On This Day – October 25th

Can you believe it’s already October 25th? The year seems to have flown by! But before we let today go too fast, here are some of the most important things to know about it – and if it’s already a special occasion for you, we’re sure you’ll find tons to add to your celebration. For example, do you know which famous people you share a birthday with? You’re about to find out…

On this day

1Dirk Hartog landed in Western Australia.

On 25 October 1616, the Dutch sailor Dirk Hartog landed on what is now Dirk Hartog Island, off Western Australia. He left a pewter plate nailed to a post, the oldest known object left by a European in Australia. Another Dutch ship, the Duyfken, had already reached northern Australia in 1606.

2Eastern State Penitentiary opened.

On 25 October 1829, Eastern State Penitentiary opened in Philadelphia. Designed by John Haviland, it kept prisoners in solitary confinement in the hope they would reflect and reform. It closed in 1971 and is now a museum.

3The Charge of the Light Brigade took place.

In 1854, the Charge of the Light Brigade took place as part of the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. Over 100 people were killed during the charge.

4The Santa María volcano erupted.

On 24 and 25 October 1902, the Santa María volcano in Guatemala erupted in one of the largest eruptions of the 20th century. Thousands of people were killed, many by a later outbreak of malaria.

5The UN voted to expel Taiwan.

In 1971, the United Nations decided to vote and expel Taiwan, ruled by Chinese nationalists. They also decided to allow the admittance of the Communist People’s Republic of China. To this day, Taiwan is still not part of the UN, and there continues to be political contention over recognizing the state with regard to its position alongside China.

Special Days Falling on October 25th

What is so special about October 25th? Well, to many, it is a vitally important day, and here’s why.

Anniversary of Philippine Military Academy

In the Philippines, October 25th is always the Anniversary of the Philippine Military Academy. The day is celebrated by the citizens of the nation in honor of the military academy, or PMA, that has served as the perfect institution to educate and prepare the military officers of the country, to serve and protect their beloved home.

International Artist Day

Where would the world be without its artists? The imaginative, creative, and profoundly skillful people who dedicate their time and talents to creating new and interesting pieces that mimic the world, their own feelings, or something completely new and extraordinary. We need art as much as we need anything else to get by. It accompanies us, finds us, and, for many of us, it has saved us time and time again. So, today, cherish the artists you know and love!

World Pasta Day

Every 25 October is World Pasta Day. There are hundreds of pasta shapes, and Italians eat more pasta than anyone else, over 20 kg per person a year.

This month in history

The Wall Street Crash. On 24 October 1929, ‘Black Thursday’, panic selling hit the New York Stock Exchange, and on 29 October, ‘Black Tuesday’, the market collapsed. The crash helped bring on the Great Depression.

Famous Birthdays on October 25th

• Renée of France, French princess and Duchess of Ferrara, born 1510
• James Beattie, Scottish poet and philosopher, born 1735
• Johann Strauss II, Austrian composer, born 1825
• Pablo Picasso, Spanish artist, born 1881
• Chad Smith, American drummer, born 1961

If you were born on October 25th…

…you’re a Scorpio! And, just like the scorpion that represents you, no one gets away with messing with you without being stung! You won’t catch us trying to mess with you or those you love – you’re also super-ambitious and always ready to fight for what you believe in.

If you’re relatively new to the idea of horoscopes and want to know more about what your star sign is all about, head over and look at our Scorpio facts page when you’re ready.