International Lefthanders Day: Important Date, History of International Lefthanders Day, Quotes

International Lefthanders Day 2020: On 13 August 2020, International Lefthanders Day is celebrated to recognize all the individuals who have mastered using their lefthand in a right-handed world. Read more information about the History of International Lefthanders Day, How to observe the International Lefthanders Day 2020 in this article.

Roselet Sheena Merli | Updated Jun 29, 2020 13:15 PM

International Lefthanders Day: Important Date, History of International Lefthanders Day, Quotes

International Lefthanders Day 2020

International Lefthanders Day is celebrated on 13th August every year. International Lefthanders Day 2020 is celebrated to create awareness for all the righthanded folk around the globe in celebration of International LeftHanders Day. The day aims to raise awareness about the everyday issues that are faced by the lefties who live in a world that is designed for right-handers.

What is the History of International Lefthanders Day?

International Lefthanders Day was recognized and first celebrated in the year 1976. International Lefthanders Day is celebrated with an aim to raise awareness of the difficulties of being Lefthanded. In the 1600s, the lefthanders were accused of witchcraft for just using one hand more than the other. It happened only in the beginning. Only 10%-15% of the population is lefthanded or Southpaws. Hence, various items like scissors, knives, and even school desks are more expensive than their right-handed counterparts. In case of golf clubs, the lefthanders depend on the brand. 

Who is LeftHanded?

A LeftHanded person primarily uses his/her lefthand, more so than the right hand. The lefthanded person will probably use the lefthand to do most of the tasks such as personal care, cooking, and so on. Studies state that approximately 8 to 15% of the adult population is Lefthanded. It also indicates that Lefthandedness is more common in males than in females. Writing is not an indicator of handedness as many Lefthanded people write with their right hand but use their lefthand for other tasks.

When compared to the general population, Lefthandedness appears to occur more frequently in identical twins, and several groups of neurologically disordered individuals like people suffering from Down's Syndrome, autism, epilepsy, mental retardation (MR), dyslexia, etc. The right brain hemisphere that is said to be more active in Lefthanded people has been found in some circumstances to be associated with genius and is correlated with artistic & visual skill.

What are the causes of LeftHandedness?

Studies show that one in every 10 people is LeftHanded. There have been several theories over the years about why some people favour their lefthand. A straightforward genetic link hasn’t been proven, and it is possible for two right-handed parents to have a Lefthanded child. Other theories about the causes of LeftHandedness include:

  • Genes factors 

  • Gender

  • Fetal development

  • Modelling, as children learn to choose their right or lefthand by copying parents and other significant caregivers. 

  • Brain damage

  • Adjustment due to injury.

How to celebrate LeftHanders Day?

International Lefthanders Day is celebrated all over the world. The day is celebrated by the lefthanders, who were once treated as an evil power. On this day, people with their lefthanded associates and friends. The day can be celebrated by:

  • Buying gifts for your lefthanded friend

  • On this day, many organizations and public places in cities around the world create “lefty zones”. In this zone, everyday objects are adapted for use by Lefthanded people. 

  • If you are a lefthanded person, celebrate your awesomeness

  • You can also take your right-handed friends with you to show them how difficult it can be to use objects not made for them.

  • Host an event and throw a party

Lefthanders - Facts

  • In 2019, scientists identified differences in parts of the DNA of left- and right-handers. The study analyzed brain scans of 9,000 British subjects. It found that in lefties, the parts of the right and left sides of the brain that process language work in better tandem. 

  • It is well-known tha the Fetuses start to move their arms around 9-10 weeks. In the early second trimester, the babies show a clear preference for sucking one thumb over the other. Experts believe handedness is probably hardwired before birth.

  • Studies show that non-right-handed (left- or mixed-hand) students are much more likely to struggle in school and have Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. 

  • Lefthanders hold more creative professions. Study says that lefthanded children score higher on verbal reasoning or are more likely to be in gifted programs. 

  • Lefties appear to have an edge in sports like boxing or fencing, where they might surprise opponents used to facing off against mostly right-handers.

  • There’s a well-established link between Lefthandedness and mental conditions like schizophrenia, which can cause hallucinations and impaired thinking. 

  • Cultural biases against Lefthanders have existed throughout history. In the Middle Ages, the devil was believed to be a lefty. In Japan, China, and other Asian countries, the percentage of Lefthanders is much smaller than in the West. American teachers and doctors in the early 1900s believed that Lefthanders were more prone to mental disorders and pressured students to switch hands.

  • Four of the six most recent U.S. presidents were lefties: Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Celebrity southpaws include Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Tom Cruise, Paul McCartney, Prince Charles, and his son, Prince William. 

Lefthanders - Quotes

“All the decisive blows are struck Lefthanded.” ― Walter Benjamin, One Way Street, And Other Writings

“Life without Lefthanded people wouldn’t be right.” — C.R. Manske

“If the left half of the brain controls the right half of the body then only Lefthanded people are in the right mind.” — W.C. Fields

“Damned infernal gizmo. My kingdom for a Lefthanded can opener.” — Montgomery Burns

God made everyone right-handed, only the truly gifted overcome it.” — Unknown

“Two and a half thousand Lefthanded people are killed every year using things made for right-handed people.” — Maggie O’Farrell

“He was afraid of touching his own wrist. He never attempted to sleep on his left side, even in those dismal hours of the night when the insomniac longs for a third side after trying the two he has.” ― Vladimir Nabokov, Pnin

“Lefthanders are not different because they are unique; They are unique because they are different.” ― Peter-Cole C. Onele

“Lefthanders don’t just write differently, we also think differently.” — Anonymous

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International Lefthanders Day - FAQ

1. Is it right to sign with your left hand?

When signing, it does not matter if you sign as left-hand or right-hand dominant. The biggest thing to remember is to pick which hand you want to use as the dominant hand and stick with it.

2. Is Barack Obama a lefty?

Yes, the former President of the US Barack Obama is a lefthanded.

3. Was Albert Einstein a left-handed?

There is a persistent popular belief that Einstein was left-handed, but there is no evidence that he was, and the belief has been called a myth. Einstein wrote with his right hand, and authoritative sources state flatly that he was right-handed.

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