International Left Handers Day
When is International Left Handers Day? This event is always observed on August 13
If you are a Leftie, then International Left-Handers Day is just for you! Left Hander’s certainly earned the right to have a day dedicated to them. Sometimes called Southpaw Day, this August 13 holiday is our day. Take a minute to appreciate your left-handed friends and loved ones. Also, our left-handed trivia will make you an expert on the subject.
They say everyone is born right-handed and only the greatest overcome it. (tee,hee) Left Handers, also commonly referred to as a Southpaw, are the brunt of more than their share of jokes all year long. How do I know? Yup, you guessed it! It ain’t easy being a leftie. But those of us who are southpaws would have it no other way. Lefties are proud of it.
Give us some elbow room. The world is built for right-handed people. Examples are everywhere. For example:
- In school, have you ever seen a left-handed desk? They don’t exist.
- Many left-handed items cost more.
- Novelty coffee mugs have the picture or text imprinted for a right-handed pick-up.
- Scissors are for right-handers. Only a lefty understands the problem this poses.
- The computer mouse design is for right-handed users.
Did you Know? Right-handed people operate on the left side of the brain. Conversely, left-handed people use the right side. Therefore, only left-handed people are in their right mind.
Remember today and every day: “Lefties have rights!”
As lefthanders, we never do anything right…Kewl!
A History of Discrimination
People who say it’s a right-hand world have got that right. In the 1600s, left-handed people were thought to be witches and warlocks and in league with the devil. Take a minute to think about the equipment, tools and countless other objects you use every day. Yes, they are made for righties.
Parents and teachers felt left-handedness was wrong. President Ronald Reagan was born left-handed. But, his parents forced him to use his right hand. Parents force children to use their right hands. This most often resulted in awkwardness and slowing the development of the child.
Not convinced!? Check the Thesaurus for the word “Lefthanded”. Synonyms include sinister, awkward, clumsy, and insincere.
Southpaw Presidents and Famous People
Here is the complete list of left-handed U.S. Presidents:
- While Thomas Jefferson was right-handed, he proved ambidextrous after a wrist injury, He wrote equally well with his left hand while his right wrist healed.
- James A. Garfield
- Herbert Hoover
- Harry S. Truman
- Ronald Reagan – He was originally left-handed and forced to become a rightie.
- George H. W. Bush
- Bill Clinton
- Barack Obama
Here are some famous left-handers:
- Julius Caesar
- Aristotle
- Alexander the Great
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Joan of Arc
- Napoleon Bonaparte
- Lord Baden-Powell
- Queen Elizabeth II
- King Charles
Left-Handed Singers and Musicians:
- Justin Bieber
- David Bowie
- Jimi Hendrix
- Paul McCartney
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Ringo Starr
- Ludwig Van Beethoven
There are plenty of notorious left-handers, too. Among them:
- Osama bin Laden
- The Boston Strangler
- Jack the Ripper
Left Handed Facts and Trivia
Here is some left-handed trivia and facts:
- Very few Southpaws are 100% left-handed. For example, many Left handers golf and bat right-handed. On the other hand, there is a high percentage of righties who are 100% right-handed.
- The term “Southpaw” originated in baseball. It describes a left-handed pitcher.
- Tuesdays are a Southpaw’s lucky day.
- Approximately 10% of the population is left-handed.
- Just 1% of the population is ambidextrous.
- Most Neanderthals were right-handed.
- During the 1600’s people, thought left-handers were witches and warlocks.
- International Left Hander’s Day was first celebrated on August 13, 1976. Lefthander’s International created this holiday.
- There is a town in West Virginia, where everyone is a Left Hander! That town is Left Hand, WV.
- You won’t find a right-handed polar. They are all lefties. Also, see Polar Bear Day.
- Left-handed people are more likely to suffer insomnia. Now, that will keep me up at night!
- There is a rumor that octopuses have but one right hand. Scientists are diligently studying this issue.
- Left-handed people process information more quickly.
- Left-handed college graduates have a 26% greater chance of becoming rich. I’m all for that!
- Bill Gates, the richest person in the world, is a southpaw.
- Lefties have a greater risk of psychosis.
- Southpaws are generally better artists.
Think about it: Everyone is a Left Hander in Left Hand, West Virginia.
Lefthander’s Slogan: “Everyone is born right-handed. Only the greatest overcome it”. …Brilliant Author unknown
How to Celebrate in International Left Handers Day
Both Lefties and righties can celebrate this August 13 holiday. But, we are certain that we lefties will have the most fun.
- Savor the moment. Enjoy being in your right mind.
- We challenge all Righties to do things left-handed today.
- If everyone is a little bit Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day, then everyone is a little bit left-handed today.
- Send a Left-Handed Day Ecard to show your respect.
- If you are right-handed, do everything with your left-hand today.
Today's Quote
“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” – – Pablo Picasso
History and Origin of International Left Handers Day
Dean R. Campbell, the founder of Left Handers International, created this special day. It was first celebrated on August 13, 1976. Then, in 1992, the club made this truly international day official. On this day, every southpaw can celebrate and enjoy being in their right mind.
There is some false reference on the Internet, suggesting that Left Hander’s Day is in January. It seemed to appear around 2010-2012. This is incorrect. We suspect someone wanted to create this day in January but did not do their homework to find out that it already exists.
There is also one or two sites that call it “National Left Handers Day”. These references began around 2017 and are incorrect. The celebration of Left Handers is an international worldwide event.
This Day in History
Here are some things that happened on this day:
- Spanish forces defeat the Aztec Indians and conquerors Mexico City. (1521)
- The first episode of South Park airs on television. (1997)
- Fidel Castro, President of Cuba, was born on this day in 1926.
More August 13 Holidays
In addition to Internatioanl Left Hander’s Day, here is another August 13 holiday:
More About Today
Recipe of the Day: Shoo-Fly Cake
Plant of the Day: Blueberry
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Got some left-handed trivia? Let us know!