26 December - Keshav Shankar Pillai death anniversary

 

Keshav Shankar Pillai, commonly known as Shankar, was a renowned Indian cartoonist and humorist. He was born on 31July 1902, in Kayamkulam, Kerala, India, and passed away on  26 December 1989. Shankar was the founder of the iconic Shankar's Weekly, a popular magazine that featured political cartoons, satire, and commentary.

Shankar's cartoons were known for their wit, humor, and insightful commentary on various socio-political issues. He used his cartoons as a powerful medium to highlight and criticize societal and political events. In addition to his contributions to journalism, Shankar was also associated with the planning and design of several government campaigns and initiatives.

His significant impact on Indian cartooning and his dedication to social issues earned him recognition, and he was honored with several awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, one of the highest civilian awards in India. Shankar's legacy continues through his influential work, which remains an important part of India's journalistic and cartooning history.

26 December - Henry Louis Vivian Derozio death anniversary

 

Henry Louis Vivian Derozio (1809–1831) was a prominent Anglo-Indian poet and educator during the early 19th century in British India. He played a significant role in the Bengal Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual movement that sought to modernize and reform society. Here are some key points about Derozio:

1. Early Life: Derozio was born on 18 April 1809, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India. His father was Portuguese and his mother was of Indian descent.

2. Educational Background: Derozio was largely self-taught and well-versed in various languages, including English, Bengali, and Sanskrit. He studied at Hindu College in Calcutta, where he later became a teacher.

3. Contribution to Education: Derozio was appointed as an assistant headmaster at Hindu College in 1826, and he had a profound influence on his students. He encouraged free thinking, rationality, and the spirit of inquiry, which was somewhat unconventional in the conservative educational environment of the time.

4. Derozians: Derozio's students, known as the "Derozians," were deeply inspired by his liberal and progressive ideas. They formed a literary and intellectual society that discussed and debated various social, political, and philosophical issues.

5. Literary Contributions: Derozio was a prolific poet, and his works often dealt with themes of freedom, justice, and the social issues of his time. Some of his notable poems include "To India - My Native Land" and "The Fakeer of Jungheera."

6. Controversies: Derozio's liberal and secular views, as well as his encouragement of independent thinking, stirred controversy and opposition. His unorthodox ideas and influence on the younger generation were perceived as a threat by some conservative elements in society.

7. Death: Henry Derozio's life was cut short at the age of 22 when he succumbed to cholera on 26 December 1831. Despite his relatively short life, his impact on Indian literature and education was significant.

8. Legacy: Derozio's legacy lies in his contribution to the intellectual awakening in Bengal during the early 19th century. His emphasis on rationalism, individual freedom, and the questioning of societal norms left a lasting mark on the Bengal Renaissance. He is remembered as a key figure who paved the way for social and educational reforms in colonial India.

 

26 December - German battleship Scharnhorst was sunk in the Battle of the North Cape in 1943

 

On 26 December 1943, during World War II, the German battleship Scharnhorst was sunk in the Battle of the North Cape. The Battle of the North Cape was part of the larger Arctic Convoys, where Allied forces were providing military aid to the Soviet Union.

The Scharnhorst, a German battleship of the Kriegsmarine, was part of the German Navy's surface fleet. In an attempt to intercept an Allied convoy, the Scharnhorst engaged British naval forces, including the battleship HMS Duke of York and other ships.

During the battle on 26 December 1943, the Scharnhorst was heavily damaged by British naval gunfire. Torpedoes from British destroyers further crippled the battleship. In the end, the Scharnhorst sank in the frigid waters of the Barents Sea. The engagement marked a significant victory for the Allies and was a blow to the German Navy.

The sinking of the Scharnhorst contributed to the reduction of German naval capabilities and increased the security of Arctic convoys supplying the Soviet Union. The Battle of the North Cape demonstrated the effectiveness of Allied naval forces in countering the German surface fleet during the later stages of World War II.

26 December - St. Stephen's Day (Feast of St. Stephen)

 

St. Stephen's Day, also known as the Feast of St. Stephen, is a Christian holiday observed on December 26th each year. It is a public holiday in some countries, particularly those with a strong Christian tradition. The day is named after Saint Stephen, who is considered the first Christian martyr.

Key points about St. Stephen's Day include:

1. Biblical Background: Saint Stephen is recognized as one of the first deacons of the Christian Church. He is mentioned in the New Testament in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 6:1–7:60). According to the biblical account, Stephen was chosen to distribute food and aid to the poor in the early Christian community.

2. Martyrdom: St. Stephen's martyrdom is a central element of his story. He was accused of blasphemy and brought before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council. He delivered a lengthy speech recounting the history of the Israelites and condemning the religious authorities. In response, he was stoned to death, becoming the first Christian martyr.

3. Celebration: St. Stephen's Day is observed as a day of remembrance and celebration of the life and martyrdom of Saint Stephen. It is also a time for acts of charity and goodwill, reflecting the saint's commitment to helping the poor.

4. Boxing Day: In some countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations, December 26th is known as Boxing Day. While the exact origins of the term are uncertain, it is often associated with the practice of giving boxes of food, money, or other goods to the less fortunate on this day. In some places, Boxing Day has evolved into a shopping day with retail sales.

5. Customs and Traditions: In various countries, St. Stephen's Day is marked by customs and traditions. In Ireland, for example, it is a public holiday with parades and sporting events. In some European countries, there are special church services and processions.

6. Connection to Christmas: St. Stephen's Day falls within the Christmas season, and its observance is part of the broader celebration of the Christmas holiday in Christian traditions.

The significance and customs associated with St. Stephen's Day can vary by region and cultural practices, but its central theme often revolves around charity, remembrance, and acts of kindness.

 

26 December - Kwanzaa festival

 

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that honors African heritage and culture. It was created in the United States in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor and activist, as a way for African Americans to reconnect with their African roots and celebrate their unique cultural identity. Kwanzaa is observed from December 26 to January 1 each year.

Key features of Kwanzaa include:

1. Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba): Kwanzaa is built around seven guiding principles, known as Nguzo Saba. Each day of the celebration is dedicated to one of these principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).

2. Kinara and Seven Candles: The kinara is a candleholder that holds seven candles, representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Three candles are red, three are green, and one is black. The black candle is placed in the center and is lit on the first day, with each subsequent day lighting an additional candle, alternating between red and green.

3. Mishumaa Saba (Seven Candles): These are the seven candles placed in the kinara. They symbolize the ancestral roots and the principles of Kwanzaa.

4. Mazao (Crops): Fruits and vegetables, representing the harvest, are often placed on the Kwanzaa table to symbolize the holiday's agricultural origins and the rewards of collective labor.

5. Mkeka (Mat): A decorative mat is placed on the table, representing the foundation on which the other symbols are placed. It symbolizes tradition, history, and the common ancestry of African Americans.

6. Unity Cup (Kikombe cha Umoja): The Unity Cup is used to pour libations in honor of ancestors and to promote unity among family and community members.

7. Zawadi (Gifts): Handmade or culturally significant gifts are exchanged among family and friends to promote self-determination, responsibility, and mutual commitment.

8. Feasts and Gatherings: Families and communities come together for special meals, discussions, performances, and other cultural activities throughout the week of Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday but rather a cultural celebration that encourages reflection on African heritage, values, and community building. It has gained recognition and observance among African Americans and people of African descent worldwide.

 

26 December - Junkanoo festival

 

Junkanoo is a traditional Bahamian festival with roots dating back to the 17th century, likely influenced by African and European cultural traditions. The celebration takes place annually in the Bahamas, particularly in Nassau, the capital city, and other major towns. Junkanoo is one of the most significant cultural events in the country, characterized by vibrant and elaborate parades, music, dance, and colorful costumes.

Key features of Junkanoo include:

1. Costumes: Participants, known as "Junkanooers," create elaborate and intricate costumes made from various materials such as crepe paper, cardboard, and Styrofoam. The costumes often depict historical or cultural themes and can be quite large and extravagant.

2. Music: The festival features lively and rhythmic music produced by traditional instruments like cowbells, drums, whistles, horns, and conch shells. The music is an integral part of the parade, creating a festive and energetic atmosphere.

3. Dance: Participants engage in lively and synchronized dance routines, adding to the overall spectacle of the parade. The dance movements are often choreographed to the beat of the music.

4. Floats: Some groups construct elaborate floats, which are large, decorated platforms or structures on wheels. These floats often carry additional musicians, dancers, or thematic elements.

5. Competitions: Junkanoo is not only a celebration but also a highly competitive event. Groups spend months preparing for the festival, and a panel of judges evaluates the costumes, music, and overall presentation of each participating group.

6. Parades: The main Junkanoo parades take place during the early hours of Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year's Day. The parades wind through the streets of downtown Nassau, attracting both local and international spectators.

Junkanoo has become a symbol of Bahamian cultural identity, and the festival reflects the country's history, creativity, and communal spirit. While the main parades occur on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, there are also smaller Junkanoo celebrations held throughout the year in various Bahamian communities.

 

26 December - Mao Zedong birth anniversary

 

Mao Zedong (1893–1976) was a Chinese communist revolutionary and politician who played a key role in the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1949. Here are some key points about Mao Zedong:

1. Early Life: Mao was born on 26 December 1893, in the small village of Shaoshan in Hunan Province, China. He came from a peasant family and received a traditional Chinese education.

2. Founding Member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP): Mao became involved in revolutionary activities in his early twenties and was a founding member of the Chinese Communist Party in 1921.

3. The Long March: Mao played a crucial role in the Red Army's epic retreat known as the Long March (1934-1935), during which the Communists traveled over 6,000 miles to evade the Nationalist forces.

4. Anti-Japanese Resistance: During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), Mao's forces, along with the Nationalists, fought against Japanese invaders. Despite their common enemy, tensions between the Communists and Nationalists persisted.

5. Chinese Civil War: After World War II, the Chinese Civil War resumed between the Communists, led by Mao, and the Nationalists, led by Chiang Kai-shek. The Communists emerged victorious in 1949, leading to the establishment of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949.

6. Leadership of the PRC: Mao became the founding father and leader of the People's Republic of China. As the Chairman of the Communist Party of China, he held significant power and influence over the country's political, economic, and social policies.

7. Great Leap Forward: In 1958, Mao launched the Great Leap Forward, an ambitious economic and social campaign aimed at rapidly transforming China from an agrarian society into a socialist society through rapid industrialization and collectivization. However, the campaign resulted in widespread famine and economic disaster, causing millions of deaths.

8. Cultural Revolution: In 1966, Mao initiated the Cultural Revolution, a socio-political movement aimed at preserving communist ideology by purging perceived capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society. This campaign led to mass persecution, purges, and significant social upheaval.

9. Death and Legacy: Mao Zedong died on 09 September 1976. Despite the controversies and failures associated with his leadership, Mao is still a highly revered figure in China, particularly for his role in the country's liberation from foreign domination and his contribution to the establishment of the People's Republic of China. However, his legacy is also marked by the devastating consequences of policies like the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution.