We know that in December, most of us like to focus on gifts left to buy, meals left to be prepared, and decorations ready to be set out. But, before you get too encompassed in the traditional celebrations, why not consider some of the other things that make December so special? For example, here are some of the most fascinating things about December 6th.
On this day
1Kyiv fell to the Mongols.
On 6 December 1240, Mongol forces led by Batu Khan captured and destroyed Kyiv after a siege. Much of the population was killed, and the city took centuries to recover its importance.
2The 13th Amendment abolished slavery in the US.
On 6 December 1865, the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified, abolishing slavery across the United States. It freed around four million people.
3Edison made his first sound recording.
On 6 December 1877, Thomas Edison is said to have made the first recording of a human voice on his new phonograph, reciting ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’. The next day he showed the machine to the staff of Scientific American.
4The Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed.
On 6 December 1921, British and Irish negotiators signed the Anglo-Irish Treaty, creating the Irish Free State as a self-governing dominion. Northern Ireland, created earlier that year, chose to stay in the UK. The treaty split Irish nationalists and led to the Irish Civil War.
5Traces of liquid were found on Mars!
In 2006, NASA revealed photographs taken by the Mars Global Surveyor. The photographs suggested the potential presence of liquid water on Mars – we’ve yet to find life up there, but it’s fascinating that it could be sustained!
Special Days Falling on December 6th
We know that the holidays can be a tricky time for some of us. So, for today, why not focus on other events, just as important, taking place around the world?
Constitution Day in Spain
On 6 December 1978, Spanish voters approved a new constitution in a referendum, completing the country’s return to democracy after the death of the dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.
Finland Independence Day
Finland Independence Day is also celebrated on December 6th. Finland is famous for marking breaking away from Russia back in 1917 with a huge gala usually held at the Presidential Palace. The gala generally has over 2,000 invited guests! And, for those who can’t attend in person, it is also broadcast live.
Foundation of Quito Day
The Foundation of Quito Day marks the initial founding of Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. It’s a great opportunity for feasts, festivals, concerts, parties, exhibitions, and parades. It’s a generally good time for all – and in most cases, events held today are completely free for all!
This month in history
In 1989, human rights activist Vaclav Havel was officially sworn in as president of Czechoslovakia. He was initially denounced by Czech Communists as an enemy of the state. He even spent five years in jail for his beliefs. He remained in charge until 1992, but was then the President of the eventual Czech Republic from 1993 through 2003.
Famous Birthdays on December 6th
- Henry VI, King of England, born 1421
- Steven Wright, American comedian, born 1955
- Satoru Iwata, Japanese CEO of Nintendo, born 1959
- Judd Apatow, American director, born 1967
- Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, English cricketer and TV host, born 1977
If you were born on December 6th
…you’re a Sagittarius! You’re smart, funny, and very focused on what you want. You also love being the centre of attention, so you tend to do your best work at parties and other events!
Learn more about Sagittarius from our Sagittarius facts page!
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