By December 14th, we’re all usually ready for the festivities to begin, and work and school to end! But, that time hasn’t quite arrived yet. Don’t blame today though! December 14th remains a wonderful day with a lot of history, cultural significance, and important birthdays. For example,…
On this day
1St Lucia's Flood hit the Netherlands.
On 14 December 1287, a storm surge swept over the coasts of the Netherlands and Germany, killing an estimated 50,000 or more people. It is thought to have helped form the Zuiderzee, a huge inland sea.
2Mary became queen.
In 1542, Princess Mary succeeded her father James V and became Queen Mary I of Scotland at a mere six days old. She later famously became known as Mary, Queen of Scots, although her rule would end with her beheading by her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I.
3The American Revolution began.
In 1774, the first incident of the American Revolution took place. 400 New Hampshire militiamen successfully attacked Fort William and Mary. It would rage on for years, ending in September 1783. To this day, the conflict remains one of the most contentious American events discussed.
4Amundsen reached the South Pole.
On 14 December 1911, the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and four companions became the first people to reach the South Pole, beating Robert Falcon Scott’s British team by 34 days. Today a US research station stands at the pole.
5The Dayton Agreement was signed.
On 14 December 1995, the presidents of Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina signed the Dayton Agreement in Paris, ending the war in Bosnia. Serbia’s Slobodan Milošević was later tried for war crimes and died in 2006 before a verdict.
Special Days Falling on December 14th
Given that Christmas Eve is just ten days away, many of you out there are already feeling the stress! So, take your focus off Christmas for a moment and focus on some of the most important events taking place today.
Martyred Intellectuals Day
Every 14 December, Bangladesh remembers the hundreds of teachers, doctors, writers and other intellectuals murdered by Pakistani forces and their local allies in the last days of the 1971 Liberation War.
Monkey Day
Yes, it’s time to go ape! December 14th is also Monkey Day! Monkeys may be some of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, yet we still neglect to treat them with the respect they deserve. It is our duty to protect their homes and their lives, and today is the perfect day for us all to start doing better!
National Energy Conservation Day
India’s National Energy Conservation Day, unfolding on December 14th every year, is arranged by the country’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency. The group aims to showcase India’s commitments and achievements in cost-efficiency and energy-saving measures for the future. Today’s also a good day for people and businesses across India to consider their own energy use and to cut back on gas and electricity consumption wherever possible. We can all do our part!
This month in history
Indonesia won its independence. On 27 December 1949, the Netherlands formally handed over sovereignty to the United States of Indonesia, which became the Republic of Indonesia in 1950.
Famous Birthdays on December 14th
- Nostradamus, French astrologist and prophet, born 1503
- Tycho Brahe, Danish astronomer, born 1546
- George VI, King of the United Kingdom, born 1895
- Shirley Jackson, American author, born 1916
- Patty Duke, American actor, born 1946
If you were born on December 14th
…you’re a Sagittarius! That makes you the centaur – part human, part horse. As uncomfortable as that might sound, there are actually plenty of benefits to being a Sagittarius. As star signs go, you’re pretty fortunate. You’re smart, funny, and very capable. But, are you capable of heading over to our Sagittarius facts page to learn more?
Do so and we’ll fill you in on even more fascinating facts and figures about your Western star sign. You never know what you might learn!
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