Fact 1: Nelumbo Nucifera Day
February 11 is also celebrated as Nelumbo Nucifera (Lotus) Day in Asia. It symbolizes purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration, and rebirth. On this day, people pray to the lotus flower to provide wishes for strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Fact 2: National Don't Cry Over Spilt Milk Day
Every February 11, the quirky National Don't Cry Over Spilt Milk Day is celebrated in the US. This day encourages people to look on the bright side and not to worry about life's little mishaps.
Fact 3: Birth of Thomas Alva Edison
On February 11, 1847, Thomas Alva Edison was born – the famous American Inventor known for inventions like the electric light bulb, phonograph, and the motion picture camera.
Fact 4: Vatican City became an Independent State
On February 11 in 1929, Vatican City became an independent state from Italy through the Lateran Treaty. The Vatican remains one of the world's smallest independent states.
Fact 5: Nelson Mandela's Release
Nelson Mandela, a global symbol of freedom from racial discrimination, was released on February 11, 1990, after 27 years in prison. This turning point dramatically put South Africa on the path to ending apartheid.
Fact 6: The Day of Pluto
February 11th, 1930 marks a significant discovery in the sphere of celestial bodies. On this day, Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona.
Fact 7: National Inventors' Day in the U.S.
In honor of Thomas Alva Edison's birthday, February 11 was proclaimed National Inventors' Day in the U.S. in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan to acknowledge the enormous contribution inventors make to the nation and the world.
Fact 8: Birth of Virginia E. Johnson
Women's health pioneer, psychologist, and researcher, Virginia E. Johnson was born on February 11, 1925. Johnson, along with William Masters, contributed significantly to the field of human sexuality.
Fact 9: National Foundation Day in Japan
February 11 is a national holiday in Japan recognizing the country's foundation. According to the oldest Japanese history records, Emperor Jimmu, the first Emperor of Japan, founded the nation on this day in 660 BC.
Fact 10: Whitney Houston's Death Anniversary
The exceptionally talented and globally adored singer Whitney Houston tragically passed away on February 11, 2012, leaving a profound legacy in the music industry.
Fact 11: Sarah Palin's Resignation
February 11, 2009 was the day Sarah Palin officially resigned her governorship of Alaska– a position she had held since 2006. Her resignation surprised many and marked a significant event in U.S. politics.
Fact 12: International Day of Women and Girls in Science
To promote gender equality, the United Nations proclaimed February 11th as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. It acknowledges the value and contribution of women scientists.
Fact 13: Magic Johnson's Comeback
On February 11, 1996, Magic Johnson, one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history, made his triumphant return to the game after retiring in 1991 due to HIV diagnosis.
Fact 14: Day 42 of the Year
February 11th is the 42nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. The number 42 has significant references in various sectors, including sports, film, and even the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy where it is the 'Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.'
Fact 15: White Rajah of Sarawak
An adventurer named James Brooke was granted the title of Rajah of Sarawak on February 11, 1841, effectively making him the ruler of this region on the island of Borneo.
Fact 16: National Peppermint Patty Day
Also on this day, the United States celebrates National Peppermint Patty Day, a homage to the refreshing, mint-filled chocolate patty.
Fact 17: Declaration of the Swedish King
Charles XII of Sweden, declared on February 11, 1718, that he would forfeit Estonia and Livonia if all hostilities were terminated– historical incident during the Great Northern War.
Fact 18: Unusual Solar Eclipse
Interestingly, on February 11, 1831, an annular solar eclipse was observed. This unusual eclipse-type occurs when the moon is too far from the Earth to cover the sun completely, leaving the sun's edges visible and creating a 'ring of fire.'
Fact 19: Coldest Day in Canada
February 11, 1979, is remembered in Canada as one of the coldest winter days. On this day, the town of Hay River in Northwest Territories dropped to a freezing -51.2 degrees Celsius!
Fact 20: Birth of King Luitpold of Bavaria
On February 11, 1821, King Luitpold of Bavaria was born, and he reigned as the prince regent from 1886 up until his death in 1912. His reign was the longest among all Bavarian regents.