On This Day – December 8th

It’s the eighth day on your advent calendar, and we commend you for not giving in and eating all your chocolate at once! But, if you did, we completely get it. But, instead of jumping December 8th outside of your advent calendar, we would like for you to take the time to appreciate this great date and all it has to bring. For example…

On this day

1Lincoln issued his Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction.

On 8 December 1863, President Abraham Lincoln offered a pardon to most Confederates who swore loyalty to the Union and accepted the end of slavery, and set out how Southern states could rejoin the Union.

2The Clifton Suspension Bridge opened.

In 1864, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, finally opened in Bristol, England. Tragically, the bridge opened five years after his death.

3Nuclear weapons were barred from space.

On 8 December 1966, the US and the Soviet Union agreed the text of the Outer Space Treaty, which bans nuclear weapons in orbit and on the Moon. It was signed the following January.

4Annie Leibovitz took a photo of John Lennon.

While it might not sound like a huge event, photographer Leibovitz took a photo of ex-Beatle John Lennon today back in 1980 – it would be his last. Lennon was brutally murdered the same day.

5South American nations agreed to unite.

On 8 December 2004, leaders meeting in Cusco, Peru, signed a declaration creating the South American Community of Nations, which became the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) in 2008.

Special Days Falling on December 8th

As much as we all tend to focus on our own celebrations in December, it is important to remember that around the world, others are celebrating their own special days. Here are some of the biggest events taking place around the world today.

Bodhi Day

Japan marks Bodhi Day every December 8th, otherwise known as Rohatsu to citizens. It’s a day of spiritual reflection and celebration that’s actually moved dates over the years thanks to Japan moving to the Gregorian calendar during its “Westernization.” It’s an important occasion for practicing Buddhists to reflect on the Four Noble Truths. Many people celebrating today will decorate trees, too.

National Youth Day in Albania

On 8 December 1990, students at Tirana University began protests demanding political freedom. Within days, Albania’s Communist government allowed opposition parties for the first time. The date is now National Youth Day.

Santa Marian Kamalen Day

Guam also has cause to celebrate today, as Santa Marian Kamalen Day marks an important spiritual occasion for citizens. It’s a day that meets the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, with the Virgin Mary and the wood and ivory image of Our Lady of Camarin receiving praise from thousands. The celebrations today typically start around midday, as people gather outside the Cathedral Basilica. There’s typically a procession that takes place after spiritual practice.

This month in history

The first Nobel Prizes were awarded. On 10 December 1901, the fifth anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death, the first Nobel Prizes were presented. Wilhelm Röntgen, who discovered X-rays, won the first prize for physics.

Famous Birthdays on December 8th

• Mary, Queen of Scots, Queen of Scotland, born 1542
• Maria Josepha of Austria, Queen consort of Poland, born 1699
• Sammy Davis, Jr., “Mr. Show Business,” born 1925
• Jim Morrison, American rock star, born 1943
• Ian Somerhalder, American actor, born 1978

If you were born on December 8th

…you’re a Sagittarius! You can be a bit like an onion. There’s a lot of layers there! And, it can take some time for someone to really get to know you. But, once they do, they’re likely to enjoy your company all the more.

It takes a bit of time to really get stuck into star signs, so don’t just take this paragraph or two as gospel.

Learn more about Sagittarius from our Sagittarius facts page!