Google doodles

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31 Oct 1999

Halloween 1999

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31 October 2003

Halloween 2003

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31 October 2001

Halloween 2001

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28 October 2020

Grandparents' Day 2020 [28 October]

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4 Nov 2020

Miliki's 91st birthday






Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Spain-based guest artist Cinta Arribas, celebrates Spanish clown, actor, director, writer, singer, and composer Emilio Aragón Bermúdez, known fondly by his stage name Miliki. Among his many artistic accomplishments, Aragón starred in the Spanish children’s program “El Gran Circo de TVE” [“TVE’s Great Circus”] which is widely considered one of the most iconic shows in the history of Spanish television.

Emilio Alberto Aragón Bermúdez was born on this day in 1929 in the town of Carmona in southwestern Spain. The son of a clown and an equestrian acrobatics specialist, Aragón honed his talent for performance art as a child surrounded by entertainers. Determined to carry on the family tradition, Aragón launched his clowning career by the age of 11, performing with his brothers at venues like Madrid’s legendary Circo Price [Price Circus].

The siblings moved to Cuba in the 1940s and achieved fame over the following decades as they showcased their endearing talents across the Americas. They found their way back to Spain in 1972 and the very next year, they took Spanish television by storm as the hosts of the children’s show which eventually became known as “El Gran Circo de TVE.”

After a hugely successful decade on air, Aragón moved beyond his identity as a clown and throughout the rest of his career explored new endeavors as a writer, TV presenter, filmmaker, and recording musician—a talent which earned him two Latin Grammy Awards.

¡Feliz cumpleaños, Miliki!

[9A]

31 Oct 2020

Eloísa Angulo’s 101st Birthday





Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Lima, Peru-based guest artist Lucía Coz, celebrates the 101st birthday of Peruvian Creole singer Eloísa Angulo, known by many as “Sovereign of the Creole Song.” A blend of Spanish, African, and native Andean influences, música criolla [Creole music] remains a vibrant symbol of the rich culture and heritage of coastal Peru, and Angulo is among the genre’s most treasured performers.

Eloísa Angulo was born on this day in 1919 in Peru’s capital city of Lima. From the time she was a child, she wanted to become a singer, and she was even known to run away from school to participate in contests held by Lima radio stations in order to make her dreams a reality.

In the early 1930s, Angulo burst onto the scene along with Margarita Cerdeña in the duo Las criollitas, which lasted some three decades. Dubbed “La criollita,” she became known for her beautiful and often humorous interpretations of songs like “Araña, ¿quién te arañó?” [“Spider, Who Scratched You?” 1972] and “El conejito” [“The Bunny,” 1972].

In addition to marking Angulo’s birthday, October 31 is observed in Peru as Día de la canción criolla [Day of the Creole Song], an annual celebration of the timeless and uniquely Peruvian art form to which Angulo dedicated her life.

[9A]

28 October 2018

100th Anniversary of Czechoslovakia




Today’s Doodle honors Czechoslovakia, the Central European country known for its ancient castles, classical music, and its rich art and design tradition. Founded soon after World War I, Czechoslovakia celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Although the Czech Republic and Slovakia became two independent nations in 1993, both honor the anniversary of their independence from the Austro-Hungarian empire on October 28, with schools and businesses closing in observance of the occasion.

In Prague, where the original proclamation of independence was issued, there are streets are named “October 28.” Historical exhibitions are on display at the ancient Prague Castle, official home of the Czech Republic’s president.

Bratislava Castle, a 10th century edifice named for Slovakia’s capital city, will be another focal point of festivities. Here you will find the Slovak installation of a joint exhibition curated by the Slovak National Museum and National Museum of the Czech Republic, highlighting a 100 years of shared history from both nation’s perspectives.

The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra is marking the 100th anniversary with a series of concerts by Czech composers at the Rudolfinum in Prague. The renowned orchestra will also perform at New York City’s Carnegie Hall on October 28. Outdoor concerts are also planned throughout the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Czech and Slovak celebrations alike are sure to include potato dumplings — a favorite food of both nations. And today’s a great occasion for a toast with beer made from the famous Saaz hops, the key to a great pilsner.

Happy Anniversary, Czechoslovakia!

[9A]

15 May 2018

Maria Reiche’s 115th Birthday




As the sun peeks over the high desert horizon in southern Peru, it illuminates a rust-colored “blackboard” scrawled with curious white lines — some perfectly straight, many with hairpin curves — that stretch for miles. Only from the air are the subjects revealed: a monkey, a spider, a hummingbird, and many more.

These are the Nazca Lines, and for decades, Maria Reiche was their staunch guardian — a lone woman perched on a stepladder, bearing a sextant, compass, broom, and mathematical mind.

Reiche was born in Dresden on May 15th, 1903, and went on to study mathematics, astronomy, and geography. In 1932, she was selected from a slew of applicants to take a job in Peru — a move that would decide the course of her life. Working with historian Paul Kosok in 1941, Reiche was first introduced to the ancient figures, or geoglyphs, that stretch across the pampa.

Intrigued, Reiche fully dedicated herself to the study of the mysterious white shapes. Using a measuring tape, sextant, and compass, she measured almost 1000 lines, investigating their astronomical orientation. Reiche discovered that many of the Lines function as markers for the summer solstice, and theorized their builders used the figures as an astronomical calendar. [Today, the Lines are believed to have served a more ceremonial purpose.] Upon mapping the area [with the help of the Peruvian Air Force], she discovered the figures represent 18 different kinds of animals and birds, in addition to hundreds of geometric shapes.

Reiche was was also devoted to the Lines’ protection. With only a household broom, she physically shielded the figures from people and vehicles, in addition to raising money for their overall preservation. Gradually, the “woman who swept the desert” became known worldwide as the “Lady of the Lines.”

Reiche’s immense dedication deeply endeared her to the people of Peru, so much that in 1992 she was granted Peruvian citizenship, and the Nazca airport is named after her. In 1995, UNESCO declared the Nazca Lines a World Heritage Site.

Today’s Doodle by Guille Comin and Elda Broglio depicts the “Lady of the Lines” in her element on what would have been her 115th birthday.

[9A]

20 November 2019

Zinaida Gippius’ 150th Birthday





Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Moscow-based guest artist Maria Shishova, celebrates the renowned Russian poet and author Zinaida Gippius. Born in the town of Belyov on this day in 1869, Gippius wrote verse, plays, novels, short stories, and essays as well as founding and editing an influential journal called The New Path. One of Russia’s best known female writers at the turn of the century, she is considered one of the founders of Russia’s Symbolist movement.

Raised in a family with three younger sisters, Gippius began writing poetry at the age of seven and published her work as a teenager. She met the writer Dmitry Merezhkovsky when she was 19 and married soon after. She insisted on absolute gender equality in their marriage. Gippius also published literary criticism under a male pen name.

Along with the writer Valery Briusov, the couple—known collectively as the “Brotherhood of Three”—ushered in new modes of thinking and writing during a period known as Russia’s “Silver Age.” Their journal, as well as their salon in St. Petersburg, became a center of progressive art and culture, coinciding with a time of great social change in Russia.

Gippius’s verse was intensely personal and focused on individual feelings, and her stylistic and formal innovations would prove extremely influential. Around the time of the Russian Revolution, Gippius and Merezhkovsky’s outspoken views compelled them to move from their homeland. They spent time in Poland, Italy, and France, where they helped assemble a group of like-minded Russian émigrés in Paris.

With her absolute commitment to creativity, Gippius’s commitment to freedom of expression continues to inspire generations of artists.

[9A]

10 Nov 2019

Friedrich von Schiller’s 260th Birthday





Today’s Doodle celebrates the birthday of German dramatist, poet, historian, and philosopher Friedrich von Schiller, widely regarded as the country’s most important playwright and one of the leading lights of German literature. Schiller's theories of aesthetics influenced the thinking of great European philosophers such as Jung, Nietzsche, and Hegel, while his 1785 hymn An die Freude [“Ode to Joy”] inspired Beethoven's famous Symphony No. 9 in D minor, which was later adopted as the official anthem of the European Union.

Born in the town of Marbach on this day in 1759, Johann Christoph Friedrich Schiller was the son of an army officer and attended a strict military academy in Stuttgart. He spent his free time reading the works of Rousseau, Seneca, and Shakespeare while writing his first play, Die Räuber [“The Robbers”], which he self-published in 1781. He managed to get the play produced at a Mannheim theater, delighting audiences, but angering the local Duke with its critical view of authority.

The dramatic Sturm und Drang [“Storm and Stress”] of Schiller’s early work eventually gave way to a mature style in Don Carlos, his first play in blank verse. Taking a break from drama and poetry, he focused on philosophy, working towards his belief that art’s true purpose was not just to delight readers, but to edify and uplift them.

In 1794, Schiller developed a friendship with the prominent writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who recommended him to become a professor of history at the University of Jena. The horrors of the 30 Years’ War served as the backdrop for Schiller’s masterpiece of the Wallenstein trilogy, which was soon followed by his popular historical drama Maria Stuart, based on the life of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Made a nobleman in the early 1800s, von Schiller is considered a national icon. His stature in German literature comparable to Shakespeare’s in English literature.

Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Friedrich von Schiller!

[9A]

4 Nov 2019

Virginia Gutiérrez de Pineda’s 98th Birthday




Today’s Doodle celebrates Virginia Gutiérrez de Pineda, the acclaimed Colombian anthropologist and educator whose pioneering research reshaped traditional family structures and folk culture of Colombia.

Born in the town of El Socorro on this day in 1921, she was among the first generation of Colombian women allowed to pursue higher education. After studying at Bogotá’s Universidad Pedagógica Nacional, Gutiérrez then traveled to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a master's degree in Social and Medical Anthropology before returning home to Colombia to complete her Doctorate of Social and Economic Sciences.

Making the most of her educational opportunities, Gutiérrez went on to author a dozen book-length studies that laid out a fundamental understanding of the lives of Colombia’s people, including women and children of lower social and economic status. Her study of the street children of Medellín led to an interest in solving social problems by focusing on the family unit.

In books like La familia en Colombia, Gutiérrez explored different cultural nuances within the various communities of the Andean, Santandereano, Antioqueño, and coastal-mining regions. She also undertook academic surveys of popular medicine in Colombia and traditional remedies known as curanderismo.

Other than studying families, Gutiérrez also raised a family of her own after marrying fellow anthropologist Roberto Pineda Giraldo, whom she met at university. For her invaluable contributions to Colombian society, Gutiérrez was awarded Colombia’s Woman of the Year award in 1967, as well as the 1983 Gold Medal for Scientific Merit from the Inter-American Family Congress.

[9A]

Mar 28, 2018
Hannah Glasse’s 310th Birthday




If the thought of Yorkshire pudding and gooseberry fool makes your mouth water, you have Hannah Glasse to thank for making these two delectable dishes staples in English cuisine. Born on this day in 1708, Glasse was a pioneering English cook and author of the most popular cookbook of the 18th century. Published in 1747, The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy was unique; it was one of the first cookbooks written in a simple and conversational style, which meant that any English speaker and reader – regardless of their class – could learn how to cook.


Glasse’s cookbook was popular not only because it was easy to read, but also because of its massive scope. It included a whopping 972 recipes, covering everything from puddings and soups, to what to serve at Lent, to preparing food for the sick.


Today’s Doodle features Glasse whipping up a batch of classic Yorkshire puddings. Her recipe for Yorkshire pudding, among many others, is one of the earliest known ever published.


Happy 310th birthday, Hannah Glasse!


Illustration by Matthew Cruickshank

[9A]

28 March 2016

Ángela Ruiz Robles’s 121st Birthday




Ángela Ruiz Robles, born 121 years ago today, was a writer, teacher, inventor, and pioneer of the e-book. Inspired by technological advancement in things like television and cars, she aimed to bring innovation to education as well. Her ingenious "mechanical encyclopedia," with information on scrolling coils that could be switched out for new ones, made it possible for students to study at home without carrying around heavy books. The invention also included a light source, so that students without access to electricity could read unimpaired. After she patented her invention, Robles continued to work on the fabrication of the encyclopedia, with the intention of making it more affordable for students everywhere.

Doodler Kevin Laughlin's design spells "Google" with the looping coils of the Enciclopedia Mecánica. The seafoam green of the encyclopedia's case [a characteristic feature] was a key detail that was added just before finishing.

Happy birthday, Ángela Ruiz Robles! Thanks for getting education and technology off on a roll.

[9A]

25 November 2021

Thanksgiving 2021



The classic Thanksgiving spread depicted in today’s Doodle aims to capture why there is much to be thankful for this year. Marching to the beat—it’s all gravy for the yam, yellow potato, pumpkin pie, corn, and cranberry!

In the spirit of togetherness, take a moment to pass around a favorite dish and express gratitude to a loved one. It’s bound to be a fulfilling feast.

Happy Thanksgiving!

[9A]

15 August 2020

India Independence Day 2020




Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Mumbai-based guest artist Sachin Ghanekar, commemorates the Independence Day of the world’s largest democracy: India. On this day in 1947, India became a sovereign, independent nation after nearly a century of British rule.

Featured in the Doodle artwork are several iconic Indian folk instruments, including the tutari, shehnai, dhol, veena, sarangi and bansuri. From the versatile double-reeded shehnai to the resonant stringed sarangi, these instruments are but a few that make up India’s rich musical legacy, which dates back over 6,000 years.

The musical diversity represented by this unique collection reflects the patchwork of Indian cultures that is celebrated across the nation today.

Happy Independence Day, India!

[9A]

17 Aug 2022

Indonesia Independence Day 2022



Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Bandung-based guest artist Wastana Haikal, celebrates Indonesia Independence Day. Indonesia officially declared independence on this day in 1945 from the Dutch.

Indonesians commemorate the day with parades, carnivals and marching bands. Across the country, the red and white national colors decorate homes and streets in forms of flags and ornaments. The national flag hoisting ceremony, attended by Indonesia's president, is held at the State Palace and kicks off the day’s festivities. Following the broadcasted event, the Independence Day ceremony at Merdeka Palace features public figures, national heroes, and veterans in attendance.

Boat races [Pacu perahus]—like the one featured in today’s artwork—are one of Independence Day’s most popular traditions. The Pacu Jalur Festival hosts the biggest race in the country. After song and dance performances, more than one hundred vibrantly decorated boats row down the Batang Kuantan River. Teams of up to sixty people dress in traditional dance costumes as onlookers gather on the riverbanks.

As a maritime country, Pacu Jalur festival is one of the many traditions that teaches the importance of teamwork. A message that is aligned with Indonesia's national motto, Bhinekka Tunggal Ika [Unity in Diversity].

Happy Independence Day, Indonesia!

[9A]

17 August 2011

Pierre de Fermat's 410th Birthday




Pierre de Fermat was not a particularly revolutionary mathematician. A lawyer full-time, he practiced math as a hobby and never devoted enough time to it to become widely celebrated in his day. His name lives on today, though, because his sly wit generated a mystery for the ages that perplexed mathematicians for 358 years.

Fermat wrote many little theorems, including the deceptively simple Last Theorem, which states that no three positive integers a, b, and c can satisfy the equation an + bn = cn when n is greater than two. Fermat first scrawled this supposition in the margins of the Arithmetica by Diophantus, followed by the note: "I have discovered a truly marvelous proof of this, which this margin is too narrow to contain." It remains hotly contested to this day whether Fermat actually did have a proof, or whether he was just using the convenient excuse of a small margin to avoid being held responsible for it. Either way, his theorem remained unproved until 1995, when British mathematician Andrew Wiles successfully developed a solution – a saga documented in the excellent BBC Horizon documentary, "Fermat's Last Theorem."

We were so tickled by Fermat's little jab that we tried something similar. When this doodle ran, the hover text read: "I have discovered a truly marvelous proof of this theorem, which this doodle is too small to contain."

Posted by Sophia Foster-Dimino

[9A]

19 Aug 2011

George Enescu's 130th Birthday




George Enescu, known in France as Georges Enesco, was a Romanian composer, violinist, conductor and teacher. Regarded as one of the greatest musicians in Romanian history, Enescu is featured on the Romanian five lei.

[9A]

19 August 2016

To Be'Ab 2016


An ancient Jewish holiday that’s been revived in modern-day Israel [and pockets of America], Tu B’Av began as a joyous matchmaking day before falling into near-obscurity for almost 19 centuries. In recent times, it’s been reclaimed as a holiday similar to Valentine’s Day and is considered an auspicious day for weddings or marriage proposals.

On this day of love, some women dress in white, much as they did in the second century, when they took part in a courtship dance in the vineyards. Many lovebirds will exchange flowers and chocolates, celebrate in Israel’s restaurants and bars or attend love-themed parties.

Today’s Doodle captures the romantic spirit of of Tu B’Av, which falls on the 15th day of the Hebrew month Av, and begins at sundown on Thursday, August 18th, the night of the full moon.

[9A]

9 October 2020

Mary Ann Shadd Cary’s 197th Birthday




Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Alberta, Canada-based guest artist Michelle Theodore, celebrates the 197th birthday of American-Canadian newspaper editor and publisher, journalist, teacher, lawyer, abolitionist, and suffragist Mary Ann Shadd Cary. Credited as the first Black female newspaper editor and publisher in North America and the second Black woman to earn a law degree in the United States, Shadd Cary is renowned as a courageous pioneer in the fight for abolition and women’s suffrage.

Mary Ann Shadd was born on this day in 1823 in Wilmington, Delaware. Her parents were dedicated abolitionists and used their home as a station on the Underground Railroad to provide a safe haven to escaped slaves. Following her graduation from a Pennsylvania boarding school, she became a teacher. Frederick Douglass published her first work in his newspaper in 1848, which was a bold call to action for the abolitionist movement.

In the wake of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850—a major threat to Black people in the U.S.— the Shadd family moved north to Canada. It was there in 1853 that Shadd launched her historic newspaper, The Provincial Freemen, a weekly Black publication geared especially toward escaped slaves. Following her marriage, Shadd Cary moved back to the U.S. and, in 1883 earned her trailblazing law degree from Howard University.

For her invaluable contributions to Canadian history, Shadd Cary was honored by the country in 1994 as a Person of National Historic Significance.

Happy Birthday, Mary Ann Shadd Cary!

[9A]

9 October 2011

Mihajlo Pupin's 153th Birthday



Mihajlo Idvorski Pupin, also known as Michael Pupin, was a Serbian physicist, physical chemist and philanthropist based in the United States.

[9A]

9 October 2011
Hangul Proclamation Day 2011





The Korean Alphabet Day, known as Hangeul Day in South Korea, and Chosŏn'gŭl Day in North Korea, is a national Korean commemorative day marking the invention and proclamation of Hangul [한글], the Korean alphabet, by the 15th century Korean King Sejong the Great. It is observed on October 9th in South Korea and January 15th in North Korea. Excluding the years 1990 to 2012, when the government maximized business days to expedite industrial growth, Hangul Day has been a national holiday in South Korea since 1970.

[9A]

1 November 2014

86th anniversary of the first radio calisthenics broadcast in Japan





For 86 years, people in Japan have started out their days with this short calisthenics routine that’s broadcasted on Japanese national television.

[9A]

30 October 2022

Halloween 2022



https://www.google.com/doodles/halloween-2022

BOO-lieve it or not, the Great Ghoul Duel is back and spookier than ever!

This Halloween, we’re revisiting an old haunt, but with some extra flare. In this multiplayer interactive sequel to the 2018 Great Ghoul Duel Doodle, players around the world join a team of four to compete and collect the most wandering spirit flames before the moon is gone.

There are even more unpredictable tricks and treats this time around—including new characters, game maps, special powers-ups, and more!

Exploring one of several spooky maps, players must collect as many wandering spirit flames as they can in two minutes and return them to their homebase. After time’s up, the team that has collected the most spirit flames wins. But beware! - Opponents can intercept spirits from one another as they bring them back to homebase.

Players can choose to host a game with up to seven friends and family via a custom invitation link OR just play with randomized players around the globe. The team built several systems to enable this multiplayer gaming, all running on the Google Cloud Platform, including integrating Open Match, a highly-scalable, open source matchmaking framework cofounded by Google Cloud and Unity.

It looks like the ghost is clear—LET’S GHOUL!

[9A]

30 October 2004

Halloween 2004

[9A]

30 October 2006

Halloween 2006

[9A]

7 November 2013

Ary Barroso's 110th Birthday



Ary de Resende Barroso was a Brazilian composer, pianist, soccer commentator, and talent-show host on radio and TV. He was one of Brazil's most successful songwriters in the first half of the 20th century. Barroso also composed many songs for Carmen Miranda during her career.

[9A]

7 November 2013

Rafael Pombo's 180th Birthday




José Rafael de Pombo y Rebolledo was a Colombian poet born in Bogotá. Trained as a mathematician and an engineer in a military school, Rafael Pombo served in the army and he traveled to the United States of America as Secretary of the Legation in Washington. After completing his diplomatic assignment, he was hired by D. Appleton & Company in New York to translate into Spanish nursery rhymes from the Anglo-Saxon oral tradition. The product of this work, more than a translation, was a transformative adaptation published in two books under the titles Cuentos pintados para niños and Cuentos morales para niños formales.

[9A]

7 November 2016
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United States Elections 2016 Reminder [Day 2]

[9A]

2 November 2009

Day of the Dead 2009

[9A]

31 Oct 2012

Halloween 2012




For this Halloween we decided to bring the trick-or-treating experience to the homepage. The hope was to capture a bit of that excitement you feel knocking on a neighbor's door to see what they're dressed as and wondering if you're going to hit the jackpot with the king size candy bar.

[9A]

Oct 30, 2017

Halloween





Today’s Halloween Doodle checks in on Jinx, the lonely ghost, who embarks on a mission to find the perfect costume — and a place to belong.

[9A]

31 October 2016

Halloween 2016

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31 October 2013

Halloween 2013

[9A]

31 October 2011

Halloween 2011



When I was a little kid, Halloween seemed like the most grown-up holiday of all. For one thrilling night of the year, I got to stay up late trick-or-treating, watch scary movies with my friends, and wield sharp and pointy objects [safety first, of course!] while carving a macabre face into a pumpkin.

Now that I'm older, my perspective on Halloween has shifted a bit. It’s now the holiday that most celebrates a childlike sense of wonder and amazement. Ordinary people and places are temporarily transformed into creepy and whimsical versions of their former selves: a zombie rises with the aid of corn syrup and some red food coloring, your everyday home becomes a haunted house with eerie lights and a spooky soundtrack, and a pumpkin—an otherwise plain-looking squash—is a grinning ghoul, with the help of only a candle, a knife and some elbow grease.

To celebrate Halloween this year, the doodle team wanted to capture that fascinating transformation that takes place when carving a pumpkin. Instead of picking up a few pumpkins from the grocery store, however, we decided to work on six giant pumpkins, specially delivered from nearby Half Moon Bay [some weighing well over 1000 pounds]. What you see is a timelapse video of the ~8 hours we spent carving in the middle of our Mountain View, Calif. campus.

Googlers got into the Halloween spirit as well—you can see their costumed cameos if you have a quick eye. Many thanks to Slavic Soul Party! and composer Matt Moran for providing a fitting soundtrack for our Halloween hijinks.

For an inside look at how we set up the shoot, watch behind the scenes:




From all of us on the doodle team, please take care, be safe and have fun this Halloween!

posted by Sophia Foster-Dimino

[9A]

2 Nov 2011

Taikan Yokoyama's 143th Birthday




Yokoyama Taikan was the art-name of a major figure in pre-World War II Japanese painting. He is notable for helping create the Japanese painting technique of Nihonga.

[9A]

2 November 2013

Day of the Dead 2013

[9A]

2 November 2019

Day of the Dead 2019




Today’s Doodle celebrates the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos [Day of the Dead], an occasion when families welcome the spirits of deceased loved ones back home for a sweet reunion with music and dancing during the first two days of November. Despite some similarities to Halloween and starting just one day later, the Day of the Dead is a completely different holiday, more joyful than scary.

The tradition can be traced back thousands of years to Aztec rituals blended with the cultures of medieval Spain and the Roman Catholic Church, which celebrates All Saints Day and All Souls Day on November 1st and 2nd, respectively.

Calacas y calaveras [skeletons and skulls], seen all throughout Mexico during this time, are an essential part of the festive decor. In particular, the finely dressed skeletal woman La Calavera Catrina, also known as Mexico's “Grand Dame of Death,” has become an icon of the season. Depicted in the Doodle artwork wearing her signature hat with feathers and flowers, La Calavera Catrina was created by illustrator José Guadalupe Posada, who was inspired by Mictecacíhuatl, the Aztec goddess of the underworld.

In Mexican communities worldwide, November 1st is reserved for los angelitos, inviting the spirits of little children into their homes first, with adult spirits arriving the day after. To honor the memory of close friends, relatives, and loved ones, families put up ofrendas, or altars adorned with portraits, clothing, and playthings, incense, and favorite drinks and food including the traditional sweet bread known as Pan de Muertos. Trails of marigold flowers lead the way from the cemetery to the front door, making sure the dearly departed can find their way home.

¡Feliz Día de los Muertos!

[9A]

1 November 2022

Celebrating Indigenous North American Stickball




In celebration of US Native American Heritage Month, today’s Doodle celebrates Indigenous North American stickball, a ceremonial sport invented by Native American tribes. The artwork was illustrated by Saint Paul-based artist, Marlena Myles who is a member of the Spirit Lake Dakota/Mohegan/Muscogee tribe.

Stickball is known as one of North America’s oldest team sports. Several Native American tribes such as the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Seminole and Yuchi were known to play. Elder tribal leaders often organized games of stickball to settle disputes without violence.

A Cherokee tale describes the first-ever Stickball game played between land animals and birds. The land animals, including a bear, deer and turtle, were overly confident and predicted they’d win through sheer strength. Meanwhile, the team of birds relied on flight, speed and cunning to outsmart and outmaneuver their opponents. In the end, the birds were victorious.

Stickball is played using sticks [varying in length], with a net on one end. Two teams try to pass and move the ball towards their opponent’s goalpost, and points are scored by touching or hitting said post. The most important rule: don’t touch the ball with your hands. To this day, various tribes continue to play their own versions of Stickball. The sport still follows its ceremonial traditions, and is a staple in Native American culture. A little known fact is that modern day field lacrosse actually originated from the game of Stickball, which is played widely today.

Today’s Doodle artwork focuses on telling the story of Stickball, blending traditions around the game and the modern way it is played. The style is inspired by traditional ledger art [narrative drawing or painting on paper or cloth] and intentionally includes women and men of various ages to portray the inclusivity of the sport. The art also depicts gameplay of three different versions of stickball, including the ceremonial pregame practice of sage smudging [an ancient Native American practice of burning dried plants] as seen in the “G” letter formation.

[9A]

1 November 2021

Celebrating the late We:wa





In honor of Native American Heritage Month in the U.S., today’s interactive Doodle—illustrated by Zuni Pueblo guest artist Mallery Quetawki—celebrates Zuni Native American fiber artist, weaver, and potter the late We:wa. As a Łamana [thah-mah-nah], the late We:wa was a revered cultural leader and mediator within the Zuni tribe, devoting their life to the preservation of Zuni traditions and history.

As advised by the Zuni tribe, it is discouraged to speak of community members who have passed on within the present tense. Therefore, we refer to We:wa as “the late We:wa” out of respect for their memory and spirit.

The term “Two Spirit” became widely adopted in the 1990s to encompass the various non-binary gender identities and expressions amongst Indigenous peoples. In the Zuni tribe, Łamana is the recognized third gender outside of the male-female binary system. Historical records have used both “he” and “she” pronouns in reference to Łamana and the late We:wa. Because Łamana and many modern Indigenous Two-Spirit people are considered distinct from male and female genders, we have aligned with our Zuni community collaborators and elected to use the ungendered singular pronoun “they.”


The late We:wa was born of the Donashi:kwi and a child of the Bit'chi:kwe [Dogwood clan] around 1849 in Zuni Pueblo, a community indigenous to the land that is now known as New Mexico. In the Zuni tribe, Łamana is a recognized third gender outside of the male-female binary system and revered as a traditional cultural concept reflecting harmony and balance. Like most Łamana, at a young age the late We:wa began learning a variety of skills done by both men and women in the tribe. They became an expert weaver, a role traditionally taken on by men in the community, and created textiles using different looms. After years of training, the late We:wa became one of the first Zuni craftspeople to sell ceramics and woven goods to non-Indigenous people, which catalyzed the process of Indigenous crafts being appreciated as a fine art in the U.S.

The late We:wa also mastered essential Zuni myths, songs, and ceremonies to become a highly respected spiritual leader in the community. Their cultural expertise led to the late We:wa traveling with American anthropologists James and Matilda Stevenson to Washington, D.C. in 1885 in hopes of fostering cultural exchange. During the late We:wa’s landmark visit to the U.S. capital, they called upon high-ranking U.S. officials to protect Zuni lands and culture from encroaching settlers.

Even in the face of colonial policy, which threatens Indigenous peoples nationwide, the late We:wa’s dedication to their community never faltered. They returned to Zuni Pueblo, where they spent the remainder of their life as an artist and community leader. Today, the late We:Wa’s legacy lives on in the approximately 10,000 Zuni people who safeguard the rich tapestry of Zuni heritage and retain one the most uninterrupted cultural lineages of modern Indigenous tribal communities in the U.S.

Give the art of weaving a try in today’s interactive Doodle in honor of the late We:wa and their craft!

[9A]

1 November 2008

1000 Years of The Tale of Genji





The Tale of Genji is a classic work of Japanese literature written in the early 11th century by the noblewoman and lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu. The original manuscript, created around the peak of the Heian period, no longer exists. It was made in "concertina" or orihon style: several sheets of paper pasted together and folded alternately in one direction then the other.

The work is a unique depiction of the lifestyles of high courtiers during the Heian period. It is written in archaic language and a poetic and complex style that make it unreadable to the average Japanese speaker without specialized study. It was not until the early 20th century that Genji was translated into modern Japanese by the poet Akiko Yosano. The first English translation was attempted in 1882 by Suematsu Kencho, but was of poor quality and incomplete.

The work recounts the life of Hikaru Genji, or "Shining Genji", who is the son of an ancient Japanese emperor [known to readers as Emperor Kiritsubo] and a low-ranking concubine called Kiritsubo Consort. For political reasons, the emperor removes Genji from the line of succession, demoting him to a commoner by giving him the surname Minamoto, and he pursues a career as an imperial officer. The tale concentrates on Genji's romantic life and describes the customs of the aristocratic society of the time. It may be the world's first novel, the first psychological novel, and the first novel still to be considered a classic particularly in the context of Japanese literature.

[9A]

9 November 2018

Celebrating Amanda Crowe




In honor of Native American Heritage Month, today’s video Doodle celebrates Eastern Band Cherokee Indian woodcarver and educator Amanda Crowe, a prolific artist renowned for her expressive animal figures. Led by Doodler Lydia Nichols, the Doodle was created in collaboration with the Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual as well as William “Bill” H. Crowe, Jr., woodcarver and nephew and former student of Amanda Crowe. Aside from highlighting Crowe’s own words and passion for her craft, the Doodle features high resolution imagery of Amanda’s true works housed in her homeland at Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, the nation’s oldest American Indian cooperative. The music is also an original composition by her nephew, Bill.

Born in 1928, Crowe was raised within the Qualla Boundary in North Carolina, which is territory owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Her artistic talent emerged early, as she began drawing and carving around the age of four. Although Crowe said she was “barely old enough to handle a knife,” she was determined to express herself. Studying with her uncle Goingback Chiltoskey, a well-known woodcarver in his own right, Crowe honed her skills, carrying her tools to school to pursue her passion for creativity and even selling her carvings as a child.

In 1946, Crowe earned a scholarship to study at the Art Institute of Chicago, expanding her vision through exposure to the world-renowned museum’s permanent collection of sculpture. She learned to work with plaster, stone, and metal, but always came back to wood as her preferred medium. “The grain challenges me to create objects in three dimensions,” she explained. “A mistake or flaw in the wood will improve your design. To me, a knot can be the best part.”

After earning her Master of Fine Arts degree, Crowe studied in Mexico with the renowned sculptor José de Creeft before returning to her homeland in the Qualla Boundary. There, she established a studio in the Paint Town community and began teaching art classes at Cherokee High School, where she would teach over 2000 students over the course of 40 years.

As many prominent American Indian artists studied under Crowe, her tutelage has been credited with fostering a resurgence of Cherokee carving. Crowe’s work can has been showcased in the High Museum in Atlanta and the Mint Museum in Charlotte in addition to private collections all over the world.

[9A]

9 August 2018

Mary G. Ross’ 110th Birthday





Today’s Doodle celebrates the 110th birthday of Mary G. Ross, the first American Indian female engineer, whose major contributions to the aerospace industry include the development of concepts for interplanetary space travel, manned and unmanned earth-orbiting flights, and orbiting satellites.

Great-great granddaughter to Chief John Ross of the Cherokee Nation, Ross was born on this day in 1908. Her math skills were surpassed only by her passion for aviation and the sciences. After teaching in Oklahoma for 9 years, she attended the University of Northern Colorado to pursue her master’s degree and love for astronomy and rocket science.

During World War II, Ross was hired by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation as a mathematician. It was there that she was encouraged to earn her professional certification in aeronautical engineering from UCLA in 1949, after which she broke new ground as one of the 40 founding members of the top-secret Skunk Works team. Her work on the team included developing initial design concepts for interplanetary space travel [including flyby missions to Venus and Mars] and satellites including the Agena rocket [depicted in today’s Doodle]. "Often at night there were four of us working until 11 p.m.," she later recounted. "I was the pencil pusher, doing a lot of research. My state of the art tools were a slide rule and a Frieden computer. We were taking the theoretical and making it real."

Leading by example, Ross also opened doors for future generations of women and American Indians by participating in efforts to encourage their pursuits in STEM fields, including being a member and Fellow of the Society of Women Engineers [SWE]. In 1992 the SWE established a scholarship in Ross’s name, which aims to support future female engineers and technologists, including Aditi Jain, a current Google Maps engineer. “More than money, it gave me confidence,” says Jain who earned a degree in Math and Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University “I don’t think I considered myself an engineer until I received the scholarship.”

Here’s to Mary G. Ross, a pioneer who reached for the stars and whose legacy continues to inspire others to do the same.

[9A]

9 August 2022

Luisa de Medrano's 538th birthday


Today’s Doodle celebrates the 538th birthday of Luisa de Medrano, a poet and philosopher who is considered Spain’s first female professor.

De Medrano was born on this day in 1484 in Atienza, Spain which is located in present-day Guadalajara. Her father belonged to the "Twelve Lineages of Soria" military order and died in battle during the Conquest of Granada, a campaign that would unify Spain under Catholic rule.

The Catholic Monarchs honored the family’s sacrifice, and took in Luisa and her siblings to be raised as noble children. Under the guidance of Queen Isabella I, de Medrano learned history, culture and humanist philosophy alongside children of the royal family.

In the early 16th century, when most women could not access education, de Medrano broke new ground by becoming the first female professor at University of Salamanca where she was believed to teach Latin.

To honor her legacy, the Spanish agency Instituto de la Mujer, Castilla-La Mancha awards The Luisa de Medrano International Prize to individuals who advance gender equality. A high school in Salamanca, IES Lucia de Medrano, is also named in her memory.

Happy birthday, Luisa de Medrano! Your story continues to inspire and empower women to break old molds.

[9A]

22 May 2017

Richard Oakes’ 75th Birthday



Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Richard Oakes made a stand for the rights of American Indians. Over his time as an activist, he fought peacefully for freedom, justice, and the right of American Indians to have control over their lands.

Oakes grew up on the Mohawk Indian reservation in Akwesasne, on the Canadian / New York border. When he was 18, he moved to San Francisco, and enrolled in San Francisco State University shortly after. There, his passion for empowerment through education led him to play an integral role in creating one of the first American Indian studies programs in the nation.

Oakes went on to be a champion for social justice in his community. His most powerful protest happened in 1969 when he led a group of activists occupying Alcatraz Island. The aim was not only to set up a community, complete with a university, museum and cultural center, but also for the government to acknowledge the rights of American Indians to claim the out-of-use federal land as their own.

Although Richard didn't succeed in gaining the deeds to Alcatraz for his people, he brought their issues into the media spotlight and made a substantial impact on the treatment of American Indians in the US. He also went on to assist the Pit River Tribe in their claim for land in Northern California.

Today's Doodle recognizes places that were important in his life's story and mission, depicting the Akwesasne reservation, Alcatraz Island, and Pit River.

Here's to Richard Oakes, for his unwavering dedication to his community and social justice.

[9A]

22 May 2008

Doodle 4 Google 2008 - US by Grace Moon



A 12-year-old beat out 16,000 other people to win a Google contest — 7 years later, she’s a successful artist. Back in 2008, Moon won Google’s inaugural US “Doodle 4 Google” contest, beating out 16,000 other kids from around the country to have her illustration featured on Google’s homepage. She also received a new laptop, a $10,000 scholarship, and $25,000 technology grant for her California middle school.

After continuing to pursue art throughout middle school and high school, Moon just started college as an architecture major in her home of South Korea, attending the prestigious Seoul National University.

Even though she's not focusing on art full-time, she's currently working on the illustrations for a series of children's books.

[9A]

11 Aug 2022

Mountain Day 2022




Illustrated by Japan-based guest artist Kouhei Miyazaki, today’s Doodle celebrates Japan’s Mountain Day. While the country is a leader in tech innovation, it’s also home to thousands of acres of transcendent mountains, hot springs and more than 100 volcanoes. Ever since this holiday began in 2016, people leave the urban jungle on this day each year to enjoy Japan’s natural wonders.

With mountains taking up about 70% of Japan's landmass, urbanites don’t have to travel far to experience the great outdoors. 60 miles outside of Tokyo is the highest mountain in Japan. Towering at 12,000+ feet tall, Mount Fuji is a stratovolcano—a steep, conical mountain built by many layers of hardened lava and tephra.

Thrill-seekers might also enjoy Mount Aso, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Located in the southern part of the country, Aso has a breathtaking crater that is 600 meters in diameter. During periods when volcanic activity is low, gentle steam rises from the crater’s lime green lake.

Those who would prefer to relax in nature can bathe at one of Japan’s famous hot spring facilities [onsens]—including some that are heated by subterranean volcanic activity.

Happy Mountain Day to everyone in Japan! We hope your time in nature leaves you feeling at your peak.

[9A]

10 August 2017

Ecuador National Day 2017




The people of Quito, Ecuador declared independence from Spain 208 years ago today. While the city of Quito was relatively small at the time, this declaration laid the foundation for sovereignty for the entire country.

Today, we celebrate Ecuador National Day with a Doodle that features the awe-inspiring Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve – a national park and biodiversity hotspot that’s nearly twice the size of Rhode Island!

If you want to explore the reserve for yourself, you’ll need a boat: the reserve’s forest is submerged in water for two-thirds of the year. This mix of lagoons, swamps, and dry land creates an incredibly diverse ecosystem with over 500 species of birds, 12 species of monkeys, and countless other animals. It’s also just one of 45 protected areas throughout Ecuador, emphasizing the country’s commitment to preserving nature.

In the cities of Ecuador – and especially Quito – the streets come alive during the month of August, celebrating the country’s independence with with parades, concerts, and cultural exhibitions.

Happy National Day, Ecuador!

[9A]

10 August 2020

Mountain Day 2020




Today’s Doodle commemorates Japan’s Mountain Day [山の日], a national holiday in honor of the geological wonders of the Japanese archipelago. This year the holiday is observed on August 10, initially intended to coincide with the day after the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games, but is traditionally celebrated each year on the eleventh day of the eighth month. Many view symbolism in the August 11 date, as the Japanese character for 8—八— resembles the sides of a mountain, and the numeral 11 looks like two trees, as illustrated in the Doodle artwork.

Japan’s topography has been sculpted by millions of years of tectonic activity. The result is one of the world’s most stunning collections of peaks, which includes over 100 active volcanoes. With over 80 percent of the country covered in mountainous terrain, the Japanese government decided in 2016 to dedicate an entire day to its towering landscape.

Many celebrate by visiting one of Japan’s many peaks and enjoying a quiet hike in nature, or admiring their silent beauty from afar.

Happy Mountain Day, Japan!

[9A]

17 September 2018

Respect for the Aged Day 2018





Today Japan celebrates Respect for the Aged Day, a time for honoring elder citizens that dates back to 1947, when the small town of Taka started Toshiyori no Hi or Old Folks’ Day. The idea caught on quickly and soon the celebration spread all over Japan, becoming a national holiday in 1966. It’s now celebrated every third Monday in September.

On this day restaurants provide complimentary meals to seniors, children present gifts to older family members, and volunteers deliver free bento boxes to the homebound, while public musical performances are organized for free.

For years it was tradition for the Japanese government to give a silver sakazuki plate to anyone who lived to be 100. But too many people were turning 100 and the program became too expensive! People in Japan have the second longest lifespan in the world next to Monaco.

Respect for the Aged Day is more about thought and consideration than any gift, though. Handmade creations from a child are often gifted to older members of their family. Even phone calls or simple acts of kindness are great ways to celebrate this holiday.

Happy Respect for the Aged Day!