Google doodles

[9A]

September 22, 2021

Bunpheng Faiphiuchai’s 89th Birthday




For those looking to understand the heritage of Thailand’s northeastern Isan region—the nation’s largest territory that is home to over 22 million people—no other artistic phenomenon reflects its identity more than the poetic style of folk music known as Mo Lam. Today’s Doodle celebrates the 89th birthday of the Thai singer crowned the “Queen of Mo Lam,” Bunpheng Faiphiuchai.

Born on this day in 1932 in Ubon Ratchathani Province of Isan, Thailand, Bunpheng Faiphiuchai began performing Mo Lam at a young age. Mo Lam performances were uncomplicated during this era—one male and one female vocalist brought stories from Isan literature to life by holding a musical “debate” accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of the khaen [a bamboo mouth organ depicted in the Doodle artwork].

After years of training, Faiphiuchai became known for her witty philosophical responses to her male counterparts and soon landed a job as a Mo Lam performer. By 1955, Faiphiuchai recorded more full-length albums than any other woman in the genre. She complemented her illustrious singing career with philanthropic endeavors such as promoting infectious disease prevention, environmental initiatives, and other forms of Thai performance art.

Faiphiuchai was named a Thai National Artist in 1997 for her outstanding cultural contributions and passed down this unique Mo Lam expertise to numerous students throughout her life. Today, many of her pupils are well-known performers of Mo Lam which remains a foundational aspect of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.

Happy Birthday, Bunpheng Faiphiuchai! Thank you for fostering the next generation of Mo Lam performers!

[9A]

Sep 27, 2010

Google's 12th Birthday by Wayne Thiebaud.





It was an amazing experience collaborating with painter, Wayne Thiebaud. Known for his paintings of dramatically lit cakes and pastries, we thought a birthday cake doodle for Google's 12th birthday by this living legend would be fun and delightful for art enthusiasts and lovers of sweet things alike.

posted by Mike Dutton

[9A]

July 21, 2019

Buchi Emecheta’s 75th Birthday



“I work toward the liberation of women. My books are about survival, just like my own life,” said the Nigerian novelist Buchi Emecheta, whose life and work are celebrated in today’s Doodle.

Born to Ibo parents in the Lagos suburb of Yaba on this day in 1944, Florence Onyebuchi Emecheta grew up listening to her grandmother’s tales and went on to become a prolific author. Although she resisted labeling herself a “feminist” author, much of Emecheta’s writing addressed issues of gender and race.

Married at age 16, Emecheta moved to London with her husband in 1962. She supported her five children by working at a library, pursued her sociology degree, all while writing tirelessly on novels—usually at the kitchen table as her children played.

Emecheta published 16 novels, including In The Ditch, Second-Class Citizen, and Slave Girl, as well as her 1986 autobiography, Head Above Water. She also wrote several plays for stage, TV, and radio.

During the 1970s and ’80s, Emecheta worked as a lecturer and founded the Ogwugwu Afor Publishing Company with her son. She was named an Officer of the British Empire in 2005, a remarkable accomplishment for someone who faced such adversity.

"Just keep trying and trying,” Emecheta once said. “If you have the determination and commitment, you will succeed."

[9A]

Jul 26, 2019

Pan American Games 2019



For the next 17 days, approximately 6,700 of the best athletes across North and South America will come together in Lima, Peru to compete in 61 disciplines, including 22 qualifying contests for the Olympics. Today’s Doodle celebrates one of the world’s biggest sporting events—the Pan American Games.

Devised by the International Olympic Committee as a way of encouraging American nations to become more involved in worldwide competition, the Pan Am Games were planned to launch in Buenos Aires in 1942, but were postponed to 1951 because of World War II. Starting that year with 2,513 athletes from 21 participating countries, the Pan Am Games have grown considerably over the past half-century.

This year marks the games’ 18th staging and will feature new events such as surfing, which will make its Olympic debut at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. The games will highlight the indigenous culture of Peru, with a torch run starting in the ancient mountain citadel of Machu Picchu. Immediately following the Pan American Games, physically challenged athletes from all over the Americas will compete in 17 different sports for the Parapan Games.

Spotted throughout the games will be the official mascot of the Lima 2019 Pan-Am and Parapan Games, “Milco.” A ceramic sculpture character whose winning design was submitted by 24-year-old Andrea Norka Medrano Moy and garnered 19,895 votes, Milco was inspired by indigenous Peruvian pottery known as cuchimilco or huaco, which dates back to the ancient Incan empire.

“I made this design because I like what the cuchimilcos represent in the history of our country. With its outstretched arms, Milco is welcoming everyone,” said Medrano.

[9A]

July 26, 2011

Muhammad Mahdi Al-Jawahiri's 112th Birthday



Muhammad Mahdi Al-Jawahiri [26 July 1899 – 27 July 1997] was an Iraqi poet. Considered by many as one of the best and greatest Arabian poets in the 20th century , he was also nicknamed The Greatest Arabian Poet, and is considered to be the national poet of Iraq.

[9A]

July 26, 2016

Grandparents' Day 2016 [Spain]




Every year on July 26th, people across Spain take a moment to honor their grandparents, so we thought we’d take a moment too. We don’t presume to know your abuelita or abuelito, but hope whether they’re your family’s best storyteller, the source of Spain’s finest paella, or simply a cherished memory, that today’s Doodle helps bring them to mind.

Happy Grandparents’ Day to all the grandmothers and grandfathers out there!

[9A]

November 27, 2021

Teachers' Day 2021 [November 27]
Spain




Commemorating the feast of Saint Joseph Calasanz, founder of the Order of Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools.

[9A]

November 27, 2010

Bruce Lee's 70th Birthday





Bruce Lee, born Lee Jun-fan, was a Hong Kong American actor, director, martial artist, martial arts instructor and philosopher. He was the founder of Jeet Kune Do, a hybrid martial arts philosophy drawing from different combat disciplines that is often credited with paving the way for modern mixed martial arts [MMA]. Lee is considered by commentators, critics, media, and other martial artists to be the most influential martial artist of all time and a pop culture icon of the 20th century, who bridged the gap between East and West. He is credited with helping to change the way Asians were presented in American films.

The son of Cantonese opera star Lee Hoi-chuen, Lee was born in the Chinatown area of San Francisco, on November 27, 1940, to parents from Hong Kong, and was raised with his family in Kowloon, Hong Kong.[4] He was introduced to the film industry by his father and appeared in several films as a child actor. His early martial arts experience included Wing Chun [trained under Yip Man], tai chi, boxing [winning the Hong Kong schools boxing tournament], and street fighting [frequently participating in Hong Kong rooftop fights]. Lee moved to the United States at the age of 18 to receive his higher education at the University of Washington in Seattle; it was during this time that he began teaching martial arts, later drawing significant attention at the 1964 Long Beach International Karate Championships. In the 1970s, his Hong Kong and Hollywood-produced films elevated the traditional martial arts film to a new level of popularity and acclaim, sparking a surge of interest in the Chinese nation and Chinese martial arts in the West. The direction and tone of his films dramatically influenced and changed martial arts and martial arts films worldwide.



Lee in the 1971 film The Big Boss

[9A]

November 27, 2020

Munier Chowdhury's 95th Birthday




Today’s Doodle celebrates the 95th birthday of Bangladeshi playwright, educator, linguist, literary critic, stage actor, and political activist Munier Chowdhury, who is widely considered a pioneer of the country’s modern Bangla drama. Renowned for plays like Kabar [The Grave, 1952] and Roktakto Prantor [The Bloody Meadow, 1959], Chowdhury dedicated his life to the promotion of the Bangla language, its national identity, and the fight against repression in all its forms.

Shaheed Munier Chowdhury was born on this day in 1925 in the town of Manikganj, British India [now Bangladesh], and from a young age he impressed his family with his precocious wit. Following his first of multiple master’s degrees, he became a professor in the English and Bangla departments of Dhaka University in 1950.

In 1952, Chowdhury was imprisoned for his activism related to the Language Movement, an ultimately successful campaign to have Bangla recognized as one of Pakistan’s official languages. While detained he completed one of his greatest works, Kabar—a surrealist ode to the struggles of the movement. Throughout the rest of his life, Chowdhury maintained his success as a writer of short stories and plays while serving as a champion of nationalist and cultural causes. A committed torchbearer for the Bangla language, he also helped to design an improved Bangla typewriter keyboard in the mid-’60s.

In 1980, the Bangladeshi government posthumously awarded Chowdhury the Independence Day Award—the nation’s highest state honor.

Happy birthday, Munier Chowdhury, and thank you for all of your work to uplift and preserve Bengali culture!

[9A]

Nov 28, 2020

Celebrating Henri Salvador




In honor of a French entertainer par excellence, today’s Doodle, illustrated by Toulouse, France-based guest artist Sébastien Gravouil, celebrates multi-talented singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and comedian Henri Salvador. Salvador established himself as a beloved French figure across a seven-decade career and is widely credited with helping to introduce rock ‘n’ roll to France. On this day in 2000, he received the prestigious Prix in honorem award from France’s Charles Cros Academy. Today’s Doodle artwork highlights Salvador’s wide-ranging contributions to French culture, including his beloved rock ‘n’ roll music, children’s lullabies, and animated character voice overs.

Henri Gabriel Salvador was born July 8th, 1917 in Cayenne, French Guiana and at the age of 12 moved to Paris with his family. Inspired by the music of Belgian jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, Salvador soon took up the guitar and began to perform in Parisian cafes. Before long he caught the attention of Reinhardt himself, who invited Salvador to join his band.

After several years in the French Army during World War II, Salvador joined French bandleader Ray Ventura on a years-long South American tour, and upon his return to Paris, he saw success from his very first recording in 1947. Salvador was invited twice in 1956 to perform on the famous television showcase “The Ed Sullivan Show” in New York. In the U.S. he experienced the excitement of rock ‘n’ roll, which he helped to channel into some of France’s very first rock hits. In addition, Salvador’s 1957 song “Dans Mon Île” [On My Island] was credited by Brazilian musician Antonio Carlos Jobim as his inspiration in developing the iconic bossa nova style.

Among many accolades, Salvador was named Commander of the Legion of Honour in 2004. Salvador released his final album in 2006.

Merci, Henri Salvador!

[9A]

Nov 30, 2020

St. Andrew’s Day 2020





Today’s Doodle, illustrated by guest artist Peter Lubach, commemorates St. Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s annual celebration of its patron saint and national culture. The traditions of St. Andrew’s Day are believed to trace all the way back to the 11th century, and in 2007 the celebration was officially established as a national holiday.

In honor of St. Andrew’s Day, today’s Doodle artwork features several emblematic elements of Scottish iconography. The rampant lion on the far left has long represented Scotland since its first appearance on official regalia in the 13th century. Scotland’s national emblem, the thistle, replaces the second “O,” and to its right sits the critically-endangered Scottish wildcat—the only remaining native cat species that lives in the wild in the UK. Next to the wildcat stands a castle representative of the historic structures that dot the Scottish landscape. And finally on the far right is a golden eagle, which symbolizes Scotland’s wild natural landscape.

Happy St. Andrew’s Day!

[9A]

Dec 1, 2020

Summer 2020 [Australia]

[9A]

December 10, 2021

Celebrating Lionel Rose





Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Sydney, Australia-based guest artist Mark Munk Ross, celebrates Indigenous Australian world champion bantamweight boxer Lionel Rose. As the first Indigenous Australian to win a world championship sports title, Rose was inducted into the Sport Australian Hall of Fame on this day in 1985.

Lionel Edmund Rose was born on June 21, 1948, into poverty in the Indigenous Australian settlement of Jackson’s Track, where he faced intense discrimination. He idolized his father, a two-time Australian lightweight champion who trained Rose using only rags as gloves. At just 15, he won his first amateur flyweight title, and by 1964, Rose went pro.

Following a triumphant 15-round decision victory in Tokyo over Japanese champion Masahiko “Fighting” Harada, Rose made history in 1968 as the second Australian teenager and first Indigenous Australian fighter to win a world title. He quickly became renowned for his lightning-fast reflexes and tenacious counter-punches and returned home from Japan to an estimated 250,000 people in the streets of Melbourne celebrating his success—the largest welcome home to date in Australian sports. Rose was also a skilled singer and guitar player, even recording a chart-topping country album after meeting the “King of Rock and Roll” himself, Elvis Presley.

In 1968, Rose became the first Indigenous Australian person honored as Australian of the Year. He successfully defended his title in three consecutive matches until he relinquished the belt in 1969. Remembered as a generous and humble leader, he retired in 1976 as a national hero and one of the greatest Australian athletes of all time.

Thank you for fighting for future generations of Indigenous Australian athletes, Lionel Rose!

[9A]

December 10, 2013

Sven Wingquist's 137th Birthday





Sven Gustaf Wingqvist [10 December 1876 – 17 April 1953] was a Swedish engineer, inventor and industrialist, and one of the founders of Svenska Kullagerfabriken [SKF], one of the world's leading ball bearing and roller bearing makers. Sven Wingqvist invented the multi-row self-aligning ball bearing in 1907.

[9A]

December 10, 2018

Nelly Sachs' 127th Birthday





Born into a Jewish family in Berlin on this day in 1891, Nelly Sachs studied dance and literature as a child and began writing as an adolescent. She published her poetry in German periodicals as well as a collection of stories called Legends and Tales. During this time, she corresponded with distinguished Swedish writer Selma Lagerlöf—who became the first woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1909—and who eventually saved Sachs’ and her mother’s lives. Lagerlöf petitioned the Swedish royal family to help the Sachs escape Germany at the start of World War II.

After escaping to Sweden, Sachs supported herself and her mom in a one-room apartment by working as a translator. During this time, she wrote powerful poems and plays about the aftermath of the war and family members who died in concentration camps. Her haunting poem “O die Schornsteine" ["O the Chimneys"], evokes the spirits of the dearly departed through the image of smoke rising from the camps. Sachs described the “metaphors” in her poetry as “wounds,” but her work also explores themes of transformation and forgiveness. She expanded on these ideas in her 1951 play Eli: Ein Mysterienspiel vom Leiden Israels [Eli: A Mystery Play of the Sufferings of Israel].

The first German-speaking woman to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature, Sachs’ poignant poetry spoke eloquently about the Holocaust. Sachs won many other accolades including the 1965 Peace Prize of the German Book Trade. “In spite of all the horrors of the past,” she said when accepting the award. “I believe in you.”

Happy Birthday, Nelly Sachs!


Doodle illustrated by German/Finnish artist Daniel Stolle.

[9A]

May 9, 2017

Ferdinand Monoyer’s 181st Birthday



Ferdinand Monoyer, born on this date in 1836, rose to prominence as one of France's most famous ophthalmologists. He developed the diopter, the unit of measurement for vision that's still used today. The diopter measures the distance you'd have to be from text to read it. Most notably, Monoyer devised an eye chart where every row represents a different diopter, from smallest to largest.

Monoyer was known to change the font of a particular letter if it didn't suit him; after all, if you're going to judge a person's vision by it, that letter had better be as legible as possible! If you look closely at today's Doodle, you might be able to spot a tribute to another of Monoyer's signatures: his name, hidden in the chart.

[9A]

May 9, 2014

Sophie Scholl's 93rd Birthday




Sophia Magdalena Scholl [9 May 1921 – 22 February 1943] was a German student and anti-Nazi political activist, active within the White Rose non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany.

She was convicted of high treason after having been found distributing anti-war leaflets at the University of Munich [LMU] with her brother, Hans. For her actions, she was executed by guillotine. Since the 1970s, Scholl has been extensively commemorated for her anti-Nazi resistance work.

[9A]

May 9, 2012

Howard Carter's 138th Birthday




Howard Carter's doodle was so much fun to work on! Researching it and diving into his writing was a claustrophobic process in itself. The rich, detailed account and the anticipation of when he finally chiseled away at the tomb sent chills down my spine... so much so that I couldn't wait to read more. I now seriously hope to visit Tut's tomb someday. Below are two concepts which only attempt to match this monumental discovery. The first sketch attempts to capture that 'claustrophobic' feeling [almost cinematic] with the help of reference photos. In the numerous photos that are out there there were pulley systems supporting Tut's golden resting place, beams that supported the structure and a very cool lamp that looked like it was, well from an Indiana Jones movie... but I guess the influence was the other way around.

Thumbnail Concept Sketch

The concept we chose was the one below where Howard Carter stands proudly in front of the treasures he led to discover. There were thousands of artifacts that took roughly a decade to catalogue and we unfortunately only have so much space on our homepage.
Below is a brief look at the step by step process it took to get to the final Illustration. I have to be honest and say It was a bit tedious and it took a lot of failed attempts at decent painting but in the end I'm very proud and honored to have had the chance to work on Howard Carter's 138th birthday Doodle.



Final Thumbnail Concept Sketch



Greyscale Study to help separate all of the objects and values.




Rough painting starting to come together.




Final Doodle!




One of my personal favorite details of the doodle.



Howard Carter and Tut gaze into each other's eyes.




posted by Willie Real

[9A]

May 9, 2020

Celebrating Frank Soo



Today’s Doodle celebrates British footballer and coach Frank Soo, a fearsome half-back and inside forward who broke racial barriers playing for the English national team during World War II. On this day in 1942, Soo made his international debut in a match against Wales, becoming the first person of non-European descent—and only ever of Asian heritage—to represent the country’s team at the highest level.

Frank Soo was born on March 8th, 1914 in Derbyshire, England and raised in Liverpool. He quickly earned a reputation as one of the best youth players in the city. At just 18 years old, he was scouted by Stoke City F.C., becoming the first professional player of Chinese ancestry in the English Football League.

Renowned for an artful playing style, dignified ball control, and precise passing, the charismatic Soo was named team captain at age 27 and rose to a level of national celebrity. In 1940, following the outbreak of World War II, Soo enlisted in the Royal Air Force and continued his legacy as the captain of its football team. Though England’s Football Association deemed its wartime matches unofficial, Soo went on to represent his country in nine such international fixtures by 1945.

Soo retired from playing in 1950 and moved on to a successful international coaching career that lasted over three decades. His legacy lives on in the increasingly diverse English team that plays today.

Thank you, Frank Soo, for showing the world the unifying power of sport. ​

[9A]

November 30, 2021

St. Andrew's Day 2021



Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Glasgow, Scotland-based guest artist Fran Caballero, celebrates St. Andrew’s Day, the official national day of Scotland. The artwork pays homage to this annual holiday with symbols that illustrate key aspects of Scottish culture and heritage.

Although the existence of a brontosaurus-esque monster in its waters is the stuff of fantasy and folklore, the Loch [Gaelic for “lake”] Ness in the Scottish Highlands is very real. The upper left of the Doodle artwork reflects these dramatic depths and the ancient legend surrounding them. Reaching over 800 feet in some spots, Loch Ness is among the deepest bodies of water in the United Kingdom!

The lower left depicts a red squirrel, part of Scotland’s most beloved wildlife. The national flower of Scotland for over 500 years, the thistle, is illustrated in the artwork’s center as an enduring symbol of St. Andrew and Scottish pride. A medieval castle is depicted on the far right panel, showcasing definitive architecture from Celtic history.

Happy St. Andrew’s Day!

[9A]

December 12, 2021

Celebrating Phở



Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Hanoi, Vietnam-based guest artist Lucia Pham, honors phở, Vietnam’s national dish that is served as an aromatic soup brimming with savory broth, soft rice noodles, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced meat. On this day in 2018, December 12 was selected as the official day to celebrate Vietnamese phở, in honor of the beloved culinary treasure and the cultural fusion it represents.

What makes phở distinct is a mindful cooking process to achieve multi-layered flavors and a clear broth. From ingredients like roasted ginger, fennel seed, star anise, and cinnamon for the simmered stock, the broth serves as the foundation for aromas and tastes for every palate.

While its exact origins are unknown, most historians think phở was born in northern Vietnam’s Nam Dinh province between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some believe that “phở" comes from the word phấn, a rice noodle dish. People started to use beef consommé to make an early predecessor to phở—a simple but very popular noodle soup called xao trau which consisted of buffalo meat cooked in broth and rice vermicelli.

Traditionally, phở is a breakfast dish sold in street food stalls but phở consumption has moved into everyday comfort food. Today, phở is eaten worldwide in countless variations such as phở trộn [dry phở], phở gà [chicken phở], phở cuốn [phở rolls] and many more. Everyone can agree that the noodle dish is a treasured element of Vietnamese heritage. Although current events have slowed the food markets, people are hopeful for their return where phở can be enjoyed as a shared, culinary moment in daily life again.

Here’s to a Vietnamese dish that’s phở-nomenal!

[9A]

September 2, 2020

Vietnam National Day 2020





Today’s Doodle commemorates Vietnam’s National Day in celebration of the date in 1945 when the Southeast Asian nation declared its independence from France.

Featured in today’s Doodle artwork is an idyllic rowboating scene full of traditional Vietnamese symbolism. The man paddling is depicted wearing an iconic Nón Lá, a conical leaf hat that originated thousands of years ago and has since become synonymous with the nation’s culture. Opposite of the man steering the boat, a woman is dressed in the elegant national costume of Vietnam: the Áo Dài, which embodies the pride of the Vietnamese people.

The two are encircled by lily pads and lotus flowers, typical flora found throughout Vietnam’s lakes and ponds. The national flower of Vietnam, the lotus submerges under muddy water at night and resurfaces the next morning. Upon reaching the new dawn’s sunlight, it blooms untarnished by the surrounding mud—even during the most turbulent of times. This act of perseverance demonstrates why many in the country view the lotus blossom as a symbol of strength and optimism.

Not only does this colorful flower brighten the Vietnamese landscape, but it is also deeply ingrained in the nation’s cultural identity, from its towering architecture to its unique cuisine. The lotus’ distinctive shape has found its way into the design of multiple Vietnamese pagodas, temples, and communal houses since the Ly and Tran dynasties, like the prominent One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi. In addition to its enduring symbolic value, the flower is used to make lotus tea, an essential part of many Vietnamese celebrations.

Happy National Day, Vietnam!

[9A]

September 2, 2018

Vietnam National Day 2018



Rising from beneath the water to open at dawn, the fragrant lotus seen in today’s Doodle is the national flower of Vietnam. A symbol of hope, the pink and white blossom is also associated with purity—which is woven into Vietnamese culture, medicine, architecture, and cuisine. The traditional Lotus Dance dates back to the 1600s, when it was performed in royal palaces celebrating the birth of Buddha. The archways over Ho Chi Minh City’s Nguyen Hue Boulevard are giant neon lotus flowers, and many Vietnamese dishes include lotus root slices.

In cities and towns all over Vietnam, friends and family get together in celebration of National Day. Parties and festivities occur all over the Southeast Asian country today, with large celebrations in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The warm summer weather provides an ideal setting for people to enjoy their country’s cultural and natural riches – from food to flowers.

Happy National Day, Vietnam!

[9A]

September 20, 2018

Josefa Llanes Escoda’s 120th Birthday


When Josefa Llanes Escoda was attending elementary school in Dingras, her hometown in the Philippines, she went to class despite an impending typhoon. “I'll not let the weather keep me away from school,” the determined young student told her mother. After graduating as valedictorian, she went on to join the Red Cross and win a scholarship to the United States, where she studied social work, earning a masters degree from Columbia University.

Born on this day in 1898, Escoda was the eldest of seven children and always showed a great interest in women’s issues. A strong advocate for female suffrage, she worked tirelessly to make sure voting rights were extended to all citizens. She founded the Boy's Town in Manila for underprivileged youth in 1937 and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines in 1940, changing the lives of young people in her native country for the better.

Escoda’s face appears on the 1000 peso bill and streets, buildings, and a monument have been dedicated in her honor. As a living legacy to her work, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines honor Escoda by celebrating her birthday each year with acts of service, carrying the example she set forward for generations to come.

[9A]

September 20, 2020

Notaila Rashed’s 86th Birthday




Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Jordanian-American guest artist Sara Alfageeh, commemorates the 86th birthday of pioneering Egyptian translator and children’s author Notaila Rashed. Known affectionately as “Mama Loubna,” Rashed devoted her life to the creation and promotion of children’s literature. She helmed the influential Arabic children’s magazine “Samir” for decades and authored numerous beloved literary works for children and young adults alike. Through her books and short stories, she aspired to highlight ancient Egyptian literary traditions while showcasing the rich cultural heritage of contemporary life in her home country.

Notaila Ibrahim Rashed was born on this day in 1934 in Cairo, Egypt. She went on to study at Cairo University, where she wrote her first children’s stories. By 1953, her work had jumped off the pages and onto the airwaves through radio broadcasts. Just a few years later, Rashed helped found the groundbreaking educational magazine “Samir,” and she later oversaw the publication as its editor-in-chief.

Throughout her esteemed career, Rashed wrote and translated countless children’s stories, and collaborated with a diverse list of Arabic youth magazines, television shows, and radio programs. Among her most famous works is the 1979 two-part book “The Diary of Yasser Family,” which inspired the first children’s film created by the Egyptian National Council of Culture.

Rashed received a variety of awards in honor of her contributions to Egyptian literature and society, including the Medal of the Council of the Ministry of Culture in 2002.

Thank you, Notaila Rashed, for fostering a love of literature across generations.

[9A]

August 15, 2021

Melhem Barakat’s 76th Birthday




Today’s Doodle celebrates the 76th birthday of Lebanese singer, composer and actor Melhem Barakat, widely regarded as one of Lebanon's most distinguished musicians. Acclaimed for his unique musical style and extraordinary live performances, Barakat prided himself as one of few musicians to perform primarily in colloquial Lebanese Arabic throughout his iconic career.

Melhem [or Melhim] Barakat was born on this day in 1945 in the Lebanese town of Kfarshima, near the capital of Beirut. His teachers recognized his vocal gift early on when he performed an original composition to a rapt audience at his school. Barakat went on to sing and act in musical theater productions and proved himself as one of the country’s most promising voices.

As Barakat’s career progressed, he began to compose original music and developed a signature style that combined classical elements with improvisation. He established a huge fan base across the Arab world and went on to appear in multiple Lebanese films in the 1980s. His powerful voice reverberated across the globe as he toured internationally from Australia to the United States. In addition, he collaborated with some of the Arab world’s most famous singers and continued to compose music throughout his life.

In 2008, for his contributions to Lebanese entertainment, Barakat received the prestigious lifetime achievement award at Lebanon’s annual Murex d’Or ceremony.

Happy birthday, Melhem Barakat and thank you for being a vocal ambassador of Lebanese culture!

[9A]

August 15, 2017

South Korea National Day 2017




National Liberation Day, also called Gwangbokjeol [“the day the light returned”], marks South Korea’s independence following the end of WWII. Today, South Koreans embrace their hard-earned nationhood with patriotic fanfare, participating in parades and community festivals. In South Korea’s capital of Seoul, dignitaries and prominent political figures gather at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts for the annual ringing of the bell at 12 PM on the dot to commemorate former leaders.

Today’s Doodle welcomes National Liberation Day with an intricate rendering of a mugunghwa [botanical name: Hibiscus syriacus], Korea’s national flower. Beloved by Koreans for over a thousand years, this bloom symbolizes perseverance and loyalty — the perfect complement to the country’s flag, known as taegukgi, which is emblazoned with a bold blue and red circle representing the harmony of yin-yang.

[9A]

August 15, 2016

South Korea National Day 2016



Today marks the celebration of Gwangbokjeol, the anniversary of the end of Imperial Japanese colonial rule of South Korea in 1945. Exactly three years later, the Republic of Korea was formally established. A national public holiday, Gwangbokjeol is observed with special activities and events, including free public transit, admission to many museums, and an official celebration attended by the president.

Today’s Doodle depicts historic Sungnyemun, the largest castle gate of the Eight Gates in the Fortress Wall of Seoul. The symbolic Sungnyemun is the most famous of the Joseon Fortress architecture and was designated as the first National Treasure of South Korea in 1962.

[9A]

Aug 15, 2016

India Independence Day 2016





“Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now that time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of today's midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.”

These mindful words, spoken by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947, introduced the world to the free nation of India. Nehru’s speech marked the culmination of the Indian independence movement, which was in motion for nearly a century. “Tryst with Destiny” was the climax; the power of nonviolence had, in the end, freed India.

Today’s Doodle depicts the speech’s historic delivery in the Parliament House before the Indian Constituent Assembly. We celebrate India’s independence and as Nehru so eloquently stated, her leaders’ “pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people.” Jai hind!

[9A]

May 19, 2015

45th Anniversary of the creation of Barbapapa



If you recognize today's doodle, then you probably know what that sound is: Barbapapa is changing forms again! For those of us who are new to the magic of this wonderful family of technicolor shapes, Barbapapa is a series of children's books, started in Paris, France 45 years ago on a beautiful day in May. The authors were a French-American couple, Annette Tison and Talus Taylor.

The pair came up with the concept for these kooky characters at the Luxembourg Gardens when Taylor, a non-french-speaker, overhead a nearby child asking for "baa baa paa paa." Confused, Taylor asked his wife, Annette what the child meant. She explained that barbe à papa, is literally translated as "father's beard," but also means cotton candy. Later, inspired by the adorable jumble of sounds and the image of a pink-candy-floss beardy-fellow, the couple sketched out a rotund character on a napkin: Barbapapa was born

Barbapapa is a friendly and caring creature, always ready to help and use his powers of shapeshifting to benefit others. His adventures lead him to become a town hero and meet a lovely she-barba, a lady in black named Barbamama. In the doodle you can see Barbapapa and Barbamama proudly standing behind their children. Each of the children have a special talent or interest:

Barbabelle, the beauty queen [purple]

Barbabravo, an athlete and mystery buff [red]

Barbalib, an academic [orange]

Barbabright, a scientist [blue]

Barbabeau, an artist [black and furry]

Barbalala, a musician [green]

Barbazoo, a nature lover [yellow]

Today's doodle is important not just because Barbapapa has brought joy to families all over the world. We also want to memorialize Talus Taylor, who passed away this year. The beautiful books he created with his wife, Annette have been translated into over 30 languages worldwide, and transformed into comics and a television series, delighting us all with reminders of family, love, kindness and a deep respect for the environment.

Barbapapa © 2015 Alice Taylor & Thomas Taylor All Rights Reserved

[9A]

October 21, 2017

Nain Singh Rawat’s 187th Birthday




For much of the 19th century, Europe played the Great Game. Explorers vied with each other to map the geographical vastness of Central Asia and understand its people and customs. Knowledge was essential to political success, but Europeans were not welcome everywhere.

A thirst for knowledge and the need for secrecy led to the creation of pandits, a select group of highly educated and brave local men trained in geographical exploration.

Prominent among these was Nain Singh Rawat, the first man to survey Tibet, determining the exact location and altitude of Lhasa, mapping the Tsangpo, and describing in mesmerizing detail fabled sites such as the gold mines of Thok Jalung.

Disguised as a Tibetan monk, he walked from his home region of Kumaon to places as far as Kathmandu, Lhasa, and Tawang. He maintained a precisely measured pace, covering one mile in 2000 steps, and measured those steps using a rosary. He hid a compass in his prayer wheel and mercury in cowrie shells and even disguised travel records as prayers.

Today’s Doodle by Hari & Deepti Panicker is a silhouette diorama illustration, portraying Nain Singh Rawat as he might have looked on his travels — solitary and courageous, looking back over the distances he had walked, rosary beads in hand, and staff by his side. Oh, the wonders he must have seen!

[9A]

Dec 23, 2016

Holidays 2016 [Day 1] Warm Climates




Warm up your singing voice and get ready to bring some summer cheer! Today's Doodle celebrates the season with our festive chorus of melody-makers. What better spot to set up than under a shady palm tree with your loved ones? From this family of letters to you, happy holidays!

Doodle by Gerben Steenks

[9A]

Dec 24, 2016

Holidays 2016 [Day 2]





Happy holidays! This is the perfect time of year to cozy up to the window with your favorite blanket or mug, and watch the snow fall. While you’re there, sketch a foggy doodle or two [or five] of your own.

Doodle by Gerben Steenks

[9A]

December 21, 2014

Winter Solstice 2014 [Northern Hemisphere]

[9A]

Dec 21, 2014

Summer Solstice 2014 [Southern Hemisphere]

[9A]

Dec 18, 2014

Henrietta Edwards' 165th Birthday





This depiction of one of Canada's greatest advocates for women was illustrated by guest artist, Kate Beaton who has been known to explore the lives of other historical figures in her collection, Hark! A Vagrant.

We asked Kate to share some of her thoughts on Henrietta Edwards below:

I think that when it comes to notable people in the women's rights movement in Canadian history, there are names we know like Nellie McClung or Emily White. They are the token examples in the high school history text; the answer to a multiple choice question somewhere. Maybe we know "The Famous Five" and what they did with the Person's Case, but I doubt many of us can list the individual women themselves. I believe Henrietta Muir Edwards is one of the women who deserves a wider recognition for her work. Montreal-born--a transplant to the Prairies later in life--she fought for women's rights, women's education, women's work and women's health, across the country and from a very young age. She was a writer, an artist, a lawmaker and a teacher. She allied herself with likeminded activists and founded a number of movements and societies to improve the lives of women. Henrietta was a woman who made things happen and fought for it all with unflappable conviction. Canada is a richer country for having her as a citizen.

[9A]

December 18, 2011

Christoffer Polhem's 350th Birthday



Christopher Polhammar [18 December 1661 – 30 August 1751] better known as Christopher Polhem, which he took after his ennoblement in 1716, was a Swedish scientist, inventor and industrialist. He made significant contributions to the economic and industrial development of Sweden, particularly mining. He was ennobled by King Charles XII of Sweden for his contributions to Swedish technological development.

[9A]

December 18, 2017

Holidays 2017 [Day 1]





The festive season is here and this pair of slippery-footed siblings are excited to spend time with their warm-weather relatives! Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks to see what kind of fun this feathery family has in store.

[9A]

December 21, 2017

Winter Solstice 2017 [Northern Hemisphere]





As 2017 slowly winds to a close, you may have noticed the sun beginning to set earlier and earlier, and you’re right! As the seasons begin to change, so too does the earth’s allocation of daylight.

December 21st marks the 2017 winter solstice, as well as the first day of winter on the astronomical calendar. On this day, the tilt of the earth’s North Pole is at its farthest from the sun, resulting in the shortest day and the longest night of the calendar year.

Though most refer to the solstice as an entire day, in reality, the solstice is defined as a single moment: when the sun is directly above the Tropic of Capricorn. This year, that moment will occur at 16:28 Coordinated Universal Time [UTC]. After this point in time, periods of daylight will once again begin to grow longer.


Happy winter!

[9A]

December 21, 2016

Winter Solstice 2016 [Northern Hemisphere]



Across the northern hemisphere, people everywhere celebrate the winter solstice with seasonal holidays, celebrations, and festivals to remind us of the lengthening days ahead. The solstice is named for the brief time when the sun appears to pause its movement across the sky. At that moment, the tilt and rotation of the earth shifts our view of the sun’s direction from southward to northward, causing it to hang momentarily suspended. Doodler Nate Swinehart created a family of anthropomorphized rocks to commemorate the winter equinox. After tonight’s long darkness, we’ll look forward to the sun hanging out a little longer each day.

[9A]

December 21, 2016

Summer Solstice 2016 [Southern Hemisphere]





Today marks the first day of summer and the longest day of the year for the southern hemisphere. The summer solstice is named for the brief time when the sun appears to pause its movement across the sky. At that moment, the tilt and rotation of the earth shifts our view of the sun’s direction from northward to southward, causing it to hang momentarily suspended. Doodler Nate Swinehart created a family of anthropomorphized rocks to commemorate the change of season. Enjoy the peak of summer in the southern hemisphere with today’s Doodle!

[9A]

December 21, 2017

Summer Solstice 2017 [Southern Hemisphere]





Today, the sun “stands still” — it’s the Summer Solstice! The sun will travel its longest path across the sky, granting people who live in the southern hemisphere with more than 12 hours of daylight. This occurs when the South Pole is most inclined [about 23.4°] toward the sun.

Today’s Doodle celebrates the Solstice, which marks the end of spring and the start of summer. On the day with the shortest noontime shadow, everyone gets the chance to soak up the extra rays of sunlight.

Happy summer!

[9A]

December 21, 2018

Winter Solstice 2018 Observed [Northern Hemisphere]




Today we celebrate the first day of winter and the longest night of the year for the Northern Hemisphere, also known as the Winter Solstice. As our earth circles the sun, the North Pole angles farthest away from the sun today on December 21.

Today you can find the sun at its lowest position throughout the Northern Hemisphere sky. People around the world have celebrated this astronomical milestone for centuries.

In Ireland, people gather days before the solstice at Newgrange – a massive gravesite that’s more than 5,000 years old. Crowds selected by lottery wait for a chance to see the sunrise light up the ancient passage tomb.

At Stonehenge, crowds of people come together to celebrate and capture the moment when the sun directly aligns with the famous stones.

In China, locals refer to the Winter Solstice as Dongzhi Festival, a celebration of winter’s arrival. Locals enjoy rice balls called tang yuan, which translates to “family reunion.” This treat is said to bring prosperity and unity—something all of us can enjoy on this auspicious day.

Happy Winter Solstice, Northern Hemisphere!

[9A]

December 21, 2018

Summer Solstice 2018 Observed [Southern Hemisphere]





Today we celebrate the longest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere, also known as the Summer Solstice. As our earth circles the sun, the South Pole angles closest to the sun on December 21.

The word “solstice” derives from the Latin sol for “sun” and sistere meaning “to come to a stop or make stand.” On this day in the Southern Hemisphere, the sun ascends directly above the Tropic of Capricorn. While most of the world is experiencing winter, the sun shines 24 hours a day north of the Arctic—a natural wonder known as the Midnight Sun.

Everywhere from Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires to Johannesburg and Jakarta, folks are enjoying this extra-long day by taking a break to bask in the late-night rays.

Happy Summer Solstice, Southern Hemisphere!

[9A]

December 21, 2006

Happy Holidays from Google 2006 - 1

[9A]

Dec 22, 2006

Happy Holidays from Google 2006 - 2

[9A]

December 22, 2003

Happy Holidays from Google 2003 - 1

[9A]

Dec 23, 2003

Happy Holidays from Google 2003 - 2

[9A]

Dec 22, 2015

Summer Solstice 2015 [Southern Hemisphere]




Sticky fingers? It must be summer!

Today marks the beginning of the year’s sweetest season, a time of hot days, short nights, and soaking up the sun: the Summer Solstice.

What is Solstice, you ask? it’s an astronomical event that creates the longest day of the year in one of the two hemispheres. Today, the Earth’s northern half will be bathed in light for the greatest percentage of a single day. Giving us all a good excuse to stay outside for another hour. Or two. Or until the fireflies come out!

So get out of the house, slather on some sunscreen, and enjoy the summer, before it melts away…

Doodle by guest artist, Kirsten Lepore.

[9A]

December 22, 2015

Winter Solstice 2015 [Northern Hemisphere]