Roast Chestnuts Day
Roast Chestnuts Day is celebrated every year on December 14th. It’s a cozy, winter-themed observance that encourages people to enjoy the tradition of roasting chestnuts—something that’s been associated with holiday gatherings for centuries. The practice dates back to Europe, where chestnuts were a common winter food, and it became iconic in the U.S. thanks to its mention in classic holiday songs and imagery.
Monkey Day
Monkey Day is celebrated on December 14th every year. It’s a fun, lighthearted observance dedicated to monkeys and other primates, often used to raise awareness about primate conservation and animal rights. It started as a joke among art students in 2000 but grew into an international day recognized by animal lovers and conservation groups. Beyond the humor, it highlights issues like habitat loss, illegal pet trade, and the importance of protecting primates.
December 14 has been an eventful day in history, marked by significant events across various fields.
Historical Events:
1799: Death of George Washington
The first President of the United States, George Washington, passed away at his home in Mount Vernon, Virginia.
1819: Alabama becomes the 22nd U.S. state
The territory of Alabama was admitted to the United States as a state.
1911: Roald Amundsen reaches the South Pole
Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team became the first humans to reach the South Pole, beating British explorer Robert Falcon Scott’s expedition.
1939: Soviet Union expelled from the League of Nations
The Soviet Union was expelled from the League of Nations for its invasion of Finland, marking one of the organization’s significant actions during the interwar period.
1962: Mariner 2 becomes the first spacecraft to fly by Venus
NASA’s Mariner 2 successfully completed its flyby of Venus, becoming the first spacecraft to gather data from another planet.
1977: Release of “Saturday Night Fever”
The film “Saturday Night Fever,” starring John Travolta, premiered, sparking a disco music craze.
1985: Wilma Mankiller becomes the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation
Her election marked a significant milestone in Native American leadership and women’s history.
Famous Birthdays:
1503: Nostradamus
French astrologer and physician known for his prophetic writings.
1895: King George VI of the United Kingdom
The father of Queen Elizabeth II and monarch during World War II.
1918: Shirley Jackson
American author best known for works like “The Lottery” and “The Haunting of Hill House”.
Notable Deaths:
1799: George Washington
First President of the United States and a Founding Father.
1993: Myrna Loy
Acclaimed American actress of the Golden Age of Hollywood, known for her roles in The Thin Man series.
