Unlucky Day
Unlucky Day is observed annually on December 31st. It’s an informal, tongue-in-cheek holiday that encourages people to reflect on the misfortunes of the past year—and then let them go before ringing in the new one. To be unlucky generally means experiencing unfavorable outcomes or misfortunes that appear to be beyond one’s control. It is often associated with bad luck, where events or situations turn out negatively despite one’s efforts, intentions, or preparation. While the concept of unluckiness is common in culture and superstition, many believe it is a combination of perception, chance, and personal responsibility. Recognizing this can empower individuals to change their circumstances or view misfortunes differently.
World Peace Meditation Day
World Peace Meditation Day is observed annually on December 31, marking the final day of the year as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and send intentions of peace into the world. Emerging in the early 1980s, this day was inspired by social‑science experiments—such as large-scale, group meditations in Jerusalem—that showed peaceful behavior in public spaces and reduced conflict. It promotes the simple but powerful idea that cultivating inner calm and mindfulness can ripple outward, fostering global harmony. The goal is to unite people of all backgrounds in a shared moment of reflection, reinforcing inner peace and mutual understanding.
Here’s a look at significant events, notable births, deaths, and observances associated with December 31:
Historical Events
1600 – The British East India Company is Chartered: Queen Elizabeth I of England granted a royal charter to the company, which became a dominant player in global trade and colonial expansion.
1759 – Arthur Guinness Signs a 9,000-Year Lease: Arthur Guinness began brewing beer at the St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland, establishing the Guinness brand, still iconic today.
1857 – Queen Victoria Chooses Ottawa as Canada’s Capital: Ottawa was selected as the capital of the Province of Canada, a precursor to modern Canada.
1879 – Thomas Edison Demonstrates the Electric Light: Edison displayed his incandescent light bulb to the public for the first time in Menlo Park, New Jersey.
1907 – First New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square: The inaugural ball drop took place in New York City’s Times Square, starting a global tradition.
1991 – Dissolution of the Soviet Union: The Soviet Union formally ended, with Russia assuming its seat as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
1999 – The Panama Canal is Transferred to Panama: The U.S. officially handed over control of the Panama Canal to Panama after nearly a century of American administration.
Notable Births
1869 – Henri Matisse: French artist known for his contributions to modern art and the Fauvism movement.
1880 – George C. Marshall: American military leader, diplomat, and architect of the Marshall Plan, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953.
1937 – Anthony Hopkins: Acclaimed Welsh actor known for roles in The Silence of the Lambs, The Remains of the Day, and The Father.
1943 – John Denver: American singer-songwriter and activist known for hits like Take Me Home, Country Roads and Annie’s Song.
Notable Deaths
192 – Commodus: Roman Emperor known for his controversial rule, assassinated on this day, marking the end of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty.
1980 – Marshall McLuhan: Canadian philosopher and media theorist known for coining the phrase “the medium is the message.”
1999 – Elliot Richardson: American lawyer and public servant, notable for his role in the Watergate scandal.
2015 – Natalie Cole: American singer, songwriter, and daughter of Nat King Cole, known for her Grammy-winning album Unforgettable… with Love.
