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TO & OR NOT TO &
NATIONAL AMPERSAND DAY
National Ampersand Day, celebrated annually on September 8, honors one of the most recognizable symbols in the English language: the ampersand (&). This quirky character, often used to represent the word "and," has a rich history that dates back centuries and remains a staple in modern writing and design.
The ampersand originated from the Latin word "et," which means "and." The symbol itself is a ligature, a combination of the letters "e" and "t" written together in a cursive style by Roman scribes. Over time, this combination evolved into the unique shape we now recognize as the ampersand. The earliest known usage of the ampersand dates back to the first century CE when it appeared in Roman script. Its design has changed over the centuries, but the core concept remains unchanged.
The word "ampersand" is derived from a historical phrase used in English classrooms. When students recited the alphabet, they would conclude with "and per se and," meaning "and by itself (is) and." This phrase was gradually slurred together to form the word "ampersand," which entered common usage by the 19th century.
The ampersand is a versatile character in the English language. It is frequently used in company names, logos, and branding to represent partnerships or dual concepts, such as "Johnson & Johnson" or "Ben & Jerry's." It's also popular in artistic and decorative contexts, where its elegant curves add visual appeal to designs. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in academic citations, programming languages, and shorthand, where its function is as important as its style, making it both functional and stylish.
National Ampersand Day was founded in 2015 by Chaz DeSimone, a designer and typography enthusiast. DeSimone was captivated by the ampersand's aesthetic, with its elegant curves and unique shape, and its historical significance, dating back to Roman script. He wanted to celebrate its role in language and design, recognizing its ability to add visual appeal and convey a simple yet powerful connection between words. The day encourages people to appreciate the ampersand's unique form and explore creative ways to use it in their work and everyday writing.
Although not as frequently used as standard alphabetic characters, the ampersand remains a popular and enduring symbol in the English language. Its ability to convey a simple yet powerful connection between words ensures that the ampersand will continue to hold a special place in written and visual communication, providing a reassuring and shared cultural symbol for all of us.
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