[Fact 1: Beware of the Ides of May]
May 15, often referred to as the Ides of May in ancient Rome, which marked halfway through to the end of each month. However, unlike the Ides of March, which is known for the assassination of Julius Caesar, the Ides of May was usually a pretty non-eventful day.
[Fact 2: Peace Officer Memorial Day]
May 15th is designated as Peace Officer's Memorial Day in the United States. This day pays tribute to local, State, and Federal officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.
[Fact 3: The Symphony No. 1 Premiere]
On May 15, 1858, Italian composer Giovanni Bottesini premiered his Symphony No. 1. Bottesini, renowned for his contributions to opera and his prowess on double bass, sadly faded into relative obscurity after his death but is appreciated by classical music enthusiasts.
[Fact 4: The Birth of Impressionism]
On May 15, 1874, the first Impressionistic exhibition was held in Paris. The term "Impressionist" was derived from a painting by Claude Monet titled “Impression: Sunrise” which was displayed at this exhibition.
[Fact 5: A Day for Chocolate Chips]
In the United States, May 15th is celebrated as National Chocolate Chip Day. If you have a sweet tooth, then this day full of delicious chocolate chip cookies, pancakes, morsels and more was practically made just for you.
[Fact 6: Invention of Nylon]
May 15, 1940, marked the day when the first nylon stockings went on sale in the United States. These were manufactured by DuPont, a pioneer in the creation and marketing of nylon products.
[Fact 7: McDonald's First Opens]
In 1940, Richard and Maurice McDonald opened their first "McDonald's Bar-B-Q" restaurant in San Bernardino, California on this date. From serving mainly barbecued meals, it developed over time into the fast-food behemoth McDonald's we know today.
[Fact 8: Princess Margaret's Divorce]
May 15, 1978, witnessed the first divorce in the British Royal Family in 77 years. Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones, the Earl of Snowdon, announced their intention to separate, shocking the monarchy and the world.
[Fact 9: Last Public Execution in France]
May 15th marks a darker history in France. On this day in 1939, Eugen Weidmann was the last person to be publicly executed by guillotine in France.
[Fact 10: Endangered Species Day]
The third Friday of May, which often falls on the 15th, is dedicated to Endangered Species Day. This day encourages people to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species and how to take action.
[Fact 11: Straw Hat Day]
May 15 has been traditionally celebrated as Straw Hat Day in the United States. It was seen as an acceptable time to switch from felt and fabric hats to straw hats for the summer season.
[Fact 12: Paraguay's Independence Day]
May 15 is a significant date for Paraguay - it's their Independence Day! On this day in 1811, Paraguay claimed its independence from Spain.
[Fact 13: ASCAP Formation]
The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), was formed on May 15, 1914. This society is responsible for collecting fees and distributing them to artists as royalties.
[Fact 14: Age of Global Mapping]
May 15, 2007, marked the beginning of Google's endeavor to map every inch of the world with the launch of its Street View feature.
[Fact 15: Death of Emily Dickinson]
Renowned American poet Emily Dickinson passed away on May 15, 1886. Her death marked the end of a reclusive life that resulted in the creation of nearly 1,800 poems.
[Fact 16: International Day of Families]
May 15th is observed as International Day of Families, by the United Nations. The day aims to celebrate the importance of families and raise awareness of issues that affect families around the world.
[Fact 17: The Birth of Frank Baum]
L. Frank Baum, the author of the beloved children's book "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," was born on May 15, 1856. His works continue to influence and entertain children and adults alike.
[Fact 18: Madeleine Albright Sworn In]
On May 15, 1997, Madeleine Albright, the first female US Secretary of State, was sworn in. Albright was the highest-ranking woman in the U.S. government at that time.
[Fact 19: Wide Brim Hat Day]
May 15th is also celebrated as National Wide Brim Hat Day. This particular date prompts you to don your wide-brim hat as a stylish way to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
[Fact 20: Birth of Pierre Curie]
Pierre Curie, a French physicist and husband to Marie Curie, was born on May 15, 1859. Curie is known for his pioneering research in radioactivity, a term he and his wife coined.