We’ve made it. It’s the last day of the year, and a time for reminiscing, planning, celebration, and lots of champagne! But, it is important to know that December 31st is about more than just an end to a year. Here are some of the most interesting things to have ever taken place on December 31st.
On this day
1Emperor Commodus was assassinated.
On 31 December 192, the Roman emperor Commodus was poisoned by his mistress. When he vomited up the poison, the conspirators sent his wrestling partner, Narcissus, to strangle him in his bath.
2Germanic tribes crossed the Rhine.
On 31 December 406, according to tradition, large groups of Vandals, Alans and Suebi crossed the frozen Rhine near Mainz and poured into Roman Gaul. The invasion helped bring about the collapse of Roman rule in the West.
3The East India Company was founded.
On 31 December 1600, Elizabeth I granted a royal charter to the East India Company. It grew from a trading company into a power that ruled much of India, until the British government took over in 1858.
4The Battle of Quebec took place
In 1775, the Battle of Quebec unfolded – during which, Richard Montgomery’s American Continental Army was defeated trying to take the British stronghold of Quebec City during the American Revolutionary War. General Montgomery was killed as a result – and it’s a story many of us will have learned in history class.
5Batista fled
In 1958, Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista told his Cabinet he planned to flee the country. He’d escape the country on new year’s day, taking with him 40 supporters and family members, eventually landing in the Dominican Republic.
Special Days Falling on December 31st
So we all know why December 31st is so special, but did you know that there are other big events today that are honored around the world? Here are some of the ones to consider today.
Hogmanay
Hogmanay is the Scottish celebration of New Year’s Eve, with traditions such as first-footing, when the first visitor after midnight brings gifts like coal, shortbread or whisky for luck. The origin of the word is uncertain.
World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day
World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day is celebrated every year in the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 31st. It is a public holiday that honors the solidarity of the people of Azerbaijan, also known as Azerbaijanis. The day dates back to 1989 when the border fences that once separated Soviet Azerbaijan and Iran were dismantled, so it is only right we celebrate it!
National Champagne Day
Considering how much champagne is consumed all over the world to mark the end of the year and the beginning of a new one, it is no surprise that today is National Champagne Day! So, grab a glass and your loved ones close and toast the new year with something bubbly!
This month in history
East and West Germany recognised each other. On 21 December 1972, the two German states signed the Basic Treaty, establishing relations for the first time since the country was divided in 1949. Germany was reunified in 1990.
Famous Birthdays on December 31st
- Henri Matisse, French painter, born 1869
- Anthony Hopkins, Welsh actor, born 1937
- John Denver, American musician, born 1943
- Ben Kingsley, English actor, born 1943
- Donna Summer, American musician, born 1948
If you were born on December 31st
…you’re a Capricorn! You are pretty relentless! You’re practical, grounded, and help other people see the bigger picture at pivotal moments. You have long-term plans and nothing will stop you. Sometimes, that means overlooking other things that matter to you, but, in the end, you know it’ll be worth it.
Do you know what else is worth it? Heading over to our Capricorn facts page to learn more! We’ve put together lots more facts about your sign and what it means for you – so take a look through before you get started with any of those magazine horoscopes in the new year.
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