2 March is World Book Day. Image: Pixabay
Escape into a new world -It’s World Book Day
World Book Day, celebrated annually on 2 March, promotes reading as a source of knowledge and entertainment
2 March is World Book Day. Image: Pixabay
World Book Day reminds us of the crucial role books play in shaping our lives and has always been a fundamental part of human culture.
It is a special day celebrated annually on March 2nd that promotes reading as a source of knowledge, enlightenment, and entertainment, and provides an opportunity to appreciate the value of literature.
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History of paper and writing
Books have undergone significant changes throughout history.
When ancient civilizations invented writing systems, they used clay tablets rather than the glossy covers and creamy pages we are familiar with today.
Papyrus was later adopted as the primary writing material.
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The Chinese created a book similar to modern-day books in the 3rd century, consisting of numerous thick, bamboo pages sewn together.
Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press in the mid-15th century brought books into the industrial age, making them accessible to anyone who wanted to read them.
This ingenious invention paved the way for people to enjoy the works of Shakespeare, Tolstoy, and many other authors in the comfort of their homes today.
The history behind world book day
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) created World Book Day on April 23rd, 1995.
In Spain, the connection between this date and books was established in 1923 to commemorate the deaths of William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, a prominent Spanish Chronicler.
Originally, Vicente Clavel Andrés, a Valencian writer, suggested that World Book Day should honor Miguel de Cervantes, either on his birthday, 7 October, or his death date, 23 April.
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The latter was chosen because it coincided with the deaths of William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, as well as several other prominent authors who died on that day.
In some countries, World Book Day is celebrated on different days, such as Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, despite being an international event created by UNESCO.
