March 20, 2026#WorldStorytellingDay
Celebrate World Storytelling Day with Hand Shadow Puppets
Tell a story with nothing but shadows
What is World Storytelling Day?
Shadow puppets are one of the most ancient forms of visual storytelling. On World Storytelling Day, try telling a bedtime story using hand shadows on the wall.
Established: 1991 (Sweden), ~2003 (international) by Originated in Sweden as Alla Berättares Dag, went international via the Ratatosk storytelling networkOfficial source
How it connects to hand shadows
Hand shadowgraphy is non-verbal storytelling. Performers like Felicien Trewey told entire narratives using only their hands and a light source in Victorian-era theaters.
How to celebrate with shadow puppets
- 1.Find a dim room with a light-colored wall. A bedroom, hallway, or living room at night works well.
- 2.Use a single light source — your iPhone flashlight, a desk lamp, or a flashlight. Position it behind you, about 15–18 inches from your hand.
- 3.Start with the rabbit — two fingers up for ears, a fist for the head. It is the classic first figure for a reason.
- 4.Try the dog next — use your thumb and pinky to open and close the mouth. Give it a voice.
- 5.Take a photo or video of your best shadow and share it to r/shadowpals with #WorldStorytellingDay.
Try it yourself
Shadow Pals is a free iPhone app that coaches you through hand shadow figures in real time. It uses the camera to track your hand and show you exactly which fingers to adjust.