We are one week into December and by now you’re either sitting back and enjoying the wonders this month brings, or you’re already panicking about all that there is left to do! Whatever the case, we’re here for you. And, to help take your mind off things, here are some of the most interesting things about December 7th.
On this day
1Chinese astronomers recorded a supernova.
On 7 December 185, astronomers in China recorded a ‘guest star’ that stayed visible for months. It is the earliest supernova known to have been written down, and its remnant is thought to be RCW 86.
2Pearl Harbor was attacked.
In one of the most devastating attacks to Allies during World War II, Japanese Navy forces attacked the US’ Pearl Harbor in 1941 – it would officially bring America into the war, and it remains one of the most shocking attacks to take place on American soil, period.
3An earthquake hit Armenia.
In 1988, a 6.9 earthquake hit Spitak in Armenia. The natural disaster killed between 25,000 and 50,000 people. It also left around 500,000 people homeless.
4Arafat recognised Israel's right to exist.
On 7 December 1988, in Stockholm, Yasser Arafat and the Palestine Liberation Organization accepted Israel’s right to exist for the first time, weeks after declaring a State of Palestine on 15 November.
5The Gilgamesh Dream Tablet was put on display.
In 2021, the 3,500 year-old Gilgamesh Dream Tablet went on display in Iraq for the first time in 30 years after having been looted during the Gulf War. It was part of the Epic Gilgamesh, one of the oldest known pieces of literature!
Special Days Falling on December 7th
Not everyone wants to focus on Christmas right now, but the chances are you’re already being bombarded with reminders! So, take some time away from it, and focus on some of the most interesting events taking place around the world today.
Feast of St. Ambrose
The northern Italian city of Milan marks the feast day of the patron saint, St. Ambrose, on December 7th every year. St. Ambrose was the bishop of Milan and was loved for his charity and fair-minded attitude. There are plenty of feast days to enjoy this month, so loosen your belt!
Flag Day
For the people of India, December 7th is Flag Day. Today is the day the people of India honour the Armed forces and all that they do. It is a day that encourages citizens to take responsibility for caring for those who have been injured by war, or lost loved ones to it. Miniature, multicolored flags representing India’s Army, Air Force, and Navy, are given out throughout the country in order to raise funds for the armed forces.
Memorial Day in East Timor
On 7 December 1975, Indonesia invaded East Timor, nine days after it declared independence from Portugal. The occupation lasted until 1999 and cost up to 200,000 lives. East Timor remembers the victims on this day.
This month in history
The Vietnam War dragged on. In December 1965, US troop numbers in Vietnam passed 180,000 and peace efforts failed. The war continued until the fall of Saigon in April 1975, and estimates of the total dead range from about 1.3 million to over 3 million.
Famous Birthdays on December 7th
- Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Italian baroque sculptor, painter, and architect, born 1598
- Noam Chomsky, American philosopher, born 1928
- Larry Bird, American basketball legend, born 1956
- Jennifer Carpenter, American actor, born 1979
- Nicholas Hoult, English actor, born 1989
If you were born on December 7th
…you’re a Sagittarius! Let’s face it, you’re not exactly known for your modesty, and what’s wrong with that? You are smart, funny, driven, who wouldn’t want to boast about all that?
If you’d like to know more about your star sign and what the Western Zodiac has to say about you in detail, we have a stack more facts for you to look through.
Learn more about Sagittarius from our Sagittarius facts page!
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