International Lefthanders Day

August 13 is designated International Lefthanders Day by Lefthanders International. It was first observed on the 13th of August, 1976. As the name suggests, it is meant to promote awareness of the inconveniences facing left-handers in a predominantly right-handed world. It celebrates their uniqueness and differences, who are from seven to ten percent of the world'spopulation. Thousands of left-handed people in today's society have to adapt to use right handed tools and objects.

There’s also a more serious side to the day, which spreads awareness about the special needs of left-handed kids. Also, left-handers are far more likely to develop schizophrenia than right-handers, for reasons not well understood.

History

While it had been observed on Aug. 13 of each year by many lefthanders since 1976, Left-handers Day was declared by the Left-Hander's Day Club on August 13, 1996. It was made to annually celebrate certain people's sinistrality and raise awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of being left-handed.

Global awareness

Left-handers Day is now celebrated world-wide. In fact, in the United Kingdom alone, there have been over 20 events that mark this celebration. These events include celebrating a left-hander's creativity, adaptability and athleticism.