12.02.2022 03:00 Date: February 12, 2022 Today’s Doodle illustrated by Berlin, Germany-based guest artist celebrates the first woman in history to become a psychoanalyst, Russian-born German poet, essayist, biographer, and novelist Lou Andreas-Salomé. Pursuing a career in philosophy in a time when women’s opportunities in the field were restricted, Andreas-Salomé broke convention by becoming a central figure in prominent intellectual circles in late 19th and early 20th century Europe. Lou Andreas-Salomé was born Louise Salomé on this day in 1861 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Raised in an intellectual family of Russian, German, and French heritage, Andreas-Salomé developed a fascination with French and German literature as a young adult. In 1880, she furthered her academic studies at the progressive University of Zurich, one of the few schools at the time that did not exclude women. In 1882, Andreas-Salomé joined the literary salon of eminent feminist Malwida von Meysenburg in Rome, where she met Friedrich Nietzsche. The German philosopher fell in love with Andreas-Salomé, and many believe her intellectual prowess inspired Nietzsche’s 1883 masterwork “Thus Spoke Zarathustra.” Through the turn of the 20th century, Andreas-Salomé published numerous psychological essays and novels—many based on her experiences as a woman navigating societal norms and the growing intellectual movement of her time. In 1911, Andreas-Salomé met and began an apprenticeship under Sigmund Freud, known today as the father of psychoanalysis. She integrated Freud’s training with her decades of experience writing on the psyche to become the first woman psychoanalyst. Although Andreas-Salomé's story was little-known during her lifetime, a dramatic reimagining of her encounters with Nietzche shed light on her story in the 1981 eponymous opera, “Lou Salome.” Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Berlin, Germany-based guest artist . Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle: Q. Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? A: I always appreciate it when I feel well chosen for a topic and that was the case with Lou Andreas-Salomé. A woman, a free spirit, a writer and psychoanalyst, student of Sigmund Freud at the age of 50. She was a really interesting and inspiring woman and it was an honor and a pleasure for me to portray her. Q. What were your first thoughts when you were approached about working on this Doodle? A: Above all, I was happy to be able to create a Doodle again. After the first portrait of in 2018, it should again be a portrait of a strong woman. She was a writer and a psychoanalyst—both activities that interest me and that I like to draw including the time she lived in…the clothes and patterns. Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? A: I looked at art deco frames, wallpaper, patterns, and typefaces. I drew inspiration for the concept from the notes I found on Lou Andreas-Salomé and from the briefing. Q. What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle? A: I hope that my portrait will inspire those who don't know Lou Andreas-Salomé to engage with her. And that she will be recognized by those who already know her. Early drafts of the Doodle Location: , , , Tags: , , , , , ,
10.02.2022 20:45 Date: February 11, 2022 Location: Tags: , , , , ,
10.02.2022 20:45 Date: February 11, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates the 161st birthday of Filipino author and playwright Severino Reyes. Widely regarded as the “Father of Filipino Drama,” Reyes is not only internationally renowned for his famous zarzuelas, Spanish-influenced works of dramatic musical theater, but also for his now classic collection of Tagalog stories. Severino Reyes was born on this day in 1861 in the capital of Manila. Fluent in both Spanish and Tagalog, Reyes took a deep interest in language, studying Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and a handful of other dialects spoken across the archipelagic nation. His intellect drove him to pursue studies in history, literature, and the sciences. Though his academic career culminated with a degree in philosophy, his most enduring legacy was left in the arts. In 1902, Reyes founded the Gran Compania de Zarzuela, a theater group devoted to expanding the art form across the Philippines. That same year, his trailblazing theatrical group staged his second play titled “Walang Sugat” , a historical drama centered around the Philippine revolution. The popular reception of this play marked the beginning of the Philippine Golden Age of Zarzuela. Reyes mastered his dramatic expression in the decades that followed with over 50 zarzuelas. In addition to his landmark career as a playwright, Reyes also served as the editor-in-chief of Liwayway, a popular Tagalog magazine to which he contributed stories under the pseudonym “Lola Basyang.” His stories, full of seemingly ancient wisdom, became such an integral part of Philippine society that the name Lola Basyang is still used today to describe a grandmother who loves telling stories. Here’s to a storyteller who lifted the curtain on a new form of Filipino expression! Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , , , , ,
09.02.2022 14:00 Date: February 9, 2022 In honor of U.S. Black History Month, today’s Doodle illustrated by San Francisco, CA-based guest artist celebrates athlete Marcenia “Toni” Stone, who overcame both gender and racial discrimination to become the first woman in history to play professional baseball as a regular in a men’s major baseball league. On this day in 2021, Stone was inducted into the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame. Marcenia Lyle Stone was born in 1921 in Bluefield, West Virginia during an era of pronounced racial segregation in American sports. In 1931, Stone moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she developed her remarkable athleticism in the city’s public playgrounds and baseball fields. By just 15, the all-male semi-pro Twin Cities Colored Giants broke gender convention by bringing Stone onto its roster. In 1946, Stone went to bat with the San Francisco Sea Lions, marking the start of her illustrious professional career. Her exceptional batting average of .280 earned her a spot on the bench with the Negro League All-Star team while she continued to travel across the United States playing second base for the minor league New Orleans Creoles. In 1953, Stone filled the spot of future Hall-of-Famer Hank Aaron as the second baseman for the Indianapolis Clowns, one of the League’s most prestigious teams. Undeterred by taunts during her debut season with the Clowns, Stone hit a single off of Satchel Paige, who is widely considered the greatest pitcher in Negro League history. Stone played alongside legendary players such as Jackie Robinson throughout her career before retiring from professional baseball in 1954 as a legend. In 1990, March 6 was declared “Toni Stone Day” in her adopted hometown of St. Paul, where future generations of baseball players practice under the lights of Toni Stone Field. She has been honored by several exhibitions in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and in 1993, was inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. Here’s to you, Toni Stone—thanks for showing the world what determination and unstoppable love for the game can achieve! life, accomplishments, and legacy with a story from the on Google Arts & Culture. Special thanks to the family of Toni Stone for their partnership on this project. Below, her family reflects on their aunt’s life, legacy, and today’s Doodle: Toni’s gift was to play sports and she is celebrated today because she fought to play in a mens' baseball club in Minnesota. With the help of her priest who spoke to the baseball club's coach, Toni got into the club. She was the first black woman to play in Minnesota's boys' league. She was active in tennis, skating, fishing, and baseball. Her love for baseball won. She fought hard to play in professional men's clubs. As a result, she was the first woman in the organized Negro Leagues and quickly drew attention for her baseball skills. During Toni’s career, she suffered humiliating prejudices from the audience and her teammates. However, she never let that stop her from playing baseball. She stood up to the other players; went out on the field;, and played the game. She used to say, “I am a woman, a Black woman, and I want and will play men's baseball. I'm not even getting paid the same amount of money these guys are making. But I do it because I love the game, and I do it to show other women that they can do it too. Remember, a woman has her dream too.” As children, we remember our Aunt Toni and her husband Aurelius Alberga who loved and adored her. Aunt Toni and Uncle Pescia would always encourage us to figure out what we wanted to do in life and go for it regardless of what people may think. If it's something you really want to do, don't let anything get in your way. Regardless of how difficult the struggle might be, do it anyway, and after it is done, you'll see what you've accomplished. Aunt Toni loved visiting schools and talking to children about her days in baseball. She always had a warm smile and reminded school kids that they could do anything they wanted to do if they just tried. She would be happy to see the many opportunities that women have achieved today, especially women of color. Maria A. Bartlow - Monica D. Franks - Odin Bartlow - Shawn Bartlow Courtesy of Courtesy of the Estate of Toni Stone Today’s Doodle was illustrated by San Francisco, CA-based guest artist . Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle: Q. Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? A: Toni was a trailblazer, a Black woman doing things she's not expected to do, whether the world likes it or not, speaks to me. Q. What were your first thoughts when you were approached about working on this Doodle? A: Excitement, it's always a good time working with the Doodle team and I really enjoy doing research on historical figures I'm unfamiliar with. I could tell from the initial photography of Toni that she was an interesting person. Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? A: Toni herself. I spent a lot of time researching her life, career, and baseball during the 1940s as well. Q. What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle? A: Inspiration to persevere. Toni played with men, a lot of whom did not want her there. But almost every photo I see of her, she has a massive smile. She lived her life through adversity and did what she wanted to do. Early drafts of the Doodle Location: , Tags:
09.02.2022 03:30 Date: February 9, 2022 Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Russian-guest artist , celebrates the State Historical Museum, one of the most important repositories of the nation’s centuries-long culture and history. Established in Moscow 150 years ago today with the mission of both commemorating Russian history and archiving its cultural development, the storied museum holds artifacts from antiquity to the start of the 20th century. The museum’s 39 halls include relics such as an excavated longboat; Scythian gold artifacts; glass and ceramic masterpieces; belongings of Tsars such as Ivan IV the Terrible and Peter I; and the of Novgorod, Russia’s first city. In total, there are an estimated 4.5 million pieces of Russian history and culture showcased in various themed exhibitions, including the largest collections of coins in Russia. A comprehensive genealogical tree of Russian rulers, accompanied by their portraits, is one of the museum’s centerpieces. From 1986 to 1997, the giant crimson museum was restored, allowing visitors a glimpse into the building’s former grandeur of the late 1800s. Its permanent collection includes rare artifacts found nowhere else in Russia such as maps, iconography, engravings, early printed books, ancient textiles, and masterful works of art—all of which tell the nation’s story to each guest who walks its halls. Happy 150th Anniversary, State Historical Museum! Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Russian-guest artist . Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle: Q. Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? A: The State Historical Museum is the biggest historical museum in Russia, where I was born and grew up. Q. What were your first thoughts when you were approached about working on this Doodle? A: I was super excited to finally work with Google and my art director Erich on this project. The topic hit close to home. Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? A: I drew inspiration from the museum architecture with its symbolic red facade and white spires. “Google” lettering is based on Old Church Slavic scriptures and manuscripts. Q. What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle? A: I would like my Doodle to serve as a reminder of this beautiful place, of its majesty and the vast collection it contains. I hope to induce others to visit Moscow, the museum, and learn about Russian history in person. Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , , ,
05.02.2022 16:30 Date: February 6, 2022 In honor of Waitangi Day, a day that recognises the 1840 signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Aotearoa New Zealand, today’s Doodle features the harakeke plant in celebration of the island nation’s unique native flora. The common flax, also known as harakeke in te reo Māori, is one of New Zealand’s most ancient endemic plant species and one of its most revered. Its tall, green blades of flax leaves and vibrant flowers provide both shelter and abundant food for New Zealand’s wildlife community, which include tūī and korimako . Māori regard harakeke as a crucial fiber plant for raranga, the art of flax weaving. It is used to create everything from baskets to floor mats—even raincoats can be created by combining the harakeke’s hard outer layers together with its soft inner fibers. Māori believe these different layers symbolize the family lineage—the outer layer represents the grandparents, while the inner layer represents the parents wrapped around the innermost new shoots symbolizing the children who all previous generations protect. Ngā mihi o te wā Aotearoa New Zealand. Early Drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , ,
04.02.2022 00:15 Date: February 4, 2022 Nicknamed the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a teardrop-shaped island nation known for its scenic natural landscape, wealth of biodiversity, and rich cultural heritage. Today’s Doodle celebrates Sri Lanka’s Independence Day on the anniversary of its establishment as a sovereign nation. Official celebrations traditionally begin in Independence Square in the nation’s capital of Colombo, where national dignitaries give speeches and raise the Sri Lankan flag, which is depicted in the Doodle artwork. Once festivities are underway, scholars customarily give lectures on Sri Lanka’s struggle for independence at universities across the island. Citizens continue to celebrate throughout the day by enjoying traditional Sri Lankan meals, which often include tropical fruits such as the regal mangosteen and Ceylon tea, a black tea among the nation’s largest exports. One can typically hear folk music, much of which is rooted in the nation’s Indigenous traditions, fill the air as dance performances accompany the vibrant soundtrack of Sri Lankan culture. Happy Independence Day, Sri Lanka! Location: Tags: , , ,
03.02.2022 14:30 Date: February 4, 2022 The competitive critters featured in today’s Doodle have gathered from all over the world under the winter sky to keep their cool and put their opponents on ice. Who will be pouncing on victory and scurrying home an international legend? Find out over the next two weeks as the Games have officially begun! Location: Tags: , , ,
01.02.2022 21:30 Date: February 1, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates the first woman to become a veterinary doctor in Turkey, Dr. Sabire Aydemir. Born on this day in 1910 in Kastamonu, Turkey, Aydemir followed her love for animals to pave her own path in the then-exclusive field of veterinary medicine. During an era when women were not encouraged to pursue higher education, Aydemir attended the Erenköy Girls’ High School Istanbul in 1933 and set her sights on a career in medicine. She furthered her studies at Ankara University Veterinary Faculty. Despite social challenges, she graduated as Turkey’s first woman veterinarian in 1937. In turn-of-the-century Turkey, conditions in the field of veterinary medicine were far from comfortable—most vets attended to cattle in the rugged countryside only accessible by horseback. Her career blossomed as a laboratory assistant in bacteriological research—a field in which she soon became an expert. Aydemir spent a lifetime promoting animal health and welfare, retiring as a specialist at the Samsun Atakum’s Veterinary Control Research Institute. To honor her pioneering achievements, the Turkish government awarded Aydemir with the First Female Veterinarian of the Republic of Turkey plaque in 1984. And in 2016, she was given the Turkish Veterinary Medical Association Honor Award posthumously. Thank you, Dr. Sabire Aydemir, for inspiring future generations of women! Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
01.02.2022 11:15 Date: February 1, 2022 Today's Doodle welcomes the Year of the Tiger on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Celebrations begin with family gatherings, traditional food, and an air of anticipation for what's to come. Known in South Korea as Seollal, Lunar New Year typically lasts three days . Centered around charye—paying respect to elders—the new year is a time to remember a shared heritage and look forward to the future. Numerous traditional regional dishes are prepared to welcome the new year, such as tteokguk . When consumed, tteokguk represents a person’s lunar calendar birthday. Children especially look forward to this dish, and some even have multiple bowls in hopes they will grow more than they would in a single year! As entertainment for Lunar New Year’s gatherings, many families play games like Yutnori and Jegichagi ; or Yeonnaligi . Popular games like Go-Stop can get noisy, as it's believed that yelling at cards brings good luck! Although customs vary across South Korea, everyone can agree that the Seollal is about enjoying delicious food, having fun, honoring ancestors, and being with family in hopes of good fortune for the year to come. Happy Lunar New Year! Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , ,
01.02.2022 11:15 Date: February 1, 2022 With radiant lanterns, traditional foods, and an air of anticipation for what’s to come, today’s Doodle welcomes the Year of the Tiger on the first day of the Lunar New Year. In contrast to festivities tied to the solar Gregorian calendar, people around the world align their new year’s celebrations based on the ancient lunisolar Chinese calendar system, which follows the cycles of the moon and sun. A new year symbolizes a fresh start and many traditions capture this concept. Preparations begin ten days before the lunar new year with many cleaning their homes as a way to clear out bad luck from the previous year. Traditional foods that represent good fortune such as fish and mandarin oranges are prepared. Families decorate their homes with flowers such as peach blossoms; red lanterns; fai chun ; and exchange lai see . Happy Lunar New Year! Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , ,
01.02.2022 11:15 Date: February 1, 2022 With spring flowers, traditional foods, and an air of anticipation for what’s to come, today’s Doodle welcomes the Year of the Tiger on the first day of the Lunar New Year, known colloquially as Tết in Vietnam. The tiger is a symbol of strength and bravery. Although observed well over a month before the vernal equinox, Tết is considered the first day of Vietnam’s spring—a time marked by new beginnings. This fresh start coincides with several traditions intended to ensure good fortune for the upcoming year—old disagreements are squashed; homes are cleaned from top to bottom; and decorations of red and yellow adorn everything from temples to city streets. Traditional foods of all shapes and sizes are prepared to welcome the new year. Bánh tét, a cylindrical sticky rice cake, is ubiquitous in the southern regions of Vietnam, while its square counterpart, Bánh chưng, is especially common in the north. Fruits like bananas, oranges, coconuts, kumquats, and apples can make up the five fruits tray called Mâm ngũ quả. This tray represents five blessings and five elements —all considered to be good fortune. While all these traditions are essential to Tết celebrations, the first person to enter a house once the clock strikes midnight on the new year is central to the holiday’s most important traditions as this guest is believed to bring the year’s luck with them. Happy Lunar New Year! Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , ,
01.02.2022 11:15 Date: February 1, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates the first woman to become a veterinary doctor in Turkey, Sabire Aydemir. Born on this day in 1910 in Kastamonu, Turkey, Aydemir followed her love for animals to pave her own path in the then-exclusive field of veterinary medicine. During an era when women were not encouraged to pursue higher education, Aydemir attended the Erenköy Girls’ High School Istanbul in 1933 and set her sights on a career in medicine. She furthered her studies at Ankara University Veterinary Faculty. Despite social challenges, she graduated as Turkey’s first woman veterinarian in 1937. In turn-of-the-century Turkey, conditions in the field of veterinary medicine were far from comfortable—most vets attended to cattle in the rugged countryside only accessible by horseback. Her career blossomed as a laboratory assistant in bacteriological research—a field in which she soon became an expert. Aydemir spent a lifetime promoting animal health and welfare, retiring as a specialist at the Samsun Atakum’s Veterinary Control Research Institute. To honor her pioneering achievements, the Turkish government awarded Aydemir with the First Female Veterinarian of the Republic of Turkey plaque in 1984. And in 2016, she was given the Turkish Veterinary Medical Association Honor Award posthumously. Thank you, Sabire Aydemir, for inspiring future generations of women! Early drafts of the Doodle Location: Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
