Google doodles

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2 September 2016

First Day of School 2016 [Uzbekistan]

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2 September 2018

First Day of School 2018 [MENA]
[Middle East and North Africa]

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2 September 2021

First day of school 2021 [2 September]

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5 Sept 2021

Nicanor Parra's 107th birthday




Chilean educator, physicist and poet Nicanor Parra, a founder of the literary movement known as “anti-poetry,” said that he taught physics to make a living and wrote poetry to stay alive. Today’s Doodle celebrates Parra’s 107th birthday and his legacy as one of the most significant Latin American poets in contemporary history.

In 1914, Nicanor Segundo Parra Sandoval was born on this day in San Fabián de Alico, Chile. He published his first poetry collection as an undergraduate student of mathematics, physics and education in 1937. Although he went on to teach as a professor of theoretical physics at the University of Chile in 1952--a position he held for close to 40 years--Parra is best known today not for his scientific career but for his poetry.

His most famous collection, Poemas y antipoemas [“Poems and Antipoems”] was published in 1954. Parra coined his work “antipoetry” because it rebelled against the formality and highbrow subjects of traditional poetry. Instead, his poems described the challenges of everyday life using the language spoken by common people in Chile. Even more rebelliously, Parra often used dark humor and sarcasm to make his points. The antipoet wanted to make poetry accessible and relevant to everyone.

Throughout a trailblazing career decorated by some of the highest honors for Spanish-language literature, Parra published dozens of poetry collections. This body of work has since been extensively translated for an international readership. His global prestige extended into the scientific community as one of the leading experts on Newtonian physics and many of his pupils are still working physicists today.

Happy Birthday, Nicanor Parra!

[9A]

5 September 2016

Labor Day 2016 [US]

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28 February 2020

Sir John Tenniel's 200th birthday




“‘Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?’ [said Alice].
‘That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,’ said the Cat.”
—Lewis Carroll, “Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland”

Don’t be late for today’s very important date! That is, the 200th birthday of British illustrator and artist Sir John Tenniel, celebrated by today’s Doodle. Tenniel is one of the most highly-regarded Victorian illustrators and painters, and is perhaps best remembered for bringing to life the characters of Lewis Carroll’s timeless “Alice in Wonderland” series.

Tenniel was born in London on this day in 1820, and his talent was clear from a young age. At just 16, the mostly self-taught artist submitted his first work, an oil painting, for exhibition at the Society of British Artists. Tenniel found his calling as an illustrator in 1850 when he became a political cartoonist with the historic weekly magazine Punch. Tenniel developed a distinctive style, due in part to his near-photographic memory.

It was this unique approach that most likely caught the attention of writer and professor Charles Dodgson, whose pen name was Lewis Carroll. After an introduction in 1864, Tenniel agreed to illustrate Carroll’s new book, “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” released the following year.

Thus began a highly successful, if strained, creative partnership that continued with “Through the Looking Glass” in 1872. The result: a series of classic characters, such as Alice and the Cheshire Cat, as depicted in the Doodle artwork’s rendition of their iconic meeting—characters who, along with many others, remain beloved by readers of all ages to this day.

After his work with Caroll, Tenniel never accepted another illustration job again; instead, he returned to his political cartoon work at Punch. For his considerable contributions to both the magazine and “Alice in Wonderland,” Tenniel received a knighthood in 1893.

Tenniel’s illustrations have animated the imaginations of children and adults alike for generations. His legacy continues to thrive, as readers cherish these timeless works of art to this day.

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30 July 2020

Turhan Selçuk’s 98th birthday





Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Istanbul-based guest artist M.K. Perker, commemorates the 98th birthday of iconic Turkish cartoonist, artist, and satirist Turhan Selçuk, a celebrated pioneer of the contemporary Turkish comic strip. Wielding a minimalist style of line art infused with acute wit, Selçuk masterminded one of the country’s first and most famous original comic book characters, Abdülcanbaz, who is depicted riding a bike in today’s Doodle artwork.

Turhan Selçuk was born on this day in 1922 in the ancient Turkish city of Milas. While still a high school student in 1941, he published some of his first illustrations in the newspaper Türk Sözü [The Turkish Word] and saw continued success with his work throughout the decade.

As the chief illustrator for the Yeni Istanbul [New Istanbul], he honed his artistic style and championed the belief that cartoons were a universal medium of storytelling. In 1954, he took the same position at Milliyet, an Istanbul-based daily national newspaper that three years later became the home for Selçuk’s definitive, postmodern comic series “The Adventures of Abdülcanbaz.” Across a nearly three-decade run, the angular hero Abdülcanbaz, also known as the “Istanbul Gentleman,” traveled around the world and even through time to fight injustice and help the powerless.

In 1969, Selçuk co-founded the Turkish Cartoonists Association to educate young cartoonists and promote the medium around the world. He received numerous awards throughout his almost seventy-year career and was the first Turkish cartoonist to be awarded internationally.

[9A]

2 September 2022

Teachers' Day 2022

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3 September 2016

Sybil Kathigasu’s 117th birthday





Sybil Kathigasu was never one to back down. A freedom fighter and nurse, Kathigasu and her husband supported the resistance forces during the Japanese occupation of Malaya until their arrest in 1943. For several years leading up to their capture, the Kathigasus secretly supplied medicine, provided medical services, and shared information obtained by listening to BCC on their shortwave radio.

After her release from prison, Kathigasu was awarded the George Medal for bravery. To this day, she’s the only Malayan woman to have received the award.

Today’s Doodle shows Kathigasu in her nurse’s uniform outside her former residence in Papan, Perak. The patterned ribbon of the George Medal surrounds the Doodle, a tribute to Kathigasu’s courageous contributions to the anti-occupation movement.

On the 117th anniversary of Kathigasu’s birth, we remember and celebrate her tireless dedication to freedom. Thank you, Kathigasu, for your courage and the powerful legacy you’ve left behind.

[9A]

3 September 2009

Doraemon 2009

Doraemon is a Japanese manga series [comic] written and illustrated by Fujiko F. Fujio. The manga was first serialized in December 1969, with its 1,345 individual chapters compiled into 45 tankōbon volumes and published by Shogakukan from 1970 to 1996. The story revolves around an earless robotic cat named Doraemon, who travels back in time from the 22nd century to aid a boy named Nobita Nobi.

The manga spawned a media franchise. Three anime TV series have been adapted in 1973, 1979, and 2005. Additionally, Shin-Ei Animation has produced over forty animated films, including two 3D computer animated films, all of which are distributed by Toho. Various types of merchandise and media have been developed, including soundtrack albums, video games, and musicals. The manga series was licensed for an English language release in North America, via Amazon Kindle, by a collaboration of Fujiko F. Fujio Pro with Voyager Japan and AltJapan Co., Ltd. The anime series was licensed by Disney for an English-language release in North America in 2014, and LUK International in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

[9A]

3 September 2016

Asep Sunandar's 61st Birthday




Today we celebrate what would be the 61st birthday of Asep Sunandar, one of the world’s most famous wayang golek masters. Wayang golek is a style of puppet theater that hails from Sunda, in the western part of the Indonesian island of Java. It’s an art form that takes years to master, and is an important piece of Sunda’s culture.

Wayang golek puppets are made of wood, and are controlled by rods that are connected to their hands and head. The wayang golek master is responsible for the entire show - he or she decides which story they will tell, most often an Indian epic story, and manages all of the wooden puppets’ movements and voices. Well over 10 characters can appear in each show!

Sunandar delighted audiences for years with his performances, which could last from dusk ‘til dawn. Our Google doodle features Sunandar performing with two wayang golek puppets.

Happy birthday, Asep Sunandar!

[9A]

6 October 2021

Margaret Fulton's 97th birthday




In 1970s Australian kitchens, no other cookbooks were more common than those authored by beloved Scottish-born Australian food writer and journalist Margaret Fulton. Today’s Doodle celebrates Fulton’s 97th birthday and her legacy of spicing up the Australian palate with international cuisine.

Born on this day in 1924 in Nairn, Scotland, Margaret Fulton emigrated to New South Wales at three years old. At 18, Fulton moved to Sydney in the hope of becoming a dress designer, but after hearing a prediction that the food industry would boom in post-war Australia, she instead pursued a career in cookery. In 1947, Fulton took a position as a cooking teacher for a utility company, where she found her passion for developing easy-to-follow recipes while teaching a class for visually impaired home cooks.

Fulton refined her recipes in the decades that followed while working as a pressure cooker salesperson, advertising executive, and food journalist. In 1968, she published the first of 25 cookbooks titled “The Margaret Fulton Cookbook” which has sold over 1.5 million copies.

Although international fare was already the standard in countless kitchens around the continent, the bulk of the Anglo-Australian populace had retained a relatively simple culinary tradition for decades. Thanks to innovators such as Fulton who were inspired by these cooking traditions, many Australian households broke convention to embrace new ways to feed their families—a powerful cultural phenomenon that contributed to the country’s modern status as a culinary melting pot.

Happy birthday, Margaret Fulton—here’s to your gastronomical impact on the world of food!

[9A]

20 Sept 2021

Respect the Aged Day 2021


On the third Monday of September, the people of Japan honor the eldest in their communities during Respect for the Aged Day. Today's Doodle by Ishikawa, Japan-based guest artist Maiko Dake captures the joy provided by elderly people and their contributions to society.

The holiday, also known as Keirō no Hi, started as a local festival in 1947 when the mayor of Nomadani-mura [now Taka-cho] in the Hyōgo Prefecture wanted to host an event during which people could look to their elders for guidance and wisdom. The idea soon caught on in other communities and Japan declared Respect for the Aged Day a national holiday in 1966.

In years past, many people used the long weekend to visit aging relatives or bring meals to the elderly. Some cities also hold athletic competitions for seniors! Others call or send flowers like those represented in today’s Doodle to honor their loved ones.

People who have recently celebrated their 100th birthdays can look forward to official congratulations, and of these more than 80,000 centenarians, some appear on television to share their advice for a long and healthy life.

Happy Respect for the Aged Day, Japan!

[9A]

16 Sept 2014

Mexico Independence Day 2014



There’s no dish that has more pride than “chiles en nogada.” These green chiles are stuffed with picadillo, covered in a white walnut cream and topped with red pomegranate seeds, dressing the meal in the colors of the Mexican flag. Happy Independence Day to Mexico!

[9A]

16 Sept 2013
Mexico Independence Day 2013

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9 Sept 2013

100th anniversary of the first aviation "loop de loop" by Petr Nesterov



Pyotr Nikolayevich Nesterov was a Russian pilot, an aircraft designer and an aerobatics pioneer.

[9A]

28 Aug 2013

50th Anniversary of the "I Have a Dream" Speech




"I Have a Dream" is a public speech that was delivered by American civil rights activist and Baptist minister, Martin Luther King Jr., during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. In the speech, King called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States. Delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the speech was a defining moment of the civil rights movement and among the most iconic speeches in American history.

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4 Sept 2013

Kenzo Tange's 100th Birthday



Kenzō Tange was a Japanese architect, and winner of the 1987 Pritzker Prize for architecture. He was one of the most significant architects of the 20th century, combining traditional Japanese styles with modernism, and designed major buildings on five continents. His career spanned the entire second half of the twentieth century, producing numerous distinctive buildings in Tokyo, other Japanese cities and cities around the world, as well as ambitious physical plans for Tokyo and its environs.

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4 September 2017

Labor Day 2017 [United States]


On the first Monday in September in the US, family and friends gather together to celebrate the unofficial end of summer with barbecues, parades, and picnics. It's a welcome day off from school or work for most, but the holiday has more serious roots. After a railway worker strike in the 19th century, Labor Day was created to honor workers and give them a day of rest. It became a federal holiday in 1894.

Inspired by vintage WPA [Works Progress Administration] murals created during the Great Depression, today’s Doodle pays tribute to all types of work.

Happy Labor Day!

[9A]

4 September 2014

25th Anniversary of the first Monday Demonstration




In Germany, our doodle marks the 25th anniversary of the first Monday Demonstration, a peaceful protest against the government of the German Democratic Republic. Also known as the “Revolution of Candles,” protesters laid candles on the cobblestone streets of East Germany every Monday night as a non-violent form of expression.

[9A]

4 September 2015

Joan Aiken’s 91st Birthday



Every so often an extraordinarily prolific author comes along to win the hearts of a generation. Writer Joan Aiken was one of those authors. At the age of 16, she finished her first full-length novel. She was destined for great things.

Born into a family of writers, Joan emerged with a voice all her own, publishing more than one hundred books over the course of her career. Her stunning volume of writing includes children’s books, thrillers, and literary works modeled after the fictional world created by Jane Austen. It’s hard enough to write for a single audience, but Joan was comfortable writing a range of stories that everyone could enjoy.

Today’s Doodle drawn by Kevin Laughlin pays tribute to The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, the novel that kicked off Joan’s most beloved series of children’s books. The Wolves Chronicles include a dozen books published over a 43-year span, following the adventures of several children in an alternate history of England.

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4 September 2017

Eduard Khil’s 83rd Birthday



Today's Doodle celebrates the 83rd birthday of Eduard Anatolyevich Khil, the Russian crooner known for the Mr. Trololo video that went viral in 2009. Khil received many awards during his heyday, including the People's Artist of Russia in 1974. His comeback as "Mr. Trololo" made him a worldwide sensation and meme favorite. We hope you enjoy tro-lo-lo-ing along with this Doodle!

On this day in 1934, Eduard Anatolyevich Khil was born in Smolensk, Russia. Though famous in his sunset years for the viral YouTube comeback clip that tickled Western fans with its melodious “tro-lo-lo-ing,” the Soviet-era singer [aka “Mr. Trololo”] had made his mark decades earlier in his homeland.

After training at the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory [now the Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg State Conservatory], Khil earned his bona fides as a pop singer, racking up numerous awards, including the distinguished People’s Artist of Russia in 1974. A 1976 TV performance of “I Am Glad Because I Am Finally Returning Back Home,” featuring Khil’s now-legendary “tro-lo-lo-ing” vocalization, first appeared on YouTube in 2009. It rocketed the baritone crooner to internet [and meme] fame by 2010. Khil discovered that he was an internet sensation after he heard his grandson humming the song!

Today’s Doodle is an animation of that viral “Trololo” clip. Khil takes the stage in a drab brown suit and mustard-colored tie and happily breaks into his signature “tro-lo-lo-ing,” his expressive eyebrows dancing to the beat. A round of applause for “Mr. Trololo” on what would have been his 83rd birthday!

[9A]

11 November 2018

Christy Essien Igbokwe’s 58th Birthday



Born in Akwa Ibom state on this day in 1960, Christy Essien-Igbokwe was an actress and singer known as “Nigeria’s Lady of Songs.” Fluent in her native language of Ibibo, Essien-Igbokwe also spoke and sang in English, Yoruba, and Igbo giving her music a broad appeal across cultural and tribal lines. Among her many popular releases, the inspirational record “Seun Rere” became a rallying cry within Nigeria.

“My childhood was very challenging,” she once recalled. “I used to have a brother who was a soldier then. He was always on transfer owing to the nature of his job.” Orphaned at an early age, Essien-Igbokwe’s love of music inspired her to persevere. “I didn’t know I could sing until I found myself doing so,” the great artist recalled of her experience being caught up in the spirit of music. “I was like an abandoned child, my condition made me discover myself.”

From humble beginnings to singing in clubs, she landed an appearance on a televised talent show, which led to a role on the popular TV show The New Masquerade. Essien-Igbokwe released her first record, Freedom, at age 17 and never looked back. Her 1981 album Ever Liked My Person became a smash hit. In 1987 the Akwa-Ibom artist recorded a song, “Akwa Ibom Mmi,” which became an anthem of pride for those sharing her heritage.

Using her fame to highlight social issues, she appeared in the Hollywood films Flesh and Blood and Scars of Womanhood, which addressed the abuse of women and children. In 1981 Essien-Igbokwe helped establish the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria with renowned artists King Sunny Adé and Sonny Okosun, becoming the organization’s first female president in 1996. She was also a staunch supporter and advocate for the Performing and Mechanical Rights Society, often donating her own royalties to health and education programs benefiting women and children as well as the handicapped.

Using the same music that uplifted her to uplift her people, Essien-Igbokwe would go on to perform at 2009’s Inspire Africa Benefit Concert and received many awards in her lifetime in recognition of her contributions as an artist and humanitarian.

Happy Birthday, Christy Essien-Igbokwe!

[9A]

11 November 2021

Débora Arango's 114th birthday


Today’s Doodle celebrates pioneering Colombian artist Débora Arango. Her self-described expressionist paintings blended a personal figurative style with techniques borrowed from early 20th-century Mexican muralism to challenge social injustice. Although it first met great controversy, Arango’s work revolutionized the perception of Colombian women’s roles in society and represents a key milestone in the nation’s art history.

Débora Arango was born on this day in 1904 in Medellín, Colombia. Arango was encouraged by her mother to become a painter. She first exhibited her work at a 1939 competition for professional artists in Medellín—the first-ever selection by a woman to include nude paintings. Her work was awarded first place, sparking widespread outrage due to her exhibition’s scandalous nature that rebelled against the status quo.

The broad, defined brushstrokes Arango employed in her paintings were as bold as her subject matter. Her work presented an unfiltered depiction of Medellín from the 1940s to the 1960s, illustrating an era rife with political turmoil, gender discrimination, and social injustice. Overcoming decades of censorship both at home and abroad, Arango was finally able to exhibit 100 paintings in Medellín in 1975.

Arango’s boundary-breaking career was recognized with several distinguished awards later in her life, including the Order of Bocaya—Colombia’s highest civilian honor. Today, Colombians exchange 2,000 peso bills emblazoned with her portrait, and the Medellín Museum of Modern Art displays a permanent collection of Arango’s paintings, which serve as a potent time capsule of Colombian history.

Happy birthday, Débora Arango!

[9A]

1 May 2015

Labour Day 2015 [France]

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1 May 2021

Labour Day 2021

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1 May 2013

Labour Day 2013

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5 September 2022

Labor Day 2022



Today’s Doodle celebrates Labor Day in the United States and Canada. The federal holiday honors the hard work and achievements of working people, and recognizes their immense contributions to society.

During the Industrial Revolution, many Americans arduous shifts, seven days a week to make a living. This led to the birth of the labor movement, as workers formed labor and trade unions to advocate for rights. Through strikes and rallies, they protested the dangerous working conditions, minimal breaks and poor pay.

The holiday originated in the late 19th century as the labor movement was gaining momentum across the U.S. On September 5th, 1892, the Central Labor Union organized a parade in New York City's Union Square—where thousands of workers took unpaid time off and gathered for the first unofficial celebration of Labor Day. After the Union Square parade inspired similar events across the country, the U.S. government officially declared the first Monday in September as a federal holiday in 1894.

People commemorate the holiday today with parties, picnics and vacations. While the three-day weekend is a chance for one last break before summer ends, it is also a reminder of how far our country has come in advancing workers’ rights. Thanks to all the past and current labor activists who have raised our nation’s standard of living!

Happy Labor Day to all!

[9A]

5 September 2013

John Wisden's 187th Birthday





John Wisden was an English cricketer who played 187 first-class cricket matches for three English county cricket teams, Kent, Middlesex and Sussex. He is now best known for launching the eponymous Wisden Cricketers' Almanack in 1864, the year after he retired from first-class cricket.

[9A]

5 September 2008

Teachers' Day 2008

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5 September 2017

Teachers' Day 2017 [India]

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31 August 2018

85th Anniversary of the Biskupin Settlement Discovery



Leading a group of students across some marshy fields 90 kilometers northeast of Poznan, Poland, school teacher Walenty Szwajcer noticed some fragments of pottery and wooden poles. The water levels had gone down that summer. At first he believed them to be the roofs of sunken houses, but what he discovered 85 years ago today was actually a window into a lost world.


The oak and fir poles were part of a fortified settlement dating from the Iron Age, around 780 B.C. Its builders had lived on the Biskupin peninsula raising sheep, goats, pigs, cattle and tarpan horses. The site was so well-preserved that Biskupin would soon be nicknamed “the Polish Pompeii.” The teacher would received numerous accolades from the Polish government for his extraordinary discovery, which is celebrated in today’s Doodle.

Eminent archaeologist Józef Kostrzewski, who began the excavation of Biskupin in 1933, uncovered streets, more than 100 houses, a breakwater and the palisades that protected the settlement. The sophistication of the settlement’s architecture transformed our understanding of the Iron Age, winning Biskupin a place in scholarly articles and textbooks, even today.

In later excavations, teams of conservationists meticulously recovered more than 5 million artifacts dating from the Paleolithic Age to the Middle Ages. Objects made of bronze, stone, and iron provide crucial insights into the lives of the people who lived there centuries ago. Biskupin remains one of the most important historic sites in Europe, demonstrating the accomplishments of early Lusatian culture.

A museum there welcomes more than 150,000 visitors a year, many of whom first learned of Biskupin in classrooms and an annual festival keeps the history of this ancient settlement alive.

[9A]

17 December 2021

Celebrating Carrie Best




Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Toronto, Ontario, Canada-based guest artist Alexis Eke, celebrates Canadian activist, author, journalist, publisher, and broadcaster Carrie Best and her record of influential accomplishments, including co-founding The Clarion—one of the first Nova Scotian newspapers owned and operated by Black Canadians. For her humanitarian efforts, Best was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1974, and subsequently became an Officer of the Order of Canada on this day in 1979.

Carrie Mae Prevoe was born on March 4, 1903, in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia during a time of pronounced racial discrimination. Encouraged by her parents to take pride in her heritage, she decided from a young age to refuse racial stereotypes and immerse herself in historical and literary works written by Black Canadians and African-Americans. In 1925, she married Albert T. Best.

In 1943, Best was arrested for sitting in the “white only” section of New Glasgow’s Roseland Theatre—an act of protest against the forcible removal of several Black teens who attempted to sit there only days before. She then sued the theatre based on racial discrimination but lost the case. Her drive for equal rights was only strengthened by this event.

Best founded The Clarion in 1946 to publish news by and for the nation’s Black community. In 1952, Best established her own radio show titled “The Quiet Corner,” where she broadcast music and read poetry often relating to human rights for the next 12 years. Best was also a strong advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Best’s efforts were recognized with honorary law doctorates in 1975 and 1992. The University of King’s College in Halifax, one of the institutions that awarded Best, continues to carry on her legacy by offering outstanding Black and Indigenous Canadian students a scholarship named in her honor.

Thank you for fighting for the future of marginalized people in Canada and beyond, Carrie Best!

[9A]

17 December 2021

Émilie du Châtelet's 315th birthday




Today’s Doodle celebrates the 315th birthday of French mathematician, physicist, translator, and philosopher Émilie du Châtelet, whose contributions to Newtonian theory and mission to make scientific literature more accessible helped clear the path for modern physics.

Émilie du Châtelet was born Gabrielle-Émilie Le Tonnelier de Breteuil in Paris on this day in 1706—a time when it was rare for women to publicly pursue intellectual careers. Raised in an aristocratic household, Châtelet learned avidly from the distinguished scientists and mathematicians whom her family often entertained. She complemented her formal math and science studies with fencing and linguistics lessons, learning six languages by age 12. Despite society’s discouragement of women pursuing the sciences, Châtelet broke convention.

In her 20s, she married Marquis Florent-Claude du Châtelet, a prominent military officer, and their estate library housed approximately 21,000 books! After months of clandestine research and experimentation, Châtelet submitted a groundbreaking physics paper to the French Academy of Sciences in 1737 that predicted the existence of infrared radiation. Voltaire, an eminent writer of the French enlightenment, recognized her talents, and in 1738, the pair published “Elements of Newton’s Philosophy” under Voltaire’s name. This pioneering book broke down complex Newtonian physics into easy-to-understand terms for French readers.

Châtelet’s magnum opus came in 1740 with the anonymous publication of “The Foundations of Physics,” a work of natural philosophy that married Newtonian physics with metaphysics. Her work played an instrumental role in the acceptance of Newtonian physics across Europe. Albeit anonymously, Châtelet continued to revolutionize physics by translating “Principia,” Newton’s manifesto for the laws of motion and gravity. Published posthumously in 1759, it remains the leading French translation to this day.

Here’s to an unstoppable force in the progression of physics!

[9A]

27 May 2020
Adelina Gutiérrez Alonso's 95th birthday



Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Chile-based guest artist Pablo Luebert, celebrates the 95th birthday of a luminary ambassador of the southern night sky: Chilean astrophysicist, author, and professor Adelina Gutiérrez Alonso. Light-years ahead of her time, she was the first Chilean to earn a doctorate in astrophysics, a pioneer not only in her field, but also for women scientists around the world.


Born in the Chilean capital of Santiago on this day in 1925, Carmen Adelina Gutiérrez Alonso was determined from a young age to become a science researcher and teacher. Her scientific career formally took off in 1949, when she joined the faculty at the University of Chile, home of the historic National Astronomical Observatory. In her early years, Adelina crunched data from distant stars, including that collected by her colleague Hugo Moreno León; the two eventually married and formed a fruitful partnership that resulted in a wealth of scientific publications.


But for Adelina, the sky wasn’t the limit. To further her exploration into the mysteries of the cosmos, she moved to the United States in the late 1950s. She graduated from the University of Indiana in 1964 with her unprecedented doctorate in astrophysics, and upon her return home, she helped to establish and lead the country’s first Bachelor of Astronomy program at her alma mater, the University of Chile.


In honor of her stellar scientific contributions, Adelina Gutiérrez Alonso became the first woman and astronomer inducted into the Chilean Academy of Sciences in 1967.

[9A]

27 May 2022

Celebrating Jimmy Little




Today’s Doodle illustrated by guest artist Dixon Patten—a traditional descendant from the Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, and Dhuduroa people—celebrates Indigenous Australian singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and advocate Dr. James “Jimmy” Oswald Little. Over an illustrious 60-year career, Little championed the music, health, and education of Indigenous Australian communities as a cultural ambassador and musical sensation. On this day in 2003, Little was awarded the Red Ochre Award for his lifelong contribution to the recognition of Indigenous arts in Australia and around the world.

James Oswald Little was born to a Yorta Yorta mother and Yuin Monaro Father in 1937, on the Cummeragunja Mission Station, an Indigenous Australian reserve located in New South Wales. in 1955, Little left home to pursue his dreams of becoming a musician in Sydney. His recording career began the following year, and his breakout hit song “Royal Telephone” became the first song by an Indigenous Australian to hit number one on the pop music charts in 1963.

“Royal Telephone” sold over 75,000 copies—a platinum achievement by today’s standards that earned him the title of Australian Pop Star of the Year in 1964. Little also began acting during this era and became a household name through national tours, radio playtime, and TV appearances into the 1970s. By the 1980s, Little began to use his influence to mentor Indigenous youth and advocate for literacy and health programs throughout the rest of his career.

Little’s reinterpretations of contemporary hits released on over 29 albums earned him the title of one of the founding fathers of Australian country music, an achievement honored by his induction into Tamworth’s Country Music Roll of Renown. For his lifetime of advocacy for Indigenous peoples in Australia, he earned three honorary doctorates and was named a National Living Treasure. Today, his legacy lives on through the work of the Jimmy Little Foundation, an organisation he founded in 2006 with the aim of promoting health, education, and access to opportunity in Indigenous Australian communities.

[9A]

22 May 2022

Gama Pehlwan's 144th birthday



Gama Pehlwan was widely considered one of best wrestlers of all time. Gama remained undefeated throughout his international matches and earned the name “The Great Gama.” Today’s Doodle—created by guest artist Vrinda Zaveri—celebrates Gama Pehlwan’s accomplishments in the ring but also the impact and representation he brought to Indian culture.

Traditional wrestling in North India started to develop around the early 1900s. Lower class and working class migrants would compete in royal gymnasiums and gained national recognition when lavish tournaments were won. During these tournaments, spectators admired the wrestlers' physiques and were inspired by their disciplined lifestyle.

Gama’s workout routine included 500 lunges and 500 pushups at only 10 years old. In 1888, he competed in a lunge contest with over 400 wrestlers from around the country and won. His success at the competition gained him fame throughout the royal states of India. It wasn’t until he turned 15 that he picked up wrestling. By 1910, people were reading Indian newspapers with headlines praising Gama as a national hero and world champion. Gama is also considered a hero for saving the lives of many Hindus during the partition of India in 1947. He spent the rest of his days until his death in 1960 in Lahore, which became a part of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Gama earned many titles during his career, notably the Indian versions of the World Heavyweight Championship [[1910) and the World Wrestling Championship [[1927) where he was bestowed with the title of “Tiger” after the tournament. He was even presented a silver mace by the Prince of Wales during his visit to India to honor the great wrestler. Gama’s legacy continues to inspire modern day fighters. Even Bruce Lee is a known admirer and incorporates aspects of Gama's conditioning into his own training routine!

Happy 144th birthday, Gama Pehlwan!

[9A]

29 Aug 2009

Birthday of Michael Jackson





Michael Joseph Jackson [August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009] was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a four-decade career, his contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture. Jackson influenced artists across many music genres; through stage and video performances, he popularized complicated dance moves such as the moonwalk, to which he gave the name, as well as the robot. He is the most awarded individual music artist in history.

The eighth child of the Jackson family, Jackson made his professional debut in 1964 with his older brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon as a member of the Jackson 5 [later known as the Jacksons]. Jackson began his solo career in 1971 while at Motown Records.

[sansradio]

29 Aug 2009

Birthday of Michael Jackson





Michael Joseph Jackson [August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009] was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a four-decade career, his contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture. Jackson influenced artists across many music genres; through stage and video performances, he popularized complicated dance moves such as the moonwalk, to which he gave the name, as well as the robot. He is the most awarded individual music artist in history.

The eighth child of the Jackson family, Jackson made his professional debut in 1964 with his older brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon as a member of the Jackson 5 [later known as the Jacksons]. Jackson began his solo career in 1971 while at Motown Records.

Isn't Michael the 7th child and Randy's number 8?

[9A]

1 August 2021

Celebrating the Turkana human





When fossil hunters spotted a tiny skull fragment in Kenya’s Lake Turkana Basin on this day in 1984, they didn’t yet know they had discovered part of the most intact early hominid skeleton ever found. Today’s Doodle recognizes the discovery of this ancient fossil, dubbed the “Turkana Human,” which revolutionized knowledge of human evolution.

This excavation dates back to 1967, when a paleoanthropologist flew over the Lake Turkana Basin and noticed fossiliferous rock. The next year, an expedition was launched into the volcanic valley, where the team uncovered remains of three coexisting Homo species, revealing the first evidence suggesting that early humans didn't have a single lineage, but multiple. This paradigm-shifting theory was reinforced by the discovery of the Turkana specimen, which Leakey’s team classified as Homo erectus, now considered the earliest ancestor of modern humans.

Widely believed to be around 10 in age, the Turkana hominid lived approximately 1.6 million years ago. The skeleton exhibits anatomical characteristics that are similar to those of Homo sapiens from the neck down and reveals a body designed for bipedalism. The preserved facial features are smaller than those of pre-erectus ancestors, which indicates the consumption of a higher-quality diet to sustain a large brain, though not quite the size of the modern human brain. The era’s fossil record indicates that Homo erectus utilized this growing brain by building fires, crafting tools, and traveling outside of Africa—a migration that marked a new chapter in the journey of ancient humans.

From harnessing fire to elucidating the chronology of human evolution, who knows what human exploration will find next?

[9A]

6 June 2019

Teachers' Day 2019 [Bolivia]

[9A]

6 June 2022

Angelo Moriondo's 171st birthday





Once upon a time, in 19th century Italy, coffee was the hottest item around. Unfortunately, brewing methods required customers to wait over five minutes to get their drink. Enter Angelo Moriondo, the man who patented the first known espresso machine. Today’s Doodle celebrates his 171st birthday.

Moriondo was born on June 6, 1851 in Turin, Italy to a family of entrepreneurs who never stopped brewing new ideas or projects. His grandfather founded a liquor production company that was passed down to his son [Angelo’s father], who himself would later build the popular chocolate company, “Moriondo and Gariglio” alongside his brother and cousin.

Following in his family’s footsteps, Moriondo purchased two establishments: the Grand-Hotel Ligure in the city-center Piazza Carlo Felice and the American Bar in the Galleria Nazionale of Via Roma. Despite coffee’s popularity in Italy, the time spent waiting for coffee to brew inconvenienced customers. Moriondo figured that making multiple cups of coffee at once would allow him to serve more customers at a faster pace, giving him an edge over his competitors.

After directly supervising a mechanic he enlisted to build his invention, Moriondo presented his espresso machine at the General Expo of Turin in 1884, where it was awarded the bronze medal. The machine consisted of a large boiler that pushed heated water through a bed of coffee grounds, with a second boiler producing steam that would flash the bed of coffee and complete the brew. He received a patent titled,"New steam machinery for the economic and instantaneous confection of coffee beverage, method ‘A. Moriondo’." Moriondo continued to improve and patent his invention in the following years.

Happy 171st birthday, Angelo Moriondo. Today, coffee lovers sip in tribute to the godfather of espresso machines.

Check out the behind-the-scenes process for
today’s Doodle artwork by Doodler, Olivia When





Timelapse of the Doodle’s creation



This Doodle was painted entirely with coffee!

[9A]

6 June 2022

Fasia Jansen's 93rd birthday



Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Hamburg-based guest artist Ayşe Klinge, celebrates the 93rd birthday of Fasia Jansen—an influential Afro-German singer, songwriter and political activist who helped advance the post-war peace movement in West Germany.

Jansen was born on this day in Hamburg in 1929, at a time when racism, inflation and economic depression plagued the country. Aspiring to become a dance star, Jansen joined a dance academy at age 11. But her dreams were thwarted two years later when the academy expelled her out of fear that the Nazis would punish the school for accepting Black students.

Soon after, she was forced to cook for the Neuengamme concentration camp. Under the Nazis’ Dienstverpflichtung decree, which required people to perform a year of unpaid labor, most young girls could work easier jobs in domestic households. But as a Black girl, her only option was to toil in a concentration camp.

It was in the Neuengamme concentration camp that Jansen began singing with political prisoners who worked tirelessly beside her. Singing together helped them survive this traumatic period. After the horrors of World War II, Jansen dedicated her life to creating powerful music to protest injustices everywhere — from the Vietnam War to labor violations in the Ruhr Valley. Jansen also became a strong advocate for the Women’s Rights Movements in Germany and beyond.

She became famous in the 1960s, after performing Unser Marsch ist eine gute Sache [Our March is a Good Thing] alongside the renowned singer Dieter Süverkrüp during the Easter March in resistance to the nuclear arms race. Her song Verbrannte Erde in Deutschland [“Burnt Earth in Germany”], became an important anthem for the anti-nuclear movement in Europe.

In 1991, the government awarded her the medal Verdienstkreuz der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, recognizing her work to rebuild a more equitable Germany. Today, there is a street, a municipal school and an African education center named in her honor.

Happy 93rd birthday, Fasia Jansen! No one could stop you from spreading hope. Your story and legacy give people a reason to sing.

[9A]

6 June 2009

25 Years of Tetris – courtesy of Tetris Holding, LLC



Tetris is a multimedia franchise originating from a puzzle video game created by Soviet software engineer Alexey Pajitnov in 1984. Video games with Tetris' core mechanics have been published by several companies for multiple platforms, most prominently during a dispute over the appropriation of the rights in the late 1980s.

After a significant period of publication by Nintendo, the rights reverted to Pajitnov in 1996, who co-founded the Tetris Company with Henk Rogers to manage licensing. The franchise has since expanded into film, television, books, and music singles.

Built on simple rules and requiring intelligence and skill, Tetris established itself as one of the great early video games. By December 2011, it had sold 202 million copies – approximately 70 million physical units and 132 million paid mobile game downloads – making it one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time. The Game Boy version is one of the best-selling games of all time, with more than 35 million copies sold. Tetris is available on over 65 platforms, setting a Guinness world record for the most ported video game. Tetris is rooted within popular culture and its popularity extends beyond the sphere of video games; imagery from the game has influenced architecture, music and cosplay. The game has also been the subject of various research studies that have analyzed its theoretical complexity and have shown its effect on the human brain following a session, in particular the Tetris effect.

Music

The earliest versions of Tetris had no music. The NES version includes two original compositions by Hirokazu Tanaka along with an arrangement of "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" from the second act of The Nutcracker, composed by Tchaikovsky. The Tengen version also features original music, and an arrangement of "Kalinka" and "Katyusha". 1860s Russian folk tune "Korobeiniki" first appeared in Spectrum Holobyte's 1988 versions of Tetris together "Dark Eyes", "Polyushko-polye" and "The Birch Tree".

Nintendo's Game Boy version also includes "Korobeiniki", as well as the Johann Sebastian Bach's French Suite No. 3 In B Minor [BWV 814], and an original track by Tanaka. "Korobeiniki" is used in most versions of the game, and has appeared in other games, albums and films that make reference to Tetris. It was also included in the SNES Tetris game, Tetris & Dr. Mario, Tetris DS and Blue Planet Software The Next Tetris [1999, PSX and Windows]. Doctor Spin's 1992 Eurodance cover [under the name "Tetris"] reached #6 on the UK singles chart. In the 2000s, the Tetris Company added as a prerequisite for the granting of the license that a version of "Korobeiniki" be available in the game.

[9A]

6 June 2022

Sweden National Day 2022



Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Stockholm-based guest-artist Johan Gaussens, celebrates Sweden National Day, or Sveriges Nationaldag in Swedish. Allemansrätten—a national policy granting the public right to roam through nature—is a prime example of Sweden’s rich cultural and natural legacy.

Sweden is home to breathtaking beauty and Allemansrätten allows Swedes to explore almost anywhere in the country, whether they’re driving, camping, skiing or even picking berries. Stockholm’s Archipelago is perfect for a summer boat trip and The High Coast, or Höga Kusten in Swedish, is a popular destination for hiking.

Some may celebrate Sweden’s National Day by taking a walk through the scenic beauty of the Swedish countryside, like the scene depicted in today’s artwork. Other celebrations include marching bands and local folk band performances along with the waving of the blue and yellow Swedish flag. A big famous celebration is also the annual ceremony at Stockholm’s Skansen open-air museum where the Swedish royal family usually gather to honor the day.

Happy National Day, Sweden!

[9A]

11 Jun 2022

Francesca Sanna Sulis's 306th birthday





Today’s Doodle celebrates the 306th birthday of Donna Francesca Sanna Sulis. She was an Italian fashion designer who defied gender stereotypes in the 18th century by building a highly successful business. Known as the Mulberry Woman, she used mulberry silk to design exquisite dresses for notable women across Europe.

Sulis was born on this day in 1716 in southern Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Growing up on her family’s farms, she learned how to manage a business. At age 19, she married her husband and they moved to his family’s estate on a mulberry tree farm that cultivated silkworms. Pretty soon, Sulis was overseeing the entire silk production chain — from ensuring the worms had enough mulberry leaves to eat, to extracting silk threads from cocoons. As Sulis took over the business, she invested in modern looms and transformed the estate into an advanced silk manufacturing site.

Little did she know, her business would revolutionize the entire fashion industry. Before Sulis started designing dresses, society expected noble women to wear traditional gowns that were rigid and heavy. If women refused to wear such uncomfortable dresses, they risked being outcasts.

Refusing to let women suffer in painful dresses, Sulis challenged oppressive fashion trends by designing mulberry silk gowns that were both elegant and comfortable. Her designs became so popular that the princesses from the House of Savoy, Italy’s last royal family, and Catherine the Great became her customers.

When she wasn’t designing gowns for royalty, she dedicated her free time to empowering women in her community. She ran a vocational school that taught hundreds of women the lucrative arts of spinning, weaving, tailoring and even botany. Upon completing the courses, women received a free loom and financial independence. Today, you can find Sulis’s historic dresses on display at the Donna Francesca Sanna Sulis Museum in Muravera and at the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, where there is a portrait of Catherine the Great donned in one of Sulis’s gowns.

Happy birthday, Donna Francesca Sanna Sulis!

[9A]

11 June 2010

Jacques Cousteau's 100th Birthday



Jacques-Yves Cousteau was a French naval officer, oceanographer, filmmaker and author. He co-invented the first successful Aqua-Lung, open-circuit SCUBA, [self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. The apparatus assisted him in producing some of the first underwater documentaries.

Cousteau's legacy includes more than 120 television documentaries, more than 50 books, and an environmental protection foundation with 300,000 members.

Cousteau liked to call himself an "oceanographic technician". He was, in reality, a sophisticated showman, teacher, and lover of nature. His work permitted many people to explore the resources of the oceans.

[9A]

11 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Final



The artwork for this was well underway before the end of the World Cup games, aside from which flags would be displayed [for the longest time, the working draft said "Your Country Here" – similar to empty billboard ads]. As soon as we found out who the finalists were, I set to work drawing the two country flags in... doing my best to distribute them equally throughout the stadium, without any show of favoritism [I won't say who I was rooting for]! That said, it was pretty funny to discover that users thought we were predicting Spain's victory, since the balloons were hanging over their flag in the doodle... but hey, we all know there was a certain octopus who had that job pretty well covered. Did we google his prediction before finishing this doodle? Hmm...

posted by Mike Dutton

[9A]

25 November 2019

Ani Idrus’ 101st Birthday



Today’s Doodle celebrates fearless Indonesian journalist and activist Ani Idrus on her 101st birthday. Co-founding one of the longest-running Indonesian daily newspapers in 1947 and still active today, Waspada, Idrus became a leading force in the nation’s journalism, education, and politics.

Born on this day in 1918 in Western Sumatra, Idrus’ life left a wake of tremendous change. Establishing herself as a journalist in the 1930s, she went on to publish Waspada just before Indonesia’s independence from the Dutch. Idrus also served as a foreign correspondent for over a decade before releasing the first edition of a popular women’s magazine. In 1988, in recognition of her accomplishments in journalism, Idrus won the Satya Press Award.

As a member of the Young Indonesia political movement, Idrus’ activism continued to develop. She attended Indonesia’s First Women’s Congress, which led her to chair the North Sumatra Women's Front and became Deputy Secretary-General of the North Sumatra National Front.

Closely tied to Idrus’ dedication to causes that benefited Indonesian women was her push to improve education throughout the country. Her impact on the education system is marked by the opening of eight schools, the establishment of the Ani Idrus Education Foundation [YPAI], as well as her service as Chairperson of the Waspada Soccer School.

Commemorated with a stamp in 2004, Idrus’ life encapsulates her mission to improve the lives of Indonesians throughout the archipelago, especially those of women and children. It may be impossible to know just how many lives were positively affected by her tireless efforts in journalism, education, or politics, but her work stands as a monument to her principles.

[9A]

7 Nov 2017

Celebrating Pad Thai



Soak rice noodles in water for a few hours. Fry some eggs with tofu. Throw in lots of vegetables. Toss everything around in a sauce of tamarind, fish, and shrimp. Top it all off with roasted peanuts. Stick a fork in, make it messy, and slurp it all up!

These are the basics of Pad Thai, the uniquely sweet-salty noodle dish that is a signature street food of Thailand, and a heartwarming favorite for foodies around the world. In fact, it was today in 1945 that the tasty dish was announced the national cuisine of Thailand!

During the Second World War, Thailand faced an acute shortage of rice, a staple for the Thai people until that point. Rice noodles however happened to be cheap, filling, and plentiful. Coupled with vegetables and cheap sources of protein such as shrimp and prawns, rice noodles could provide a well-balanced, nutritious meal. An age-old recipe [thought to be introduced by Chinese traders] was popularized amongst vendors and began to be hawked widely on the streets. Overnight, a national favorite was born.

The recipe might be simple but each chef adds their own signature taste to the sauce, making it sweeter, spicier, or something in between. As with all street food, the messier and more social a meal, the better it tastes!

Today’s Doodle was inspired by Doodler Juliana's own research into cooking up Pad Thai with a friend. She wanted to be able to show all the delicious ingredients up close and invented some small pea-sized characters to be our culinary guides. Her lovely creation celebrates the process of cooking this unique dish and eating it with friends — warm, colorful, messy, social, and wonderfully Thai.

Kob khun mak, Pad Thai!