On This Day – December 23rd

Christmas is coming (even closer), and the geese are getting fatter! As such, December 23rd often gets looked over. Most people are just eager to reach December 24th, and the all-important 25th. However, December 23rd is a fascinating and rich day, and here are some of the reasons why.

On this day

1Byzantine forces sacked Aleppo.

On 23 December 962, a Byzantine army under Nikephoros Phokas stormed Aleppo, in one of the most successful campaigns of the long wars between Byzantium and the Arab world.

2King James II fled

In 1688, King James II, the last Roman Catholic British monarch, fled to France. He was fleeing William of Orange.

3George Washington resigned

In 1783, US General George Washington officially resigned his military commission as Commander-in-Chief of the US Army. As we all should know by now, Washington would go on to become US President – only a few years later, in fact, as he was inaugurated back in 1789, and would stay in power until 1797.

4Van Gogh cut off his ear.

On 23 December 1888, after a quarrel with the painter Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh cut off his left ear with a razor in Arles. He gave it to a young woman who worked at a local brothel. He painted his famous self-portraits with a bandaged ear a few weeks later.

5The Government of Ireland Act was passed.

On 23 December 1920, the Government of Ireland Act received royal assent, dividing Ireland into two home rule areas. Northern Ireland came into being in 1921 and remains part of the UK.

Special Days Falling on December 23rd

As it is the day before everything really kicks off, we know that you’ll be busy. But, we hope that you are not so busy you will miss out on some of the other major events taking place around the world today.

Emperor Akihito's birthday

Emperor Akihito of Japan was born on 23 December 1933. His birthday was a national holiday throughout his reign, from 1989 until he stepped down in 2019. Japan now celebrates the birthday of his son, Emperor Naruhito, on 23 February.

HumanLight

HumanLight is a secular Humanist holiday. It is celebrated every year on December 23rd. The day celebrates human values, compassion, reason, hope, and humanity. Those who celebrate it do so by sharing food with friends and family, lighting a candle, and doing charity work.

Kisan Diwas

Every year, India observes Kisan Diwas on December 23rd. It is also known as Farmers’ Day and is a day to honor the farmers who are the backbone of the country. The day also celebrates the birth of the fifth Prime Minister of India, Chaudhary Charan Singh. He began working as a farmer before earning his seat in the government!

This month in history

Apollo 8 photographed Earthrise. On 24 December 1968, astronaut William Anders took the ‘Earthrise’ photograph of the Earth rising over the Moon. It became one of the most famous images ever taken.

Famous Birthdays on December 23rd

• Joseph Smith, American founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, born 1805
• Eddie Vedder, American singer with Pearl Jam, born 1964
• Madame C.J. Walker, African American entrepreneur, first American self-made female millionaire, born 1867
• Chet Baker, American jazz musician, born 1929
• Finn Wolfhard, Canadian actor, born 2002

If you were born on December 23rd

…you’re a Capricorn! You’re a very thoughtful person, and you like to keep the peace. But, in order to see everyone’s side, you tend to play devil’s advocate and sometimes can’t understand why everyone can’t see everyone’s perspective!

Well, the only perspective we have right now is on you at our Capricorn facts page! Over there, you’ll find out even more about your personality and why people love you so much. Why wouldn’t you want to take a look at that? It’s well worth reading up on your star sign if you’re looking at horoscopes in the new year ahead.