Fact 1: December 20 marks the Roman Festival of Saturnalia
December 20 is known in the Roman calendar as the start of the Saturnalia festival. Originating as a farmer’s festival to mark the end of the autumn planting season in honor of Saturn (satus means sowing), Saturnalia became one of the most popular Roman festivals. It was characterized by role reversals, behavioral license, and general merrymaking.
Fact 2: NBA Star Nate Robinson Was Born On This Day
The renowned NBA guard Nate Robinson, known for his remarkable speed and agility, was born on December 20, 1983. Throughout his sports career, Robinson has successfully bagged the title for NBA's Slam Dunk Contest thrice.
Fact 3: December 20 is International Human Solidarity Day
The United Nations General Assembly identified solidary as an essential value in the fight against poverty and proclaimed December 20 as International Human Solidarity Day. This day aims to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity and encourages debate on the ways to promote solidarity for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Fact 4: Louisiana was readmitted to the Union on December 20, 1864
During the American Civil War, Louisiana was the first Confederate state to be readmitted to the Union on December 20, 1864. This re-entry only became possible after a new constitution was adopted abolishing slavery.
Fact 5: U.S. Vice President Al Gore concedes the 2000 presidential election on December 20
December 20, 2000, marked a significant moment in U.S. history when Al Gore formally conceded the Presidential elections to George W. Bush. This followed a protracted legal battle involving a controversial vote count in Florida.
Fact 6: December 20, 1803, marked the end of the French rule in Louisiana
December 20, 1803, was the day the United States took possession of Louisiana from the French in a ceremony known as the "Three Flags Day". The U.S. had purchased Louisiana from France in a deal known as the Louisiana Purchase.
Fact 7: The famous “Christmas Truce” happened on December 20, 1914
During World War I, a series of unofficial ceasefires were observed across the Western Front. While the so-called "Christmas Truce" did not formally begin until December 24, the seeds of this unique event were likely sown around December 20, when German and British soldiers began exchanging seasonal greetings and songs between their trenches.
Fact 8: December 20 is the peak day for mailing, shipping, and receiving for the U.S. Postal Service
The U.S. Postal Service reports that it experiences its peak mailing, shipping, and receiving day roughly one week before Christmas. This has typically fallen on December 20 in recent years.
Fact 9: 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' Premiered This Day
On December 20, 1937, Disney's first-ever full-length animated feature, 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,' made its debut at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles.
Fact 10: December 20, 1957, brought an end to The Steve Allen Show
Popular 1950s variety program, The Steve Allen Show aired its last original episode on December 20, 1957, although it continued in reruns into the next year.
Fact 11: Pope Francis took his vows this day
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, took his final, perpetual vows as a Jesuit on December 20, 1969.
Fact 12: The Bee Gees Number One Single, 'Too Much Heaven' Released
Released on December 20, 1978, the Bee Gees' hit song 'Too Much Heaven' went on to top the charts in numerous countries worldwide.
Fact 13: December 20 is Go Caroling Day
For the fans of carol singing, December 20 is designated as Go Caroling Day. The tradition of caroling dates back to the Middle Ages and continues to be enjoyed worldwide during the holiday season.
Fact 14: 'The Graduate' Premiered On December 20, 1967
This iconic film starring Dustin Hoffman premiered on December 20, 1967. 'The Graduate' is still considered one of the greatest films of all time and was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry.
Fact 15: The Dayton Agreement Ended the War in Bosnia and Herzegovina
December 20, 1995, marks the day when the Dayton Agreement was signed in Paris, officially ending the War in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Fact 16: South Carolina Seceded from the Union
On December 20, 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union, leading to the formation of the Confederate States and eventually, the American Civil War.
Fact 17: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Had its Theatrical Release
Frank Capra’s 'It's a Wonderful Life', starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, was officially released in theaters on December 20, 1946, becoming a traditional holiday favorite viewed by millions every Christmas season.
Fact 18: Remembering the Apollo 8 Christmas Broadcast
Just few days before Christmas, on December 20, 1968, the Apollo 8 space mission was launched, which later performed the historic Christmas Eve broadcast from lunar orbit.
Fact 19: International Astrology Day
Astrologers around the world celebrate International Astrology Day on December 20. According to them, this date marks the start of the new astrological year, based on the movement of the sun, moon, and planets.
Fact 20: Earth’s Axial Tilt is Lowest
December 20 is the day when the Earth’s axial tilt is furthest away from the sun, marking the onset of winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere.