National Ampersand Day

National Ampersand Day is observed every year on September 8. This quirky holiday is dedicated to the symbol “&,” which means “and.” The ampersand has a long history, beautiful design variations, and a special place in typography, writing, branding, and everyday communication.

History of National Ampersand Day

The ampersand comes from the Latin word et, meaning “and.” Over time, the letters “e” and “t” were joined into a single ligature, making the word faster and easier to write. Early forms of the symbol appeared in ancient Roman writing, and the ampersand gradually developed into the familiar character used today.

National Ampersand Day was founded in 2015 by typographer and designer Chaz DeSimone. He chose the date to celebrate the ampersand as both a useful symbol and a small work of art. Today, the day is enjoyed by writers, designers, typographers, editors, calligraphers, and anyone who appreciates language and visual design.

Interesting Facts About National Ampersand Day

• The ampersand represents the word “and.”
• Its shape developed from a ligature of the Latin letters “e” and “t.”
• The name “ampersand” comes from the old phrase “and per se and,” once used when reciting the alphabet.
• The ampersand appeared in some older versions of the English alphabet as an additional character after Z.
• Different fonts can make the ampersand look dramatically different, from simple and modern to ornate and decorative.
• The symbol is often used in company names, book titles, design work, logos, and informal writing.

How to Take Part in National Ampersand Day

Celebrate National Ampersand Day by learning more about the history of the ampersand and noticing how often it appears in signs, logos, books, menus, and websites. Try writing the symbol by hand in different styles, or compare how it looks in several typefaces.

Writers and designers can use the day to create artwork, lettering, posters, or social media posts featuring the ampersand. You can also share interesting examples of the symbol and appreciate how one small character can carry so much history and style.

When Is National Ampersand Day in 2026?

National Ampersand Day is observed on September 8 each year.

Observations