December is the twelfth and final month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It is a time of celebration and reflection, as people around the world prepare for the end of the year and the start of a new one. The month of December has a rich history and a number of interesting facts associated with it.
One of the most well-known facts about December is that it is the start of the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere. In many parts of the world, December is characterized by cold weather, snow, and the holiday season. December is also the start of the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere, where the weather is warm and sunny.
The name “December” comes from the Latin word “decem,” which means “ten.” This is because December was originally the tenth month of the year in the Roman calendar. The calendar was later adjusted to include January and February, which pushed December to the twelfth and final month of the year.
December is a month of celebration and observance for many people around the world. In the Western world, December is known for the Christmas holiday, which is celebrated on December 25th to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. In the Eastern world, December is the month of Hanukkah, which is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
In addition to these well-known observances, December is also the month of Kwanzaa, a seven-day celebration of African-American culture and heritage. It is also the month of Las Posadas, a nine-day Mexican-American celebration of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.
December is also a time of celebration for people who do not observe religious holidays. For many people, December is a time of year when they take time off from work and school to spend time with friends and family. It is a time for gift-giving, parties, and other festivities.
In terms of historical events, December has seen its fair share of significant occurrences. In 1791, the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, was ratified. In 1903, the Wright brothers made the first successful powered airplane flight. In 1913, the Federal Reserve System was established in the United States. And in 1917, the Bolshevik Revolution took place in Russia.
December is also the birth month of some of the world’s most famous people. Some notable December birthdays include Elvis Presley, Walt Disney, and Isaac Newton.
In conclusion, December is a month of great historical significance and cultural observance. It is a time of year when people around the world come together to celebrate and reflect on the past year. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply the end of the year, December is a special time of year that holds a special place in the hearts of many.
Events that happened in December
Here are some famous events that happened in the month of December:
- On December 7, 1941, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor occurred, leading the United States to enter World War II. This event is remembered as one of the most significant events in American history and is often referred to as the “day that will live in infamy.”
- On December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. This document outlines the basic rights and freedoms that are entitled to all human beings and is considered to be one of the most important international human rights instruments.
- On December 21, 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 people on board and 11 people on the ground. This terrorist attack, which was later found to be the work of Libyan agents, prompted a major international response and led to the imposition of economic sanctions against Libya.
- On December 26, 2004, a massive earthquake and tsunami struck the Indian Ocean, killing more than 230,000 people in 14 countries. This disaster, which was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history, prompted a massive international response and led to the creation of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System.
- On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks, an African American seamstress, was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white person in Montgomery, Alabama. This event is often considered to be the catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and is remembered as a turning point in the fight for racial equality.
- On December 3, 1967, the first heart transplant surgery was performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in Cape Town, South Africa. This groundbreaking procedure paved the way for countless lives to be saved through organ transplantation and revolutionized modern medicine.
- On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully completed the first powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This achievement is considered to be one of the most important in human history and marked the beginning of the modern aviation industry.
- On December 25, 1991, the Soviet Union was dissolved, marking the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet-controlled communist system in Eastern Europe. This event had significant global implications and marked the beginning of a new era in international relations.
These are just a few examples of the many significant events that happened in the month of December. From political revolutions and scientific discoveries to natural disasters and acts of terrorism, December has been a month of major historical events that have had a lasting impact on the world.
Celebrities born in December
- George Washington – the first President of the United States, born on December 14, 1732.
- Frank Sinatra – a famous American singer and actor, born on December 12, 1915.
- Mahatma Gandhi – an Indian independence activist and leader, born on October 2, 1869.
- Mark Twain – a famous American writer, born on November 30, 1835.
- Jane Austen – a famous English novelist, born on December 16, 1775.
- Stephen Hawking – a famous physicist and cosmologist, born on January 8, 1942.
- William Shakespeare – a famous English playwright and poet, born on April 23, 1564.
- Adolf Hitler – the leader of Nazi Germany, born on April 20, 1889.
- Elvis Presley – a famous American singer and actor, born on January 8, 1935.
- John F. Kennedy – the 35th President of the United States, born on May 29, 1917.
These are just a few of the many famous people who were born in December. Many of these individuals have had a significant impact on history and continue to be remembered for their contributions to their respective fields. From politics and literature to science and entertainment, December has produced many notable figures who have left their mark on the world.