As dates go, December 28th tends to be pretty overlooked. It’s just after Christmas, right before New Year’s Eve, and tends to be a day we all start getting back to normal before the next big festivity. For many of us, it’s a bit of a lull! However, as you will soon learn, December 28th actually has a lot going for it. Here are some of the most important things to know about December 28th.
On this day
1Westminster Abbey was consecrated.
On 28 December 1065, Westminster Abbey, built by Edward the Confessor, was consecrated. Edward was too ill to attend and died days later. The abbey has hosted every coronation since 1066; Parliament meets next door in the Palace of Westminster.
2Taksin was crowned King of Siam.
On 28 December 1767, Taksin was crowned King of Siam, now Thailand, after driving out the Burmese, and made Thonburi his capital. Bangkok, on the opposite bank, became the capital in 1782.
3Spain recognised Mexico's independence.
On 28 December 1836, Spain formally recognised Mexico’s independence, 15 years after Mexico had won it in 1821.
4The Tay Bridge collapsed.
On the stormy night of 28 December 1879, the central section of the Tay Bridge in Dundee, Scotland, collapsed as a train crossed it. Everyone on board, around 75 people, was killed.
5The people of the Republic of Kalmykia were deported
In 1943, all of the Kalmyk inhabitants of the Republic of Kalmykia were deported by the Soviet Union to Central Asia and Siberia. Tragically, many of the people died en route.
Special Days Falling on December 28th
We know that you’re probably so looking forward to the new year, that you’re not even thinking of other events. Yet, December 28th has some very important events for people all over the world. Here are some of the ones to consider today.
Holy Innocents Day
Otherwise known to many as the Feast of the Holy Innocents, today’s a big celebration for followers of Catholicism. Today, Catholics honor the lives and losses of the very first martyrs – those children whom King Herod murdered while searching for the infant Jesus Christ. Traditionally unfolding with church services and peaceful worship, today’s also known as Childermas to many people.
National Call a Friend Day
Between all of the celebrations of December, it can be easy to let the ones we love slip and leave them behind at one of the loneliest times of the year. That’s why this December 28th you should reach out to all of your loved ones and let them know you’re thinking of them!
National Chocolate Candy Day
We all know that we tend to indulge a bit around the holidays, as we should! But, did you know that today is actually National Chocolate Candy Day? So, really it’s your duty to indulge in all the holiday chocolate candy you can find! Exercise can wait until the new year, right?
This month in history
In 1947, the transistor was first invented at Bell Laboratories by John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley. The three shared the Nobel Prize for their invention – and where would modern electronics be without it?
Famous Birthdays on December 28th
- Emperor Rokujō of Japan, born 1164
- Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States of America and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, born 1856
- Lili Elbe, Danish painter and one of the first people to have gender-affirming surgery, born 1882
- Stan Lee, American comics legend, born 1922
- Maggie Smith, English actor, born 1934
If you were born on December 28th
…you’re a Capricorn! You’re smart, determined, and loyal. But, no one should get on your bad side as you’re not known for your forgiveness. That said, you’re great to work alongside and to have as a friend to hand. You’re very practical, and you tend to help keep people grounded.
Head over to our Capricorn facts page to learn more – consider it good preparation for the horoscopes leading into the new year.
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