24 December - "Silent Night" Christmas carol first performed in 1818

 

"Silent Night" ("Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht" in German) is a popular Christmas carol that was first performed on December 24, 1818, at St. Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. The lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr, a young priest, and the music was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber, a schoolteacher and organist.

The story goes that the church organ in Oberndorf was not functioning properly, and it was in need of repair. In anticipation of the Christmas Eve midnight mass, Mohr approached Gruber to create a composition that could be performed with a guitar. The result was "Silent Night," a simple yet beautiful song that resonated with the spirit of Christmas.

On the night of December 24, 1818, Joseph Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber performed "Silent Night" for the first time during the Christmas Eve mass. Mohr sang the lyrics, and Gruber played the guitar. The song was well-received, and its fame gradually spread beyond the small town.

"Silent Night" has since become one of the most beloved and widely performed Christmas carols globally. It has been translated into numerous languages and has been recorded by countless artists. The original manuscript of the song is preserved in the Carolino Augusteum Museum in Salzburg, Austria, where visitors can see Mohr's handwritten lyrics and Gruber's musical notation. The story of "Silent Night" reflects the power of simplicity and the enduring charm of a timeless Christmas melody.

 

24 December - Christmas Eve

 

Christmas Eve is the evening or day before Christmas Day, which is celebrated annually on December 24th. It is a time of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day, which is observed on December 25th.

Christmas Eve is often marked by various traditions and customs in different cultures and families. Many people attend special church services, known as Christmas Eve services, which may include the singing of carols, readings from the Bible, and the lighting of candles. Additionally, it is common for families and friends to gather for festive meals, exchange gifts, and engage in other activities to celebrate the holiday spirit.

In some cultures, there are specific foods, rituals, and festivities associated with Christmas Eve. The way Christmas Eve is celebrated can vary widely, but the common theme is the anticipation and joy leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

24 December - The Treaty of Ghent

 

The Treaty of Ghent was signed on December 24, 1814, in the city of Ghent, which is now part of Belgium. The treaty marked the end of the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. The negotiations leading to the treaty took place at the Ghent City Hall.

Key points about the Treaty of Ghent:

1. Negotiation Background: The War of 1812 had been fought between the United States and Great Britain. The issues included trade restrictions imposed by the British, impressment of American sailors into the Royal Navy, and conflicts over territorial boundaries.

2. Neutral Status: The negotiators, representing both the United States and Great Britain, agreed to revert to the status quo ante bellum, which means returning to the conditions that existed before the war. This decision meant that no significant territorial changes resulted from the conflict.

3. Ceasefire and Release of Prisoners: The treaty called for an immediate end to hostilities, the release of prisoners of war, and the restoration of all territories conquered during the war.

4. Territorial Changes: The treaty did not address the issues of maritime rights and impressment, which were among the causes of the war. Instead, it focused on ending the conflict. The boundary disputes and issues related to the Great Lakes and the Oregon Territory were left for future negotiations.

5. Ratification: The Treaty of Ghent was signed on December 24, 1814, but news of the treaty did not reach both sides of the Atlantic until February 1815. The United States Senate ratified the treaty unanimously on February 16, 1815.

6. Effects: The treaty effectively ended the War of 1812 and restored peaceful relations between the United States and Great Britain. Notably, the Battle of New Orleans took place after the treaty was signed but before news of the agreement reached the combatants.

The Treaty of Ghent is often considered a diplomatic victory as it ended the hostilities and restored the pre-war status, and it paved the way for improved relations between the United States and Great Britain in the years following the war.

 

24 December - Lotus Temple was opened on this day in 1986

 

The Lotus Temple, located in New Delhi, India, was opened to the public on 24 December  1986. The Lotus Temple is a Bahá'í House of Worship and is known for its distinctive lotus flower-like shape. It is one of the prominent architectural landmarks in Delhi and serves as a place of worship for people of all religions.

The design of the Lotus Temple, created by architect Fariborz Sahba, resembles a lotus flower with 27 free-standing marble-clad "petals." The structure has won numerous architectural awards for its innovative design and has become a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the city.

The Lotus Temple is open to people of all faiths and is known for its tranquil and meditative atmosphere. It has attracted millions of visitors since its opening.

24 December - Howard Hughes birth anniversary

 

Howard Hughes, the American business magnate, investor, aviator, film director, and philanthropist, was born on 24 December 1905, in Humble, Texas. He passed away on 05 April 1976, in Houston, Texas. Hughes was a highly influential figure in various industries, including aviation, filmmaking, and business.

 

 

23 December - Mikhail Kalashnikov death anniversary

 

Mikhail Kalashnikov (1919–2013) was a Russian military engineer and the inventor of the AK-47, a widely used assault rifle. He was born on 10 November 1919, in Kurya, Altai Krai, Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (now Altai Krai, Russia). Kalashnikov's family faced difficult economic circumstances, and he joined the Soviet Red Army during World War II.

The AK-47, also known as the Kalashnikov rifle, became one of the most iconic and widely produced firearms in the world. Its design emphasized simplicity, durability, and reliability, making it suitable for various combat conditions. The rifle's initials "AK" stand for "Avtomat Kalashnikova," and the number "47" refers to the year 1947 when the design was officially adopted by the Soviet military.

The AK-47 and its derivatives have been used by military forces, paramilitary groups, and insurgents worldwide. Mikhail Kalashnikov received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to military technology, and he held the rank of lieutenant general in the Soviet Army.

Despite the widespread use of the AK-47, Kalashnikov expressed regret in later years about how his invention had been used in conflicts. He passed away on 23 December 2013, in Izhevsk, Russia, leaving a complex legacy associated with the impact of his creation on global conflicts and military history.