We’re officially halfway through the month, and getting close to the end of the year. This usually makes us all start to think of the things we have left to do, haven’t done, and should probably be doing before the year ends. But, give yourself a break for a moment, and consider all of the things that could yet happen! December 16th is no ordinary date, as the following facts will prove.
On this day
1The Battle of Noryang ended the Japanese invasions of Korea.
On 16 December 1598, the Korean admiral Yi Sun-sin, with Chinese allies, defeated a Japanese fleet at Noryang, the last great battle of the Seven-Year War. Yi was killed by a bullet during the battle.
2Oliver Cromwell became Lord Protector.
On 16 December 1653, Oliver Cromwell became Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland, ruling as head of state after the execution of Charles I. Christmas celebrations had already been restricted by Parliament in the 1640s.
3The Boston Tea Party took place
The Boston Tea Party episode unfolded on this day back in 1773, where protestors calling themselves the Sons of Liberty famously disposed of tea shipments via Boston Harbor. But why? It was all an act of defiance against the controversial Tea Act, imposed by the British. “Tea Party Politics” is still a term widely used today.
4A devastating earthquake hit China
In 1920, an 8.5 earthquake hit the Gansu province in China. This natural disaster killed an estimated 200,000 people, making it one of the most devastating events of its kind in the 20th century.
5Operation Desert Fox began.
On 16 December 1998, the US and UK began four days of air strikes on Iraq, after Saddam Hussein’s government stopped cooperating with UN weapons inspectors.
Special Days Falling on December 16th
This December 16th, why not consider some of the incredibly important events taking place around the world today? Here are some of the biggest ones to consider.
Bahrain National Day
On 16 and 17 December, Bahrain celebrates National Day, marking the accession of Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa in 1961. Bahrain became independent from Britain on 15 August 1971.
Day of Reconciliation
Every 16 December since 1995, South Africa has marked the Day of Reconciliation, encouraging national unity after apartheid. The date was already significant to both Afrikaners and the anti-apartheid movement.
Kazakhstan Independence Day
Kazakhstan’s biggest national holiday is Independence Day! It is celebrated on December 16th every year. And, like Bahrain, it is celebrated on two days, December 16th and 17th! Kazakh citizens set up yurts, enjoy various delicacies, and dance to folk music to celebrate. They also dress up in traditional clothing for the ceremony at Ak Orda Presidential Palace.
This month in history
Charles Darwin set sail on HMS Beagle. On 27 December 1831, the young naturalist Charles Darwin left Plymouth on a five-year voyage around the world. What he saw, especially in the Galápagos Islands, helped shape his theory of evolution.
Famous Birthdays on December 16th
- Catherine of Aragon, Spanish princess, 1st wife of Henry VIII, Queen of England, born 1485
- Ludwig van Beethoven, German composer, born 1770
- Jane Austen, English novelist, born 1775
- Philip K. Dick, American author, born 1928
- Benny Andersson, Swedish musician and one-quarter of ABBA, born 1946
If you were born on December 16th
…you’re a Sagittarius! You’re confident, kind, and funny. And, you also know it! That’s fine, what’s wrong with knowing how great you are?
In fact, you can learn even more about it from our Sagittarius facts page – where we’ve crammed in even more details about what makes you, the confident centaur, such an important sign.
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