December the last month of the year, the month of Christmas vacations, gifts and snow! It also acts as the precursor to the new year celebrations, a continuation of Christmas! It is also the 7th month to have 31 days. This month consists of the winter solstice in the Northern and the summer solstice in the Southern Hemispheres, respectively. Read on to find out more about facts about December.
Also Read: Fun Li'l facts series – 13 Facts about November the month that X-Rays were Found
1. Named after…
Decem in Latin means ten. It was supposed to be the 10th month of the year, and it was until the first two months, January and February were inserted into the calendar.
2. Birthstones are…
The people born in this year can choose from 3 different gemstones. They are turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite.
3. The UAE came into existence
Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain, the seven emirates came together to form the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971.
4. Pablo Escobar was shot dead
Columbian drug lord, Pablo Escobar was shot dead by the police (Columbian security forces) on December 2, 1993, after a 16-month search operation that cost millions of dollars.
5. Zodiac signs
The Zodiac signs for December are:
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Sagittarius (November 22nd – December 21st)
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Capricorn (December 22nd – January 19th )
6. The 1st Laurel & Hardy movie!
The first official outing of Laurel and Hardy as a comedy team was the silent short film, Putting Pants on Philip. It released in theaters on December 3, 1927.
7. Pearl Harbor attack!
The Japanese attacked the US naval base at Pearl Harbor, in the Hawaiian territory, on December 7, 1941. This led the USA to join the World War II.
8. Muhammad Ali's last fight
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali fought for the last time on December 11, 1981, despite being in treatment for Parkinson's disease. He lost the 10-round-fight against Jamaican-Canadian boxer Trevor Berbick.
9. The 1st issue of Vogue!
On December 17, 1892, the American fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue came into the picture in America. It now publishes monthly magazines in more than 23 languages, all over the world.
10. Vincent Van Gogh's ear!
On December 23, 1888, famous Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, due to severe depression cut off the lower part of his left ear and went on to capture the event, naming it Self-Portrait with Bandaged ear.
11. Jesus Christ was born (?)
On 0 or December 25, 4 or 6 BC, Jesus Christ was born and was told that he would rule over all of Israel forever. This was according to the biblical account of Herod the Great!
12. The first light bulb demo!
Although Joseph Swan had demonstrated the carbon filament bulb a year ago, on December 31, 1879, Thomas Edison demonstrated his incandescent light bulb to a huge gathering in Menlo Park, New Jersey. This is considered to be the first light bulb demonstration to the public.
13. Interesting traits of December borns
December borns are fun to be around and very friendly, hence have a lot of admirers. These people are amicable but do have a short temper! They are also known to be high-spirited and also philosophical creatures!
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