
Happy National Pen Day! Today is a day that celebrates the power of the pen and the impact it has had on society through the ages. This day is celebrated every year on June 10 and is an opportunity to recognize the importance of the pen and the written word. No matter how far technology advances, the pen will always be an important writing tool. Hopefully, it’ll never go out of style and will be used for centuries to come.
On this National Pen Day, we will be exploring and learning about the history of the pen and how it became the useful tool it is today. Communication through writing has always been a very important and impactful way for us to learn about those who came before us and what experiences they had. Without older generations writing down the world’s most historical events, how would we know what happened in the past? The pen (or older versions of it) has been a small yet mighty tool used throughout history for us to learn and discover both the memorable and tragic events that have taken place before our time. Join us in celebrating the mighty pen and looking back on the different forms the pen has taken since the beginning.
The history of the pen dates back to ancient times when people used quills made from bird feathers to write on parchment or papyrus. Before quills and bird feathers, people even used their fingers dipped in ink as pens to communicate with one another. Imagine being from that period and dipping your finger or even another object into ink to communicate with others. Even writing down events for historical purposes, we truly have it made with the number of options we have for pens and other writing instruments these days.
Over time, the pen evolved, and today we have a variety of styles and types to choose from, including ballpoint, fountain, rollerball, and more. More and more brands of pens are on the market nowadays, some of our favorites are BIC, Paper Mate®, Pentel®, Sharpie, and Uni-Ball. Here are some examples of stellar pens that are sure to rock your world:
- BIC® Round Stic Xtra Life Ballpoint Pen
- Paper Mate® Write Bros® Ballpoint Stick Pen
- Pentel® EnerGel RTX Retractable Liquid Gel Pen
- Sharpie Felt Tip Pens
- Uni-ball 207 Retractable Gel Pens
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Pens might not seem too interesting because well, they’re just pens. It turns out that there are some great facts about the early versions of pens roaming the internet to be shared. So in honor of National Pen Day, here are some fun facts about the older versions of pens:
- The earliest writing instruments were made from natural materials such as bamboo, feathers, or reeds.
- The ancient Egyptians used a writing tool called a reed pen, which was made from a stem of a plant called papyrus.
- The Romans also used a writing tool called a stylus, which was used to carve messages into wax tablets.
- The first modern pen was invented in 1790 by Nicholas-Jacques Conte, a French artist and inventor.
- Early fountain pens were very messy and had to be filled with ink using an eyedropper, which often resulted in ink spills and stains.
- The first ballpoint pen was invented in 1888 by John J. Loud, a leather tanner from Massachusetts.
- The Biro brothers, Laszlo and George, introduced the first commercially successful ballpoint pens in 1938.
- In the 1960s, disposable pens became popular, as they were cheap and convenient to use.
- Today, pens have become much more than just writing tools, with many designers creating pens that are both functional and fashionable.
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Pens have been used to document history, express creativity, and communicate important ideas from early ages. From famous writers who used pens to create timeless works of literature, to artists who used pens to create intricate drawings, the pen has played a major role in shaping our world into what it is today.
On National Pen Day, people across the country celebrate pens in a variety of ways. Some take the opportunity to give a special pen to a loved one, while others write letters or notes to express gratitude or affection. Others may take the day to reflect on the power of the written word and its ability to inspire, inform, and connect people across the world. The opportunities are endless. Make it a point today to think about how far writing and writing instruments have come, and how often we take pens for granted. I’m being serious.
At the heart of National Pen Day is the idea that the pen is more than just a writing instrument – it is a symbol of human experience. Whether we are writing a shopping list or crafting a novel, the pen is a tool of expression that allows us to capture our thoughts and feelings and share them with the world.
So, on National Pen Day, take a moment to appreciate the pen and all it has contributed to our lives. Whether you are a writer, artist, or simply a lover of the written word, this day is a chance to celebrate the power of the pen, and the impact it has had on our world.
References
JustFunFacts. Interesting Facts About Pens. (https://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-pens/) Accessed May 30, 2023.
Whitlockwoodendesigns.com. A Complete Ballpoint Pen History. (https://www.whitlockwoodendesigns.com/a-complete-ballpoint-pen-history/) Accessed May 30, 2023.