1. International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3rd is observed as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. First proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3, the day aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society, and to increase awareness of their situation in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
2. Birth of Famous Author Anna Freud
December 3rd, 1895 marks the birth of the renowned Austrian-British psychoanalyst, Anna Freud. She was the sixth and last child of Sigmund Freud and made significant contributions to the field of psychoanalysis.
3. National Roof Over Your Head Day
Interestingly, December 3rd is also celebrated as National Roof Over Your Head Day. This day was founded to remind us of the importance of appreciation, particularly for those fundamental daily aspects of life that we often take for granted like having a roof over our heads.
4. The End of Prohibition in the U.S.
On December 3rd, 1933 the U.S.'s 21st Amendment was ratified, ending prohibition. This makes it an especially interesting date for drinking enthusiasts, as it marked the end of the United States' famous 13-year experiment with teetotalism.
5. Ozzy Osbourne’s Birthday
Born on December 3, 1948, Ozzy Osbourne, also known as the 'Prince of Darkness,' celebrates his birthday. His contribution to the music industry, particularly in heavy metal, has been immense, leading him to a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
6. The Launch of Pioneer 10
On December 3, 1973, Pioneer 10, the first spacecraft to travel through the asteroid belt, made its closest approach to Jupiter and began transmitting images of the giant planet back to Earth. This momentous occasion sparked a new era of space exploration.
7. First Human Heart Transplant
History was made on this day in 1967, when the first human heart transplant took place in Cape Town, South Africa. Dr. Christiaan Barnard and his team performed the ground-breaking surgery, opening new possibilities in the medical world.
8. First SMS Message Sent
On December 3, 1992, the first SMS message was sent. A British engineer named Neil Papworth sent the first text message: "Merry Christmas." This paved the way for our modern habit of instant communication.
9. Founding of Galileo's Academy of the Lynxes
On December 3, 1603, Galileo and Prince Federico Cesi founded the Academy of the Lynxes, one of the world's earliest scientific societies. The society's aim was to disseminate scientific knowledge and separate it from philosophical and theological debates.
10. Green Monday
Often, December 3rd is observed as Green Monday, an online retail industry term similar to Cyber Monday. The term was coined by eBay to describe their best sales day in December, usually the second Monday of December.
11. Malta Gained Independence from Britain
On December 3, 1964, Malta became an independent republic, removing Queen Elizabeth II as the Queen of Malta after having gained independence from Britain on September 21, 1964.
12. Establishment of the U.S. National Christmas Tree
The tradition of the National Christmas Tree in Washington D.C. started on December 3rd, 1923. Since then the U.S. National Christmas Tree is an evergreen tree located in the northeast quadrant of The Ellipse near the White House.
13. Release of Michael Jackson's "Thriller"
On December 3rd, 1982, Michael Jackson's album "Thriller" was released, which later became the best-selling album of all time with 66-million copies sold worldwide.
14. Julianne Moore’s Birthday
Academy award-winning actress Julianne Moore was born on December 3, 1960. Known for her roles in movies like 'Boogie Nights,' 'Still Alice,' and 'Magnolia,' Moore is consistently cited as one of the greatest actresses of her time.
15. Canada's Worst Mining Disaster
The Hillcrest mine disaster, the deadliest mine disaster in Canadian history, took place on December 3, 1914. It resulted in the death of 189 miners and left over 130 women widowed and about 400 children fatherless.
16. Discovering of the Planet Ceres
On December 3, 1776, German astronomer Johann Elert Bode discovered Ceres, the largest object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and the only dwarf planet located in the inner solar system.
17. "The Eiffel Tower Inauguration"
On December 3rd, 1891, the Eiffel Tower was officially completed after two years, two months, and five days of construction.
18. Founding of Illinois
Illinois was admitted as the 21st state of the United States on December 3, 1818.
19. A Day for Earmuffs
The day also represents the National Earmuff Day also known as Chester Greenwood Day, in honor of the inventor of the earmuffs, Chester Greenwood, born on December 3, 1858.
20. The Day of International Solidarity
Apart from these fun facts, December 3rd is also celebrated as the International Day of Solidarity with Political Prisoners by some human rights organizations and individuals. It is a day when people across the world show their support for those who have been imprisoned for their political beliefs.