Date
Wednesday
Apr
16

April 16

World Semicolon Day

On World Semicolon Day, let's raise awareness about mental health and the power of hope. Don't give up; your story isn't over yet.

Yearly Date
April 16
Type
Day
Category
Cause

Introduction

Get ready to pause, reflect, and celebrate World Semicolon Day on April 16! This day is more than just a punctuation mark; it's a symbol of hope, strength, and resilience in the face of mental health struggles. The semicolon represents the choice to continue a sentence instead of ending it, reminding us that our story is not over yet. This day was first created by Amy Bleuel in 2013 as a way to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. So let's join together in solidarity and show support for those who may be struggling while also spreading positivity and love.

World Semicolon Day Timeline

1494
Invention of the Semicolon
Italian printer Aldus Manutius invented the semicolon to help indicate pauses in sentences; a symbol which would later adopt new meaning in mental health advocacy.
1800s
Popularization of the Semicolon
The usage of the semicolon became widespread in written language throughout the 19th century and was widely taught in schools.
2013
Origin of Project Semicolon
Amy Bleuel started Project Semicolon, an organization focused on mental health advocacy which uses the semicolon as its symbol.
2014
Rise of the Semicolon Tattoo
The iconic semicolon tattoo gained momentum among individuals to make a statement about their own mental health experiences and challenges.
2017
Semicolon Day Established
April 16 was officially recognized as World Semicolon Day, to raise global awareness about mental health issues and suicide prevention.
2021
Continued Advocacy for Mental Health
Throughout the years, World Semicolon Day continues to highlight mental health struggles and advocate for those who may be silently suffering.

How to Celebrate World Semicolon Day

1

Use a semicolon in your writing

Challenge yourself to use a semicolon correctly in your writing today. It can be in an email, a text, or even a social media post. Celebrate World Semicolon Day by improving your grammar skills.

2

Learn about the history of the semicolon

Take some time to research the origins and evolution of the semicolon. You may be surprised by how much you can learn about this often overlooked punctuation mark.

3

Host a semicolon-themed party

Gather some friends and celebrate World Semicolon Day with a party dedicated to this special punctuation mark. Serve foods that are shaped like semicolons and play games that involve using semicolons correctly.

4

Donate to a mental health organization

World Semicolon Day is also a day to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. Consider making a donation to a mental health organization in honor of the semicolon symbol representing hope and solidarity for those struggling with mental health issues.

5

Wear something with a semicolon symbol

Show your support for World Semicolon Day by wearing an item of clothing or jewelry with the semicolon symbol on it. Not only does it make a fashion statement, but it also helps spread awareness for the cause.

Why World Semicolon Day is Important

A

It raises awareness for mental health

World Semicolon Day is an important reminder to take care of our mental health and to support those who may be struggling. The semicolon symbol represents a pause in a sentence, but not the end - just like how mental health struggles are not the end of someone's story.

B

It promotes suicide prevention

The semicolon has also become a symbol for suicide prevention, as it serves as a reminder that our struggles do not define us and there is always hope for a better tomorrow. World Semicolon Day helps bring attention to this important cause and encourages people to seek help if they are struggling.

C

It promotes unity and support

On World Semicolon Day, people from all walks of life come together to show support for those who may be struggling with mental health issues. It's a day to spread love, kindness, and understanding, and to let others know that they are not alone in their struggles.

World Semicolon Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 15
Saturday
2024
Apr 15
Monday
2025
Apr 15
Tuesday
2026
Apr 15
Wednesday
2027
Apr 15
Thursday