15 December - The United States Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791

 

The United States Bill of Rights was ratified on December 15, 1791. On this date, Virginia became the eleventh state to ratify the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, thus officially incorporating them into the Constitution. These amendments aimed to safeguard individual liberties and limit the power of the federal government. The Bill of Rights includes fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair and speedy trial. December 15 is now celebrated as Bill of Rights Day in the United States.

15 December - Homecoming Day Alderney

 

For Alderney, there was no Liberation as is remembered and celebrated by Islanders in Guernsey, Sark and Jersey as all Alderney residents were evacuated in June 1940 and the island housed the only Concentration Camp on British Soil.

After spending over five years on mainland Britain, on December 15^th 1945 the Alderney islanders finally began to return home. On their return they found their homeland changed forever. The island had been ransacked and looted and the years that followed were hard times where they struggled to rebuild their homes and their community.

Every year, the islanders come together to celebrate Homecoming Day with a church service and the laying of a wreath under a brass plaque at the courthouse with the famous words of Judge French calling the islanders to assemble ready to evacuate the island in June 1940.

15 December - Kingdom Day - Koninkrijksdag

 

Kingdom Day, known as "Koninkrijksdag" in Dutch, is a public holiday in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The holiday is observed on December 15th each year, and it commemorates the signing of the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1954.

Key points about Kingdom Day (Koninkrijksdag):

1. Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands:

   • Kingdom Day is tied to the signing of the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands on December 15, 1954. This charter marked a restructuring of the relationship between the Netherlands and its overseas territories.

2. Kingdom of the Netherlands:

   • The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy consisting of four countries: the Netherlands (in Europe), Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten (in the Caribbean). These four countries are equal partners in the Kingdom.

3. Equal Status:

   • The Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands aimed to grant a more equal status to the overseas territories within the Kingdom. Each country within the Kingdom has its own government and a certain degree of autonomy.

4. Celebrations:

   • Kingdom Day is a day of celebration and reflection. It is an opportunity for people in the Netherlands and its Caribbean territories to celebrate their shared history and the ties that bind them within the Kingdom.

5. Ceremonies and Events:

   • Various ceremonies and events take place on Kingdom Day, including official ceremonies, cultural performances, and community events. It is a time for people to come together and celebrate the diversity and unity of the Kingdom.

6. Cultural Exchange:

   • Kingdom Day provides an occasion for cultural exchange between the different parts of the Kingdom. Events may include exhibitions, music performances, and activities that showcase the unique cultures of the Netherlands and its Caribbean territories.

7. Unity in Diversity:

   • The holiday underscores the idea of unity in diversity, recognizing and celebrating the cultural, historical, and geographical diversity of the Kingdom while emphasizing the shared values and collaboration among its constituent parts.

It's worth noting that while Kingdom Day is observed in the Netherlands and its Caribbean territories, the specific activities and events may vary among the different parts of the Kingdom. The holiday is a testament to the shared history and cooperative relationship that exists within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

 

15 December - Zamenhof Day (Esperanto Day)

 

Zamenhof Day, also known as Esperanto Day, is an annual observance held on December 15th. It commemorates the birthday of L. L. Zamenhof, the creator of Esperanto, an artificial international auxiliary language designed to foster communication and understanding among people of different linguistic backgrounds.

Key points about Zamenhof Day:

1. L. L. Zamenhof:

   • L. L. Zamenhof, a Polish-Jewish ophthalmologist, created Esperanto in the late 19th century. He believed that a neutral and easy-to-learn language would facilitate communication and contribute to global understanding.

2. Birthdate:

   • Zamenhof was born on December 15, 1859, in Białystok, which was then part of the Russian Empire (now in Poland).

3. Esperanto:

   • Esperanto is a constructed language with a grammar that is relatively simple compared to many natural languages. Zamenhof's goal was to provide a universal second language that could be used as a means of communication between people of different native languages, fostering peace and international cooperation.

4. Zamenhof Day Celebrations:

   • Zamenhof Day is celebrated by Esperanto speakers and enthusiasts around the world. It often involves cultural and educational events, including lectures, seminars, and social gatherings where people can use Esperanto to communicate.

5. Promotion of Esperanto:

   • On Zamenhof Day, there is often a focus on promoting Esperanto and its principles. This may include introducing the language to newcomers, organizing language-learning sessions, and encouraging the use of Esperanto in various contexts.

6. Recognition of Contributions:

   • Zamenhof Day is also an occasion to recognize and appreciate Zamenhof's contributions to linguistic and cultural understanding. Many people view Esperanto as a symbol of hope for global communication and peace.

7. Esperanto Movement:

   • The Esperanto movement has a global community of speakers and supporters who actively promote the language and its ideals. Zamenhof Day is a significant date within this community.

Esperanto has not become a universal second language as Zamenhof had initially hoped, but it continues to have a dedicated community of speakers and serves as a unique experiment in language design and international communication. Zamenhof Day provides an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the vision of linguistic harmony that L. L. Zamenhof envisioned.

 

15 December - "Gone with the Wind" movie premiered in 1939

 

"Gone with the Wind," one of the most iconic and acclaimed films in cinematic history, premiered in Atlanta, Georgia, on 15 December 1939. The premiere was a major event, attended by numerous celebrities, including members of the film's cast and crew.

Here are some key points about "Gone with the Wind" and its premiere:

1. Release Date: While the premiere in Atlanta took place on 15 December 1939, the film's general release in the United States occurred shortly afterward, on 19 December  1939.

2. Location: The premiere was held at Loew's Grand Theatre in Atlanta, and it was a grand affair with a red-carpet event, live music, and a star-studded guest list.

3. Cast and Crew: The film was directed by Victor Fleming and based on Margaret Mitchell's novel of the same name. The main cast included Clark Gable as Rhett Butler, Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara, Leslie Howard as Ashley Wilkes, and Olivia de Havilland as Melanie Hamilton.

4. Historical Significance: "Gone with the Wind" is set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. It went on to become one of the most beloved and successful films in cinema history, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards.

5. Academy Awards: The film was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won eight, including Best Picture, Best Director for Victor Fleming, and Best Actress for Vivien Leigh.

6. Cultural Impact: "Gone with the Wind" remains culturally significant, known for its epic storytelling, memorable characters, and groundbreaking use of color cinematography.

Despite its enduring popularity, it's important to note that "Gone with the Wind" has also faced criticism for its portrayal of race and the glorification of the Old South. Over the years, discussions about its historical and social context have continued, prompting reassessments of its legacy.