On This Day December 12th
OTD
December 12th is the 346th day of the year in the Gregorian
calendar; 19 days remain until the end of the year.
1388 – Maria of Enghien sells the lordship of Argos and
Nauplia to the Republic of Venice.
1866 – Oak’s explosion: The worst mining disaster in England
kills 361 miners and rescuers.
1917 – Father Edward J. Flanagan founded Boys Town as a farm
village for wayward boys.
1939 – Winter War: The Battle of Tolvajärvi, also known as
the first major Finnish victory in the Winter War, begins
1956 – United Nations Security Council Resolution 121
relating to acceptance of Japan to the United Nations is adopted.[18]
1963 – Kenya declares independence from Great Britain.
1979 – The 8.2 Mw Tumaco earthquake shakes Colombia and
Ecuador with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), killing 300–600 and
generating a giant tsunami.
2000 – The United States Supreme Court releases its decision
in Bush v. Gore.
2021 – Dutch Formula One racing driver Max Verstappen wins
the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, beating seven-time World Champion
Lewis Hamilton to become the Netherlands' first Formula One World Champion.
Birthdays
1685 – Lodovico Giustini, Italian pianist and composer (d.
1743)
1805 – Henry Wells, American businessman, co-founded Wells
Fargo and American Express (d. 1878)
1863 – Edvard Munch, Norwegian painter (d. 1944)
1881 – Louise Thuliez, French school teacher, resistance
fighter during World War I and World War II and author (d. 1966)
1915 – Frank Sinatra, American singer, actor, and producer
(d. 1998)
1923 – Bob Barker, American game show host and producer (d.
2023)
1943 – Dickey Betts, American musician and songwriter
1962 – Mike Golic, American football player, and radio host
1981 – Andrew Whitworth, American football player and
commentator
1997 – Ed Oliver, American football player.
Holiday Spotlight
National Poinsettia Day
The Poinsettia, known scientifically as Euphorbia
pulcherrima, is a plant species indigenous to Central America, particularly
Mexico. It's famous for its red and green foliage and is widely used in
Christmas floral displays—the plant's connection to Christmas dates to the 16th
century in Mexico.
Legend has it that a young girl named Pepita, too poor to
offer a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday, was inspired to pick a
handful of weeds from the roadside and place them at the church altar.
Miraculously, the weeds turned into bright red flowers, and this event was
deemed a Christmas miracle. The flowers came to be known as the "Flores de
Noche Buena," or "Flowers of the Holy Night," symbolizing the
Christmas season.
Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, is
credited with introducing the poinsettia to the United States in the early 19th
century. An avid botanist, Poinsett sent cuttings of the plant to his home in
Charleston, South Carolina, in 1828. His fascination with the plant's vibrant
colors led to its common name in his honor.
The poinsettia's significance during Christmas is primarily
attributed to its red and green color scheme, which fits perfectly with
traditional Christmas decor. Additionally, some people interpret the shape of
the poinsettia flowers as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the
Wise Men to Jesus. The red-colored leaves symbolize the blood of Christ, while
the white leaves represent his purity.
Today, poinsettias are not just a popular holiday plant;
they have become an emblem of Christmas, bringing cheer and color to homes and
decorations during the holiday season.
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Bonza Bottler Day
Constitution Day in Thailand
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Festival of Unmentionable Thoughts
Gingerbread House Day
International Day of Neutrality
Jamhuri Day
National 12-Hour Fresh Breath Day
National Ambrosia Day
National Ding-A-Ling Day
Poinsettia Day
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