Fact 1: Celebrations from Around the World
On December 27, one of the unique celebrations that occur is the Lantern Festival in North Korea. It is marked by the use of decorative lanterns across the city streets and buildings, symbolizing the light that diminishes the darkness. The festival offers an extraordinary sight for visitors and locals alike.
Fact 2: Saint John's Day
December 27 is recognized and celebrated by many Christian communities as Saint John the Apostle's day. To commemorate the apostle associated with loyalty and friendship, many devotees attend church services and participate in acts of goodwill.
Fact 3: Star-studded Birthdays
The day is shared by many top celebrities, including Academy Award-winning actor, Louis de Funès, and Gerard Depardieu, amongst others. Singer Hayley Williams from the band Paramore and professional wrestler, Bill Goldberg, also share this birth date.
Fact 4: Fabulous Las Vegas's Birthday
December 27, 1829, witnessed the foundation day of Las Vegas, which is now known as the city of entertainment and vibrant nightlife. In honor of this day, the city sometimes organizes special events and concerts.
Fact 5: The Tragic Earthquake in Sicily
The year 1908, on December 27, a dreadful earthquake struck Sicily in Italy, wiping out the cities of Messina and Reggio Calabria, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in Europe.
Fact 6: Record-breaking Cold in America
In 1933 on this date, America recorded its coldest ever temperature, a bone-chilling -37 degrees Fahrenheit in Indiana, registered at CCC Camp in F-16.
Fact 7: Sword Swallowing and Flying Saucers
The Patent Office in America records show that December 27 is the official patent awarding day for two fun inventions: sword swallowing (granted in 1898) and the flying saucer (awarded in 1944).
Fact 8: The Color Television’s Debut
December 27, 1954, marks a momentous day in broadcasting history. On this day, NBC made the first coast-to-coast color TV broadcast during the Tournament of Roses Parade.
Fact 9: Radio City Music Hall Opening
Opened on December 27, 1932, the Radio City Music Hall in New York is one of the most renowned landmarks of America and a premier entertainment venue.
Fact 10: Beginning of Tibet's Independence
December 27, 1912, marks the day Tibet declared independence from China, a day which is significant to note considering the ongoing struggle for Tibet's independence.
Fact 11: Building the Panama Canal
December 27 is notable for another historic event: In 1880, construction work started on the Panama Canal, a transformative project for global shipping and travel.
Fact 12: Birth of Johannes Kepler
The world-renowned German mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler was born on December 27, 1571. His discoveries in planetary motion form the basics of modern-day astronomy.
Fact 13: The Launch of “Howdy Doody Show”
The pioneering "Howdy Doody Show," a children's television program, premiered on NBC on December 27, 1947.
Fact 14: Development of Human Genome
On December 27, 2000, the scientific world celebrated an important milestone in the discovery of the human genome after a working draft genome sequence of human DNA was completed.
Fact 15: Winter Holidays Are More Delicious
December 27, following the Christmas holiday, is National Fruitcake Day in the US; a day dedicated to the consumption of this much-debated festive treat.
Fact 16: December 27 is observed as National Visit the Zoo Day
For animal lovers, this date adds extra joy as it is celebrated as National Visit the Zoo Day in the US, allowing families and children to gain insights into various animals and their behaviors.
Fact 17: Asian Tsunami Tragedy
A less cheerful event also occurred on December 27, 2004, when one of the deadliest tsunamis in history hit the Indian Ocean, causing massive devastation and death.
Fact 18: Creation of Prohibition Bureau
December 27, 1920, marked the establishment of the Federal Prohibition Bureau, kickstarting the era of prohibition in the US, a dramatic period in the country's history.
Fact 19: Pakistan’s Political Turmoil
On December 27, 2007, Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated, causing significant political unrest in the country.
Fact 20: Air Fast One Flight Incident
In 1948, on December 27, the DC-3 airplane of Air Fast One with 20 people aboard vanished in the Bermuda Triangle, adding to the mysteries of this location.