Fountain Pen Day – November 1, 2024

Fountain Pen Day is celebrated on the first Friday of every November. This day highlights the elegance of the fountain pen and encourages us to pick one up to express our thoughts on paper. Fountain Pen Day is celebrated worldwide by enthusiasts as a time to embrace, promote, and share the joy of using fountain pens.

“My two fingers on a typewriter have never connected with my brain. My hand on a pen does. A fountain pen, of course. Ball-point pens are only good for filling out forms on a plane.” – Graham Greene

Fountain Pen Day Observance

History of Fountain Pen Day

In 2012, www.fountainpenday.org created Fountain Pen Day to celebrate, support, and promote the use of fountain pens in daily life and to help revive the art of handwriting. Writing instruments have evolved significantly throughout history. Initially, chisels were used to mark stone, papyrus reeds to inscribe cuneiform, and charcoal to make marks on pieces of birch bark or leaves. Eventually, ink was developed from plant materials, animal products, iron, and oak gall extracts, leading to the need for a new tool: the quill pen. This dip pen, typically made from a feather with a carefully crafted nib, could draw ink and transfer it onto paper, which was revolutionary for the time and remained popular for centuries.

Over time, however, people began to desire a writing tool that didn’t require frequent dipping and constant recutting of the nib. This demand led to the invention of the fountain pen in 1636, combining a reservoir of ink with a metal nib that didn’t need constant maintenance. The fountain pen revolutionized writing, and for nearly 300 years, it was unmatched in convenience and functionality. Although newer writing tools have since overshadowed the fountain pen, it remains a favorite for those who appreciate its traditional, elegant style. Fountain Pen Day celebrates this enduring writing tool and its rich, ongoing history.

Other Celebrations on November 1

November 1 is also celebrated as

• National Sandwich Day
• World Jellyfish Day
• National Cliche Day
• National Housewife’s Day
• Love Your Lawyer Day

How to Celebrate the Day

The best way to celebrate the day is by treating yourself to a new fountain pen. There are many other ways to enjoy this special occasion:

• Write a letter to someone using your favorite fountain pen. Under your signature, mention the pen and ink you used in the letter.
• Go through your paper collection and choose some pieces you’ve been saving for a special occasion. Surprise your friend with a letter on that beautiful vintage paper.
• Create an “Intro to Fountain Pens” pack for a friend to introduce them to the joy of fountain pens.
• Share your celebration on social media with the hashtag #FountainPenDay.

Enjoy celebrating Fountain Pen Day with creativity and connection!