Word Nerd Day
Word Nerd Day is celebrated on January 9th each year and is a day dedicated to the joy of language, words, and literature. It’s the perfect occasion for those who love exploring new vocabulary, crafting sentences, solving word puzzles, and diving into books to celebrate their passion.
National Apricot Day
National Apricot Day is celebrated annually on January 9th, a day dedicated to honoring and enjoying this sweet and tangy fruit. Apricots are small, golden-orange fruits that are packed with flavor, nutrients, and a rich history.
Choreographers Day
Choreographers Day is a day dedicated to celebrating the creativity, vision, and hard work of choreographers who bring dance to life. Though there isn’t a widely recognized official date for this celebration, many dance enthusiasts honor choreographers for their vital role in shaping performances across various styles and genres.
January 9 has witnessed numerous historical events, notable births, and significant milestones.
Historical Events
1431 – Trial of Joan of Arc Begins
Joan of Arc, a French heroine and saint, was handed over to the Bishop of Beauvais to be tried for heresy.
1768 – Philip Astley Opens the First Modern Circus
Often referred to as the “father of the modern circus,” Astley established an amphitheater in London that combined equestrian skills with other performances.
1793 – First Successful Balloon Flight in the U.S.
Jean-Pierre Blanchard, a French balloonist, completed the first manned flight in a hydrogen balloon over the United States in Philadelphia.
1839 – First Daguerreotype Announced
The daguerreotype photographic process, developed by Louis Daguerre, was presented to the French Academy of Sciences, revolutionizing photography.
1861 – Mississippi Secedes from the Union
Mississippi became the second state to secede from the United States during the lead-up to the American Civil War.
1923 – Juan de la Cierva’s Autogyro First Flight
Spanish engineer Juan de la Cierva’s invention paved the way for the modern helicopter.
1972 – RMS Queen Elizabeth Burns
The world’s largest passenger ship at the time was destroyed by fire in Hong Kong Harbor.
1992 – Assembly of the European Union Begins
The Maastricht Treaty, which led to the formation of the EU, came into effect.
2007 – Apple Introduces the iPhone
Steve Jobs unveiled the first iPhone, a device that revolutionized mobile technology and communications.
Notable Birthdays
1349 – Emperor Komyo (Japan)
A Japanese emperor known for his role during the Nanboku-cho period.
1859 – Carrie Chapman Catt
A leading suffragist and activist, she played a pivotal role in the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote in the U.S.
1913 – Richard Nixon
The 37th President of the United States (1969–1974), remembered for significant foreign policy initiatives and the Watergate scandal.
1941 – Joan Baez
American folk singer, songwriter, and activist known for her contributions to social justice movements and music.
1982 – Catherine, Princess of Wales (Kate Middleton)
The wife of Prince William, heir to the British throne.
Notable Deaths
1514 – Anne of Brittany
Queen of France and Duchess of Brittany, Anne was the wife of two successive French kings (Charles VIII and Louis XII) and played a significant role in the politics of her time.
1873 – Napoleon III
The last Emperor of France, Napoleon III, was the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte and ruled from 1852 to 1870. He died in exile in England after the Franco-Prussian War.
1908 – Wilhelm Busch
A German poet, painter, and illustrator, Busch is best known for his satirical illustrated stories, including Max and Moritz.
1917 – Buffalo Bill Cody
An American scout, showman, and legend of the Old West, Buffalo Bill gained fame for his Wild West shows that brought the frontier to life for audiences worldwide.
1941 – Dame Katherine Mansfield Beauchamp
A prominent modernist writer from New Zealand, known for her innovative short stories like The Garden Party.
1961 – Emily Greene Balch
An American economist, pacifist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate (1946), she was a co-founder of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.
1972 – Ted Shawn
An influential American dancer and choreographer, Shawn is considered a pioneer of modern dance and was a co-founder of the Denishawn School.
1998 – Kenichi Fukui
A Japanese chemist and Nobel Prize laureate (1981) recognized for his work in understanding the role of molecular orbitals in chemical reactions.
2011 – Peter Yates
An English film director and producer best known for movies like Bullitt (1968) and Breaking Away (1979).
2021 – Sheldon Adelson
An American billionaire and philanthropist, Adelson was a major figure in the casino industry and a prominent political donor.
