June 17

World Tessellation Day

Get ready to celebrate World Tessellation Day with intricate geometric designs and mind-bending patterns - it's a day for art enthusiasts!

Yearly Date

June 17

Observed

Internationally

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the beautiful and mesmerizing art of tessellations on World Tessellation Day, occurring every year on June 17! This day is all about appreciating the intricate patterns and designs that are created when shapes fit together perfectly without any gaps. The word "tessellation" comes from the Latin word "tessera", which means a small square tile used in creating mosaics. Artists and mathematicians have been fascinated by tessellations for centuries, and now it's your turn to join in on the fun and create your own unique tessellations. So let your creativity flow and explore this fascinating world of repeating patterns!

World Tessellation Day Timeline

5th Century

Early Tessellations in Rome

Roman Empire widely used tessellations in their mosaics, effectively documenting one of the earliest uses of tessellation in human history.

1619

Kepler's Work on Tessellation

Astronomer Johannes Kepler presented his findings on the division of the plane with congruent convex polygons, a significant event in the history of tessellation study.

1891

Escher's Birth

Maurits Cornelis Escher was born, who would later become one of the most famous artists known for his intricate tessellation artworks.

1958

Escher's Metamorphosis III

Escher completed his longest tessellation work, Metamorphosis III, features a continuous changing pattern in a tapestry-like design.

2014

World Tessellation Day Inception

World Tessellation Day was founded by Emily Grosvenor to coincide with the birthdate of M.C. Escher, aiming to promote and celebrate the art, science, and beauty of tessellations.

How to Celebrate World Tessellation Day

1 Create a tessellation art project

Gather some paper, scissors, and markers and let your creativity flow! Cut out shapes and arrange them in a repeating pattern to create a beautiful tessellation artwork.

2 Explore tessellations in nature

Go for a walk outside and see if you can spot any natural examples of tessellations. Look at the patterns on leaves, petals, and even animal fur to see how they repeat and fit together perfectly.

3 Watch a documentary about tessellations

There are many fascinating documentaries about math and art that explore the concept of tessellations. Find one to watch and learn more about this unique form of art.

4 Have a tessellation-themed party

Invite some friends over and have a tessellation-themed party! Serve snacks and drinks in tessellating patterns, play games that involve shapes and patterns, and have fun with your own tessellation creations.

5 Learn about famous tessellation artists

Research and learn about famous artists who have incorporated tessellations into their work, such as M.C. Escher or Bridget Riley. You may even be inspired to create your own tessellation masterpiece!

Why We Love World Tessellation Day

It celebrates the beauty of mathematics and art

World Tessellation Day is a perfect marriage between math and art. Tessellations are patterns that can be created using repeated geometric shapes, resulting in beautiful and intricate designs. It's a great day to appreciate the merging of these two disciplines!

It encourages creativity and problem-solving skills

Creating tessellations involves critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It's a great way to exercise your brain and tap into your imagination. On World Tessellation Day, challenge yourself by trying out new patterns or creating your own unique design!

It's suitable for all ages

Tessellations can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a child learning about shapes or an adult honing your artistic abilities, World Tessellation Day provides a fun and accessible activity for everyone to enjoy.