Drawing to make a difference is the key focus of National Doodle Day, an annual fundraising event that will be held on September 13 this year. On this day, selected famous people from the art, sports, and entertainment world are encouraged to pick up writing instruments and create doodles, which are then auctioned off to the highest bidders online. The proceeds go to support those affected by epilepsy and increase research in this area. The date used to fall on September 17 but now changes every year.
History of National Doodle Day
People have been using doodles to communicate for a very long time — the first evidence of this is found in prehistoric cave drawings. Those drawings and symbols, possibly made with sticks and stones (and even hands), tell us stories of the people who came before. Early doodle-drawings shifted to another medium — tablets. Scientists studying samples from ancient times — for example, from Mesopotamian societies — found evidence of random images on the sides and edges of clay tablets. Some historians believe that doodling as an art form has always been around, however, the history of the word is quite different now.
During the pre-revolutionary war in America, a group of British military officers made up a song called “Yankee Doodle,” which they sang to mock the disorganized American soldiers. At that time, the word ‘doodle’ meant ‘fool’ or ‘simpleton.’ The Americans adopted this song as their own, altering it to mock their enemies during the war. Gradually, the word evolved to mean ‘to do nothing.’ Then, in the 20th century, “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town” was released, and it used the word doodle to talk about absent-minded scribbling. And so, doodles, as we know them, were born.
At the same time, studies of the subconscious mind to interpret personality gained popularity, and so did the interest in doodling as a stress buster.
National Doodle Day timeline
Da Vinci is a prolific doodler, scribbling important inventions (helicopter, submarine, tank, parachute), animal skeletons, life drawings of fetuses in the womb — amongst other things — at the edges of his manuscripts.
'Absent-minded scribbling' is the definition provided in the movie “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town,” and the word 'doodle' gains popularity after this film is released.
Mathematician Stanislaw Ulam doodles numbers at a boring lecture and realizes all prime numbers form a particular square spiral path; mathematicians agree that this is a significant discovery for their field
The founders of Google show they are out of the office for the Burning Man festival, and draw a stick figure behind the second 'o' of Google to create the first Google Doodle.
The charity organization, Epilepsy Action, establishes National Doodle Day to raise funds for epilepsy awareness and treatment.
National Doodle Day FAQs
What day is National Doodle Day?
In 2004, the British charity organization Epilepsy Action established the first National Doodle Day. It has been held in September ever since and has reportedly supported 600,000 people living with epilepsy so far.
What is a doodle?
A doodle is a drawing made by someone whose mind is otherwise occupied at the time. Examples include drawings in the margins of school textbooks, meeting notes, etc.
What is the purpose of a doodle?
According to research, doodles have long-term neurological and physical effects. It can calm us, help us process information faster, and help break a creative block.
How to Observe National Doodle Day
Doodle away
Sketch, draw, and scribble doodles for the people in your life who suffer from epilepsy. You can even participate in doodle events held around this day.
Learn more about doodles (and epilepsy)
Read up on the first doodles, how they are associated with stress relief, and how doodling can raise money for epilepsy. You can even find out more about the medical condition and how to help people afflicted by it.
Contribute to the epilepsy cause
Donate your doodles to the cause, if you can, by reaching out to art societies and places holding Doodle Day events. You can share your doodles online to spread more awareness of this event and the noble purpose behind it.
5 Important Facts About Doodling
Famous participants
The list of famous people doodling to support the cause is long and includes actors Stephanie Cole and Michelle Dockery, fashion designer Christina Stambolian, authors Jez Alborough and Helen Craig, and many more.
These people were all doodlers
John Keats, Sylvia Plath, Thomas Jefferson, Rabindranath Tagore, and even Ronald Reagan were famous for doodling all over their work.
A glimpse into our soul
Doodles inadvertently reveal our innermost thoughts and show what the mind comes up within its most unguarded moments.
Doodling provides an escape valve
When we feel pressured, doodling can help us alleviate this in a playful and creative way.
Doodling gives the brain a break
Researchers believe doodling can help the brain remain focused by giving parts of the brain a break, allowing us to absorb and retain more information overall.
Why National Doodle Day is Important
We love doodling
It has health benefits in that it is thought to improve brainpower. It’s also fun and we can let our imaginations run wild.
We're doodling for a good cause
Epilepsy is on the list of most common neurological diseases and comes in fourth after migraines, strokes, and Alzheimer’s. Our support can help raise awareness about epilepsy, and help people with this illness live free of prejudice and stigma.
Giving support was never this easy
Doodling barely takes any time to complete. It's an easy, simple, and valuable way to show support.
National Doodle Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 15 | Friday |
| 2024 | September 27 | Friday |
| 2025 | September 26 | Friday |
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