Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day (January 11)
One weird holiday on January 11 is Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day. Check out the other silly holidays in January!
History of Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day
Morse Code was first invented in the 1800s. On January 11, 1838, it was demonstrated by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail. The two men also collaborated with the physicist Joseph Henry. After its creation, it was quickly adopted by the military and aviation across the world.
Morse Code is a way to send words through a series of dots and dashes (or short beeps and long beeps). These are called “dii and dah.” Each letter of the alphabet and the numbers 0 through 9 is some combination of three dots/dashes. International Morse Code is based on the Latin alphabet.
SOS is the most commonly known word in Morse Code. It is represented by three dots, three dashes, then three dots again. Contrarty to popular belief, it does not stand for Save Our Ship. It actually doesn’t stand for anything. It was the standard call for maritime distress until 1999.
Morse Code was a vital method of communication during the two World Wars, but eventually, in WWII it became too easy to be identified by enemies. The primary use of Morse Code today is with ham radios or radio clubs. It is still taught to many recruits in the US Military as a backup in case other communication systems fail during an emergency.
On January 11th each year, the weird holiday of Learn Your Name in Morse Code is celebrated. At first, we weren’t really sure how or when this holiday came about, other than it was created by someone known as Brownielocks (who was later revealed to be Sheila Cicchi from Virginia). It was created to jumpstart the popularity of Morse Code and involve more people in it.
This holiday is different than Morse Code Day, which is a weird holiday in April. Instead, today is all about learning how to send your name in Morse Code.
Ideas for Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day
Other than learning your name in Morse Code, here are some ideas on how you can celebrate.
Make an Easy Morse Code Bracelet to Teach Thankfulness
For National Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day, you should make an adorable morse code bracelet that spells out your name!
Cheaper By the Dozen Hands-On Literature: Learn Morse Code!
Want to learn Morse Code - or at least the letters of your name? This blog post has some great ideas on how to memorize the different Morse Code symbols so you can celebrate National Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day!
Make: Morse Code Valentine's Day Cards
Valentine's Day is just around the corner! On National Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day, you should make these cute Morse Code valentines to give to a friend next month!
Candy Dots in Morse Code
Towards the bottom of this post,, there are instructions how to make Candy Dots in Morse Code! Learn how to make them in your own name on National Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day!
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