🗓️ On This Day - March 17th
It's St Patrick's Day! What's more, on March 17th, we saw an artist earn his place in history, a scientific paper that changed our understanding of light, and countless celebrations of Irish culture! Here's everything else you need to know about March 17th - whether you're already marking the occasion or not!
On this day
A good day for a parade!
In 1762, New York City held the world's first St. Patrick's Day Parade, which still takes place today with around two million spectators annually! The parade is one of the largest in the United States and features marching bands, bagpipes, and lots of green!
Underwater exploration reached new depths.
March 17th 1898 was when John Philip Holland successfully conducted a test run for the first modern submarine off Staten Island, New York. The submarine was able to submerge for one hour and forty minutes, demonstrating its ability to navigate underwater. This achievement helped pave the way for the development of modern submarines used today for naval purposes and scientific exploration.
Van Gogh - a master recognized after his time.
On March 17th in 1901, 71 paintings by Vincent van Gogh were exhibited at a show in Paris, more than a decade after the artist's death. The exhibition caused a sensation, with many viewers seeing van Gogh's work for the first time. The attention brought to van Gogh's art helped to cement his well-deserved status as one of the most influential artists ever!
A light discovery with big ramifications!
On this day in 1905, Albert Einstein published his first paper on the quantum theory of light, which proposed that light could be described as a stream of particles (photons), rather than just a wave. This theory was a fundamental breakthrough in understanding the behavior of light and helped to lay the groundwork for quantum mechanics.
Blink… and you’ll miss it!
In 1908, a boxing match took place between Tommy Burns and Jem Roche, which became the quickest bout in history. Burns defeated Roche in just 88 seconds - and he later became the heavyweight champion of the world. Imagine paying for tickets only to be over and done in a minute and a half!
Californium made its debut!
In 1950, researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California discovered a new radioactive element - called Californium. The element is a synthetic, highly radioactive metal and is the heaviest element that can be produced in macroscopic quantities! It’s used to help treat cancers.
Special Days Falling on March 17th
There’s an obvious holiday today you’ll already be aware of - but what else are we celebrating on March 17th?
St Patrick’s DayÂ
St. Patrick's Day, also known to many celebrating as the Feast of St. Patrick, is celebrated on March 17th worldwide. Many will wear green and decorate with shamrocks, and traditional Irish fare is eaten. In the United States, the holiday has historically been rowdy, while in Ireland it is more solemn!
National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day
On March 17th, National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day is celebrated across the US. This dish is traditionally made with salt pork or a bacon joint, but when Irish immigrants in America found Jewish corned beef similar in texture to bacon, they began using it in place of pork.
National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence
Violent bullying affects millions of us across the US each and every year. Today, amidst the Irish revelry, we’re encouraged to reflect on ways we can help de-escalate bullying, and better protect those likely to be at risk.
This page was last modified on August 4, 2024. Suggest an edit
This month in history
March is the birth month of the Salvation Army, the charitable organization first set up in the US back in 1880. In the decades since, the SA’s helped millions of people all over the world. They’re relied on, for example, to help feed homeless people without anywhere to turn.
Famous Birthdays on March 17th
Bobby Jones, American golfer, born 1902
Bayard Rustin, American Civil Rights leader, born 1910
Nat King Cole, American musician, born 1919
Kurt Russell, American actor, born 1951
Katie Ledecky, American swimmer and Olympic athlete, born 1997
If you were born on March 17th…
You’re a Pisces, and you are represented by the twin fish. People born under Pisces are recognized for their artistic skills, compassion, and strong feelings. Pisces have a tendency to take on others’ emotions, which means they can be fantastic healers, but also can leave them with extra emotional baggage!
You’re one of the most interesting Zodiac signs there is, and we have all of the information to prove it on our Pisces facts page!
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