World Ampersand Day

Celebrated on 09/08/2026

Quick Fact

The ampersand (&) is a logogram representing the word 'and', and it was once considered the 27th letter of the English alphabet. Its name is a corruption of the phrase 'and per se and', meaning 'and by itself and'. World Ampersand Day is celebrated on September 8th each year.

Origins and Establishment of World Ampersand Day

World Ampersand Day was created in 2015 by Chaz DeSimone, a graphic designer and typography enthusiast from the United States. DeSimone chose September 8th because it falls on the anniversary of the day the ampersand was officially added to the English alphabet in the 19th century. The holiday was established to celebrate the unique history and typographic beauty of the ampersand symbol.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, World Ampersand Day has grown in popularity among designers, typographers, and language lovers. Celebrations include typography exhibitions, ampersand-themed art shows, and social media campaigns using hashtags like #WorldAmpersandDay. Many people share their favorite ampersand designs or create custom ampersand artwork. The day also serves as an opportunity to explore the history of the symbol and its usage in various scripts and fonts.

Facts & General Observations

• The ampersand is derived from the Latin word 'et', meaning 'and', and its shape is a ligature of the letters e and t.
• The ampersand was included in the English alphabet as the 27th letter until the early 20th century, and children recited it as 'and per se and'.
• There are over 100 distinct ampersand designs in common use, with variations like the italic, swash, and cursive forms.

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