World Letter Writing Day

World Letter Writing Day, observed every year on September 1, invites us to slow down, pick up a pen, and share a heartfelt note. This special day encourages reconnecting through the timeless art of handwritten letters, making something as simple as a piece of paper feel deeply intentional and personal.

History of World Letter Writing Day

World Letter Writing Day was established in 2014 by Australian author, artist, and photographer Richard Simpkin, inspired by the thrill of receiving handwritten replies from people he admired, whom he affectionately called his “Australian legends”. His passion for this lost form of intimacy led to the first celebration of this day on September 1, marking a moment to honor the personal connection letters bring. ¹

Meanwhile, the tradition of letter writing stretches back through human history. Ancient civilizations—spanning India, Egypt, Rome, Greece, and China—used written letters as vital means of communication, expression, and record-keeping long before email and messaging existed.

Why is World Letter Writing Day important?

There’s something quietly profound about the act of handwriting. It asks us to pause, to reflect on our words before committing them to ink. In an era dominated by quick taps and instant sends, taking time to write by hand becomes an act of sincerity. It’s almost like whispering your thoughts onto paper—and it has a way of grounding both writer and reader in the moment.

And let’s be honest: who doesn’t love finding a handwritten letter in the mail? It’s a small surprise in an often impersonal world—and one that can linger, tucked away in a drawer, long after the day it arrives.

Here are some of the thoughtful, everyday reasons to value this day

• writing lets you really think through what you want to say
• receiving a letter feels like a warm hug in your mailbox
• putting pen to paper feels more soulful than typing
• letters become keepsakes, outlasting fleeting digital messages
• it’s a quiet way to show someone they matter

How to Celebrate World Letter Writing Day

Celebrating this day doesn’t require elaborate planning—just sincerity and something to write with. Consider reaching out to someone you haven’t written to in a while; even a short note can feel deeply meaningful. Maybe include a personal anecdote, a memory, or simply your hopes for them.

You can also make it communal: invite friends or family for a casual letter-writing get-together. Individually writing with company and a few cups of tea can spark light conversation and the joy of shared creativity.

These are little, heartfelt ways people might approach the day

• writing to someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time
• teaching a young person how to mail a letter
• trying your hand at calligraphy or decorating your page
• creating a new tradition, like pen‑palling with a distant pal
• choosing lovely paper or adding a wax seal for fun

World Letter Writing Day Dates Table

1. https://worldletterwritingday.com.au/[↩]