Fact 1: The Notions of The Winter Solstice
December 22 is considered the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. It sometimes falls on the 21st of the month depending on the calendar. Essentially, the term Solstice is derived from Latin words 'sol' (sun) and 'sistere' (to stand still) and represents the moment when the Sun appears to stand still before reversing its direction.
Fact 2: Human Achievement - Wright Brother’s First Flight Anniversary
December 22 is a significant date in the history of aviation. It marks the anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight in 1903. After multiple trials, their first proper flight was on December 17, while the first passenger flight took place five days later, on the 22nd.
Fact 3: The Zodiac Crossover
December 22 is quite unique as it sits on the cusp between two Zodiac signs: Sagittarius and Capricorn. Some astrologers may say you are a Sagittarius, while others will identify you as a Capricorn. This is an interesting aspect for those born on this day as they may express traits of both Zodiacs.
Fact 4: National Date Nut Bread Day
In the United States, December 22 is celebrated as National Date Nut Bread Day. It's a day when people honor the popular holiday loaf, often made with a combination of dates and nuts. Many family gatherings will have a loaf of date nut bread on the table.
Fact 5: Abundant Birthdays
Historically, December 22 sees a higher number of birthdays, compared to other days. According to Amitabh Chandra, a Harvard University economist, more American babies are born in late September and early October, meaning more conceptions around December 22nd.
Fact 6: Catherine of Aragon's Birthday
One famous person born on December 22 is Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII of England. She was born in 1485 and her marriage to Henry VIII eventually led to England's break from the Catholic Church.
Fact 7: Formation of United States Golf Association
The United States Golf Association was founded on December 22, 1894. This association is responsible for creating the golfing rules applied in the United States and Mexico.
Fact 8: Tsunami Day
December 22 is now widely recognized as National Tsunami Awareness Day. This was instituted following the deadly Indian Ocean tsunami that occurred on December 22, 2018.
Fact 9: The Nearly Christmas Factor
On December 22, there are just 3 days left until Christmas. This makes it one of the busiest shopping days of the year, as many people rush to complete their holiday preparations.
Fact 10: Release of the Movie "Titanic"
The world-renowned movie "Titanic" was released on December 19, 1997, making December 22nd the first weekend it was shown. The film went on to break all box office records.
Fact 11: The End of the World Prophecy
According to the Mayan calendar, the world was supposed to end on December 21, 2012. But since we're here reading this, it’s clear that the next day, December 22, signaled yet another rotation of Earth proving the prophecy wrong.
Fact 12: The Stamp Act
Back in history, the British Government passed the Stamp Act on December 22, 1765, which led to a series of protests in the American colonies and was a significant event leading up to the American Revolution.
Fact 13: Start of Hanukkah
In 2019, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah began on December 22, marking eight days and nights of celebration.
Fact 14: Leap Seconds Addition
The first ever 'leap second' was added on December 22, 1972, allowing atomic clocks to align more closely with the earth's rotation.
Fact 15: The Last Full Moon of The Year
Often, December 22 witnesses the last full moon of the year, nicknamed "The Cold Moon" due to the advent of winter chill.
Fact 16: The Year Without a Summer
On December 22, 1815, Mount Tambora in Indonesia erupted, causing the "Year Without a Summer" in 1816. The eruption had an impact on global temperatures, which were noticeably cooler throughout the following year.
Fact 17: The Launch of Luna 1
On December 22, 1958, Luna 1, the first spacecraft to reach the Moon, was launched by the USSR.
Fact 18: Operation Vijay's Success
December 22 marks the end of Operation Vijay in 1961, when Indian forces successfully liberated Goa from Portuguese rule.
Fact 19: A Day for Astronomical Observations
Due to winter solstice creating the longest night of the year, December 22 is an important day for astronomers and stargazers all around the world. They can observe the celestial bodies for a longer period.
Fact 20: Significance in Various Cultures
December 22 holds unique cultural importance across the world. In Scandinavia, it is considered the heart of the Yule season (also known as Jul), a period of feasting and merriment. In Iran, Yalda Night, a celebration of the winter solstice, takes place on December 21, with festivities continuing through December 22.