Piercing Day
National Piercing Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated on May 16th each year. It is a day dedicated to the art and culture of body piercing, providing an opportunity for individuals to get new piercings, celebrate existing ones, and learn more about this form of body modification.
Barbecue Day
National Barbecue Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated on May 16th each year. It’s a day dedicated to enjoying the time-honored tradition of cooking food over an open flame or grill, often associated with gatherings of family and friends, outdoor fun, and delicious meals.
May 16th has been significant throughout history for various events across different fields, including politics, science , and culture.
Political and Historical Events
1868: The United States Senate acquitted President Andrew Johnson by one vote, in his impeachment trial.
1918: The Sedition Act of 1918 was passed by the U.S. Congress, making it a crime to make false statements that interfered with the war effort during World War I.
1943: The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising came to an end as Nazi forces crushed the Jewish resistance, resulting in significant casualties and the destruction of the ghetto.
1966: The Cultural Revolution began in China, initiated by Chairman Mao Zedong, which aimed to preserve Chinese communism by purging remnants of capitalist and traditional elements from Chinese society.
Scientific and Technological Advances
1929: The first Academy Awards ceremony was held in Hollywood, California. The event, now known as the Oscars, recognized outstanding achievements in the film industry.
1960: Theodore Maiman operated the first successful laser, a major milestone in the field of physics and technology.
1975: Junko Tabei from Japan became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak.
Cultural and Social Milestones
1920: Joan of Arc was canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, almost 500 years after her execution.
1988: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in California v. Greenwood that the Fourth Amendment does not prohibit the warrantless search and seizure of garbage left for collection outside a home.
Notable Birthdays
1801: William H. Seward, U.S. Secretary of State who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia.
1905: Henry Fonda, iconic American film and stage actor known for his roles in movies such as “The Grapes of Wrath” and “12 Angry Men.”
1953: Pierce Brosnan, Irish-American actor best known for his role as James Bond in the 007 series.
1966: Janet Jackson, American singer, songwriter, and actress, a prominent figure in popular culture.
