On This Day – December 22nd

Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat! Although it’s easy to get swept up in the rush towards Christmas, it’s important to take time for yourself, and appreciate every single day in December! Here are some of the reasons why December 22nd is so important.

On this day

1The 70 mph speed limit came into force.

On 22 December 1965, an experimental 70 mph speed limit came into force on Britain’s roads, including motorways, which until then had had no limit. It was made permanent in 1967.

2Russian forces stormed Izmail.

On 22 December 1790, Russian troops under General Alexander Suvorov stormed the Ottoman fortress of Izmail, which was thought to be impregnable. Izmail is now in Ukraine.

3Ceaușescu fled Bucharest.

On 22 December 1989, as protesters took over central Bucharest, Romania’s Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu fled by helicopter from the roof of the party headquarters. He and his wife were captured, tried and executed three days later. Ion Iliescu took power and was elected president in 1990.

4Poland gained its first elected President

In similar news elsewhere in Europe in 1990, Lech Wałęsa was sworn in as Poland’s President. He was the country’s first-ever popularly elected President – meaning there were plenty of democratic revolutions taking place in the late 80s and early 90s!

5The Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy was repealed

In 2010, the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy” was repealed. The policy banned homosexuals from serving openly in the US military. The repeal was signed into law by then-US President Barack Obama. It’s been the subject of many controversial moments and discussions at the head of government.

Special Days Falling on December 22nd

In December, it can be easy to focus on our own traditions, and let other big events around the world slip between our fingers. This December 22nd, we encourage you to look out of your world, and into others. For example, here are some of the other biggest events taking place around the world today.

Forefathers’ Day

While US citizens typically celebrate Thanksgiving, December 22nd is also an important day for remembering the initial landing of the pilgrim fathers. This occasion celebrates their landing which actually took place on December 21st – meaning it’s more a day to celebrate their first full 24 hours on American soil. That said, the date was actually marked by accident the first time around! In any case, Americans have plenty to celebrate today.

Zimbabwe Unity Day

On 22 December 1987, Robert Mugabe’s ZANU and Joshua Nkomo’s ZAPU signed a Unity Accord, merging into ZANU-PF. It ended years of violence in which thousands of civilians had been killed in Matabeleland.

Mathematics Day

For the people of India, December 22nd is Mathematics Day. The day celebrates the birth anniversary of India’s famous mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. People from all over the world who enjoy or at least appreciate mathematics are encouraged to join in the celebrations!

This month in history

The first crossword was published. On 21 December 1913, the New York World printed a ‘word-cross’ puzzle by Arthur Wynne, now regarded as the first crossword. British newspapers took them up in the 1920s.

Famous Birthdays on December 22nd

• Diocletian, Roman Emperor, born c. 242-245
• Roger II, King of Sicily, born 1095
• Srinivasa Ramanujan, Indian mathematician, born 1887
• Ralph Fiennes, English actor, born 1962
• Maurice and Robin Gibb, Manx Bee Gee twins, born 1949

If you were born on December 22nd

…you’re a Capricorn! You’re very hardworking, ambitious, and loyal. All traits that should take you far as long as you remain determined! You’re also very grounded as an Earth sign, meaning people often turn to you for advice, guidance, and for your fantastic work ethic.

But, how determined are you to head over to our Capricorn facts page to learn more? If you’re keen to start reading horoscopes in the new year, our fact file is a fantastic place to get started. Give it a go!