World Letter Writing Day

If you want to join in on this fun holiday, it’s time to grab a pen and paper and let your thoughts and imagination flow. Write whatever your heart desires—thoughts, memories, stories—and share your feelings. The most important thing is simply to put your thoughts down on paper.

History

World Letter Writing Day was founded by Australian writer, photographer, and artist Richard Simpkin, who is passionate about handwritten letters. His love for letter writing began when he started reaching out to people he considered heroes and legends of Australia. In 2005, Richard published the book Australian Legends, highlighting the importance of letter writing and how a simple sheet of paper can change someone’s life. Since 2014, this holiday has been celebrated by those who value the art of putting pen to paper. Richard also gives lectures in schools to promote the tradition of writing letters by hand.

Interesting Facts

• Letters have been written since ancient times in Egypt and Greece, inscribed on special materials such as metal, wood, wax, animal skin, and papyrus.
• In the 17th and 18th centuries, letters were primarily used to convey important information and news, which is why many historical insights come from old correspondence.
• The development of postal services made letter writing an essential part of personal communication.
• During wars and times of conflict, letters were often the only way for soldiers to communicate with loved ones.
• Charles Darwin wrote more than 1,400 letters to his close friend Joseph Hooker.
• The term “pen pal” was first introduced by the Oxford Dictionary in 1931.

How to Take Part in World Letter Writing Day

Write a letter or several—these could be messages to friends or loved ones. Tell your children about handwritten letters; they may not even know what they are, as the younger generation rarely uses this form of communication today. Read letters written by people who changed history and discover the power of the written word.

When is World Letter Writing Day in 2025?

World Letter Writing Day is observed on September 1 each year.

Observations