National Semicolon Day

Hey there, fellow internet history enthusiasts! Get ready to slice through the world of punctuation, because today we're celebrating National Semicolon Day!

When is Semicolon Day?

It's national semicolon day on the 16th April.

Internet History:

When it comes to punctuation, the semicolon is like the unsung hero of sentence structure. It's that little punctuation mark that's caught between a comma and a period, unsure of its true identity, but always ready to help out. National Semicolon Day is a time to honor this mighty symbol and recognize its unique role in crafting our written language.

While the origins of National Semicolon Day are somewhat murky in the vast ocean of the internet, it has gained popularity over the years as word nerds and grammar enthusiasts alike have rallied behind this forgotten hero. On April 16, 2020, the internet erupted with 27 mentions of this special day, making it the most talked-about occasion for lovers of literary punctuation.

Semicolons have a unique way of connecting related thoughts or contrasting ideas within a sentence. They provide a gentle pause, allowing your words to flow seamlessly in a way that no other punctuation mark can quite achieve. So, in honor of National Semicolon Day, let's give these little connectors the recognition they deserve.

The Joys of Proper Punctuation:

Proper punctuation is essential for conveying your message accurately, avoiding misunderstandings, and preventing sentences from sounding like a never-ending run-on nightmare. The semicolon is a versatile tool that, when used correctly, can elevate your writing to new heights.

But it's important to remember that semicolons aren't the only punctuation marks that make our language sparkle. Commas, periods, exclamation marks, and question marks all play important roles in injecting life into our words. So, on this National Semicolon Day, why not take a moment to appreciate all of the punctuation superheroes hanging out on your keyboard?

A Semicolon Fun Fact:

Did you know that the semicolon is sometimes used as a symbol of mental health awareness? The Semicolon Project, started in 2013, uses the semicolon as a representation of hope for those struggling with mental health issues. Just like a sentence that could have ended but chose to continue, the semicolon stands as a reminder to keep going, even when life throws challenges our way.

History behind the term 'Semicolon'

1494

The Invention of the Semicolon

The semicolon was invented by the Italian printer and scholar Aldus Manutius in the year 1494. Manutius wanted to create a punctuation mark that would bridge the gap between a comma and a period. He designed the semicolon as a way to indicate a pause longer than a comma, but shorter than a period.

1668

The Term 'Semicolon'

The term 'semicolon' originated in the year 1668. It is derived from the Latin words 'semi-' meaning half, and 'colon' meaning a clause or division. The term 'semicolon' accurately describes the function of the punctuation mark as a half-length colon, which was its original purpose.

19th Century

Widespread Use in English Writing

During the 19th century, the semicolon gained popularity in English writing. It became a crucial punctuation mark for writers who wanted to indicate a stronger break in a sentence than a comma could provide, but not as strong as a period. The semicolon allowed for more complex sentence structures and helped writers to connect related ideas.

20th Century

The Semicolon as a Symbol

In the 20th century, the semicolon began to be used as a symbol beyond its grammatical function. Project Semicolon, a mental health awareness campaign, adopted the semicolon as a symbol of hope and resilience. The organization encourages people struggling with mental health issues to use a semicolon tattoo or wear semicolon-related merchandise to show solidarity and raise awareness.

2020

National Semicolon Day

National Semicolon Day was established in 2020 as a day to celebrate the semicolon and its significance in language and culture. This day is an opportunity to recognize the impact of the semicolon and its role in both grammar and mental health awareness. It serves as a reminder of the power of punctuation and the importance of destigmatizing mental health struggles.