Fact 1: The Birthdate of a Facebook Pioneer
On February 4, 2004, Mark Zuckerberg and his roommate Eduardo Saverin launched Facebook at Harvard University in America. Initially, the social networking site was only available to Harvard students, but it quickly expanded, and today it boasts more than 2.7 billion active users around the world.
Fact 2: Rosa Parks Becomes a National Icon
February 4 is significant in the civil rights movement as it was on this day in 1913 that activist Rosa Parks was born. Her refusal to give up her bus seat on December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, would spark the landmark Montgomery Bus Boycott and set the stage for great progress in civil rights.
Fact 3: World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day is held annually on February 4. This global health awareness day is intended to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. The campaign has an astounding reach and is believed to reach over 700 million people around the world each year.
Fact 4: Super Bowl Sunday Often Falls on February 4
The date of the Super Bowl varies each year, but it often falls near February 4. This date is key in American football, resulting in an unofficial holiday where households around the world host parties and tune in to watch the games, the commercials, and the halftime shows.
Fact 5: Constitution of Sri Lanka
On February 4, 1948, Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule, and thus the constitution of Sri Lanka came into effect. Every year, Sri Lanka celebrates its National Day on February 4th commemorating this historic event.
Fact 6: The Birth of A Famous Diet
On February 4, 1863, a British undertaker named William Banting begins the low-carb diet trend, swearing by a diet that cut out bread, butter, milk, sugar, beer, and potatoes. His old-style diet was once referred to as ‘Banting.’
Fact 7: Ancient Rome Celebrations
Historically, February 4 used to be the last day of the Ancient Roman "Parentalia" festival, which traditionally began on February 13. This was a nine-day festival dedicated to family ancestors.
Fact 8: A Day for the Unique Habit of Mailman
Referred to as Thank A Mailman Day, February 4th is taken as the day to show gratitude to the people we often overlook, our Mailmen and Mailwomen. The day is observed to recognize their contribution to assisting us in day-to-day communication and parcel delivery.
Fact 9: A Day of Goiânia, Brazil
The people of Goiânia in Brazil joinedly recognize this day as the foundation day of their city. It was on this day of February 4, back in 1933 that their beautiful city was founded.
Fact 10: George Washington Elected First U.S. President
On February 4, 1789, George Washington was unanimously elected the first President of the United States by the U.S. Electoral College. Note that he was inaugurated on April 30 of the same year.
Fact 11: Tragic Space Shuttle Columbia Accident
On February 4, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia disintegrated while reentering the Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven members on board. The accident led to the suspension of the shuttle program and spurred NASA to redesign future spaceships for safety.
Fact 12: Unique National Day- Homemade Soup Day
To celebrate the joy of homemade, soul-warming soup, Americans celebrate National Homemade Soup Day every year on February 4. It is considered as a day for comfort, warmth, and deliciousness.
Fact 13: Silent Night Composer's Death
Famous Austrian educator and organist Franz Gruber, known for composing the classic Christmas carol "Silent Night," died on February 4, 1863. His peaceful song continues to fill homes worldwide during the holiday season.
Fact 14: A Day for Music Lovers
February 4 is celebrated as Liberace Day to honor the flamboyant musical performer Wladziu Valentino Liberace, better known as simply Liberace.
Fact 15: Hijab Day
Each year, February 4 is celebrated worldwide by Muslims and non-Muslims alike as World Hijab Day. The day serves to foster religious tolerance and understanding by inviting women (non-Hijabi Muslims/non-Muslims) to experience the hijab for one day.
Fact 16: Charles Lindbergh’s Atlantic Crossing Remarks
On February 4, 1927, Charles Lindbergh announces to the world his plan to fly non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean. Later that year, he succeeded, making him a global celebrity and pushing forward the development of aviation.
Fact 17: Planet Uranus Photographed for the First Time
On February 4, 1986, the robotic spacecraft Voyager 2 returned to Earth with the first close-up photographs of Uranus, the seventh planet from the Sun. It marked a significant milestone in space photography.
Fact 18: Plimsoll Day
February 4th is recognized in history as Plimsoll Day. Samuel Plimsoll, who was born on this date in 1824, was a politician and social reformer, known for promoting maritime safety measures.
Fact 19: Birthdate of a Beloved Children's Author
Russell Hoban, the beloved author of the Frances children’s book series, was born on February 4, 1925. Known for their charming illustrations and relatable storylines, Hoban's works are still treasured by young readers today.
Fact 20: A Day for Football Fans
On February 4, 2007, Super Bowl XLI was held. Marking the first time an African American coach (Tony Dungy of the Indianapolis Colts) had won the Super Bowl, this day is recognized as a step towards racial equality in sports.