17 December - Pope Francis birthday

 

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is the 266th and current Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Elected on March 13, 2013, he is the first Jesuit pope and the first pope from the Americas. Known for his humility, compassion, and commitment to social justice, Pope Francis has emphasized issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental stewardship. His papacy has been characterized by a more inclusive and compassionate approach, reaching out to those on the margins of society. Pope Francis has also played a key role in fostering interfaith dialogue and addressing contemporary challenges facing the Church.

17 December - Saint Begga death anniversary

 

Saint Begga, also known as Saint Bega, was a Christian saint and noblewoman who lived in the early medieval period. She is primarily associated with the regions of Belgium and England. Here are some key details about Saint Begga:

1. Family Background: Saint Begga was born into a noble family. She was the daughter of Pepin of Landen, a powerful aristocrat in the Merovingian Frankish kingdom, and Saint Itta, a saintly noblewoman known for her charitable works and founding monastic communities.

2. Religious Devotion: Begga was known for her strong Christian faith and piety. Following the death of her husband, Ansegisel, she chose a life of celibacy and devoted herself to religious pursuits.

3. Founding Monastic Communities: Saint Begga is particularly remembered for her efforts in establishing monastic communities. She founded a convent at Andenne, Belgium, which she governed for many years. This convent became a center of Christian spirituality and education.

4. Commemoration: Saint Begga is venerated as a saint in the Christian tradition, particularly in Belgium and parts of England. Her feast day is celebrated on December 17th.

5. Patronage: Saint Begga is often invoked for assistance with issues related to fertility, as well as protection for women and children.

It's important to note that the details of Saint Begga's life are based on hagiographical accounts, which can sometimes be embellished with legends and myths. Nevertheless, she is recognized as a significant figure in early Christian history, known for her devotion to the faith and her contributions to monastic life.

16 December - Jane Austen birth anniversary

 

Jane Austen was born on 16 December 1775, in Steventon, Hampshire, England. 

Jane Austen (1775–1817) was an English novelist known for her works of romantic fiction, which are set among the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Her novels often explore the dependence of women on marriage in the pursuit of favorable social standing and economic security. Austen's writing is known for its wit, irony, and keen observation of social manners and relationships.

Some of her most famous works include:

1. "Sense and Sensibility" (1811)
2. "Pride and Prejudice" (1813)
3. "Mansfield Park" (1814)
4. "Emma" (1815)
5. "Northanger Abbey" (1817)
6. "Persuasion" (1817)

Austen's novels are celebrated for their insightful portrayal of the lives and morals of the British landed gentry in the early 19th century. Her characters and stories have continued to captivate readers, and her works have been adapted into numerous films and television series. Despite achieving only modest success during her lifetime, Austen's novels have since gained widespread recognition and are considered classics of English literature.

  She passed away on 18 July 1817, in Winchester, Hampshire, England, at the age of 41.

16 December - The Boston Tea Party

 

The Boston Tea Party was a political protest that took place on the night of December 16, 1773, in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, during the American Revolution. It was a key event leading up to the American Revolutionary War and played a significant role in the broader struggle for colonial independence from British rule.

Key points about the Boston Tea Party:

1. Background:

   • The protest was a response to the Tea Act of 1773, which was enacted by the British Parliament to grant the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the American colonies. The act also imposed taxes on tea, leading to increased resentment among the colonists.

2. Taxation Without Representation:

   • One of the primary grievances of the American colonists was the concept of "taxation without representation." They argued that they were being taxed by the British government without having representation in Parliament.

3. The Event:

   • On the night of December 16, 1773, a group of colonists, disguised as Mohawk Indians to conceal their identities, boarded three British ships—Dartmouth, Eleanor, and Beaver—anchored in Boston Harbor. They proceeded to dump 342 chests of British tea into the harbor.

4. Protest Against Taxation:

   • The destruction of the tea was a symbolic act of protest against the Tea Act and the perceived infringement on colonial rights. It was a way for the colonists to express their opposition to what they saw as unjust taxation and economic exploitation.

5. British Response:

   • In response to the Boston Tea Party, the British government enacted a series of punitive measures known as the Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts) in 1774. These acts were designed to punish Massachusetts for its defiance and tighten British control over the colonies.

6. Escalation to War:

   • The events surrounding the Boston Tea Party and the subsequent British response contributed to the escalation of tensions between the American colonies and the British government. It played a pivotal role in the lead-up to the American Revolutionary War, which officially began in 1775.

The Boston Tea Party is remembered as a symbol of colonial resistance and a significant step in the journey toward American independence. The phrase "no taxation without representation" became a rallying cry for the American colonists as they sought to assert their rights and liberties.

16 December - The Battle of the Bulge

 

The Battle of the Bulge was a significant World War II battle that took place from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945. Although it started on December 16, not December 15, I'll provide information on this historical event as it is closely related to the dates surrounding it.

Key points about the Battle of the Bulge:

1. Context:

   • The Battle of the Bulge was the last major German offensive campaign on the Western Front during World War II. The Allies had already made significant advances, and the Germans hoped to counterattack and disrupt their momentum.

2. German Offensive:

   • The German forces, under the command of Adolf Hitler, launched a surprise offensive through the Ardennes Forest, a region in Belgium and Luxembourg. The goal was to split the Allied forces, capture the vital Belgian port city of Antwerp, and force the Allies into a negotiated peace.

3. Initial Success:

   • The Germans initially made significant gains, creating a bulge or salient in the Allied lines, which gave the battle its name. The surprise attack caught the Allies off guard, and the Germans quickly advanced, causing panic and confusion.

4. Harsh Winter Conditions:

   • The Battle of the Bulge took place during one of the coldest European winters on record. The harsh weather conditions affected both sides, with frostbite and exposure adding to the challenges of the conflict.

5. Allied Resistance:

   • Despite the initial successes of the Germans, the Allied forces, particularly the United States, rallied to defend key positions. The resistance and resilience of the Allied troops, along with logistical challenges faced by the Germans, slowed the German advance.

6. Turning Point:

   • As the weather cleared, the Allies were able to gain air superiority, and General George S. Patton's Third Army was able to relieve the besieged town of Bastogne. The turning point marked the beginning of the end for the German offensive.

7. Aftermath:

   • The Battle of the Bulge resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with the Allies ultimately repelling the German offensive. The battle had a significant impact on the course of the war, delaying the end of hostilities in Europe but also hastening the collapse of the German military.

The Battle of the Bulge is remembered as one of the largest and bloodiest battles fought by the United States during World War II and played a crucial role in the eventual Allied victory in Europe.

 

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.