It’s December 21st, which should mean that we’re all on vacation! No more work or school until hopefully after the holidays! And, what better way to spend your day of freedom than by learning more about it? Here are some of the most interesting things to know about December 21st.
On this day
1Flanders switched to the Gregorian calendar.
On 21 December 1582, parts of the Low Countries, including Flanders, switched to the Gregorian calendar. The next day was 1 January 1583, so that year Christmas was skipped entirely.
2The Curies discovered radium.
On 21 December 1898, Pierre and Marie Curie identified a new radioactive element, which they named radium. Marie Curie later died of a blood disorder caused by her long exposure to radiation. The element curium is named after them.
3Apollo 8 was launched.
On 21 December 1968, Apollo 8 launched with Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and William Anders, the first humans to travel to the Moon. They orbited it ten times over Christmas, and the first Moon landing followed in July 1969.
4The Lockerbie disaster took place
In 1988, the Lockerbie disaster occurred. A terrorist bomb destroyed Pan Am Flight 103 in mid-air over Scotland. The incident killed all 259 passengers and crew on board and a further 11 people on the ground.
5Soviet republics formed the Commonwealth of Independent States.
On 21 December 1991, 11 former Soviet republics signed the Alma-Ata Protocol, forming the Commonwealth of Independent States. Days later, on 26 December, the Soviet Union was formally dissolved.
Special Days Falling on December 21st
We know how difficult it can be to get your mind to focus on something else when such big holidays are on their way, or in fact already here! But, take the time to consider some of the other biggest holidays taking place in the world today.
Look on the Bright Side Day
Believe it or not, there is an actual day dedicated to looking on the bright side, and it’s today! As fun as December can be for many of us, it can also be very challenging. That is why today, everyone is encouraged to stay strong and remember to always look on the bright side!
São Tomé Day
São Tomé Day, known to many as Dia de São Tomé, is commemorated every year on December 21st. It’s a day for commemorating the very first arrival of European people to the island in question – and its name actually translates to St. Thomas, and today happens to be his feast day, too! A cause for double celebrations, then – when we have so few of those coming up!
Humbug Day
Humbug Day is also celebrated every December 21st. It is a holiday that allows you to let out all of your frustrations before Christmas! Created by Thomas and Ruth Roy, Humbug Day traditionally allows everyone twelve free humbugs. So, whatever yours are, let them out today – and be like Ebeneezer Scrooge and shout “Bah, Humbug!”
This month in history
Pardons were issued over the Iran-Contra affair. On 24 December 1992, President George H. W. Bush pardoned six former officials, including former Defence Secretary Caspar Weinberger, for their roles in the Iran-Contra affair.
Famous Birthdays on December 21st
- Thomas Graham, Scottish chemist, born 1805
- Jane Fonda, American actor, born 1937
- Frank Zappa, American musician, born 1940
- Samuel L. Jackson, American actor, born 1948
- Kiefer Sutherland, English-Canadian actor, born 1966
If you were born on December 21st
…you’re a Sagittarius! In fact, you are the very last date of Sagittarius! However, that does not make you any less funny, intelligent, or capable than your Sagittarius siblings!
Head over to our Sagittarius facts page to learn more – because believe us, there’s far too much to cram into this little space. Take a look if you don’t believe us, and see if you can learn something new about yourself!
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