known example of the ampersand was discovered as graffiti on a wall in Pompeii and remarkably survived the volcanic eruption. The symbol’s evolution was explored by Jan Tschichold, who traced its development from “et” to “&” in a monograph. By the 8th century, the ampersand had become widely recognized.

Interesting Facts

• National Ampersand Day was founded by writer and typographer Chaz DeSimone in 2015, who described the ampersand as a work of art.
• Some historians attribute its invention to Marcus Tullius Tiro, a slave who worked for the Roman lawyer and orator Cicero.
• Tiro is also believed to have invented the first shorthand system, which was used for nearly 1,000 years.
• At one time, the ampersand was the last character in the English alphabet, replacing the letter “Z”—though when and why it was removed is still debated.
• The ampersand is a logogram representing a word or phrase, most commonly used in place of the word “and.”
• This symbol is frequently used in passwords.

How to Take Part

Start the day by learning more about the ampersand and share fun facts about it on social media. Use the hashtag #AmpersandUses. Practice writing the symbol by hand and incorporate it into your messages or notes throughout the day.

When is National Ampersand Day in 2025?

National Ampersand Day is observed on September 8 each year.

Observations