34 fun facts for December, 12

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
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Summary
December 12th is a day of historical significance, cultural celebrations, and technological advancements. Highlights include National Poinsettia Day in the U.S., Kenya's Independence Day, the first transatlantic wireless communication, and the birth of Frank Sinatra.
34 Fun facts
  1. December 12th is known as National Poinsettia Day in the United States. This day was set aside to honor the death of Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico who introduced this bright and festive plant to the U.S. in the 1800s.
  2. December 12th is also considered a national holiday in Mexico called "Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe." This day celebrates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to a peasant named Juan Diego in 1531, and is observed with religious and cultural events throughout the country.
  3. On December 12th, 1901, the first transatlantic wireless communication was achieved. Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi managed to send a wireless message in Morse code from Cornwall, England, to Newfoundland, Canada, marking a revolutionary step in communication technology.
  4. On December 12th, 1963, Kenya gained its independence from the United Kingdom. This day is celebrated annually as Jamhuri Day, a national holiday marking the country's transition to an independent republic.
  5. American cyclist, Frank Lenz, embarked on a journey to travel around the world on a bicycle on December 12, 1892. However, he disappeared during his journey in eastern Turkey and was never found again.
  6. The famous painter Edvard Munch's iconic artwork "The Scream" was recovered on December 12, 1994. The famous painting had been stolen from the National Gallery in Oslo, Norway, in February of the same year.
  7. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed December 12th as International Universal Health Coverage Day in 2017. This day aims to raise awareness and promote the importance of affordable and quality healthcare for everyone, everywhere.
  8. On December 12th, 1980, the American technology company, Apple Inc., held its initial public offering (IPO). The stock opened at $22 per share, and by the end of the day, Apple's market value rose to $1.8 billion.
  9. December 12th, 1925, saw the birth of the influential African-American jazz musician, Frank Sinatra. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest singers of the 20th century and sold over 150 million records worldwide.
  10. On December 12th, 1968, Arthur Ashe became the first-ever African-American tennis player to be ranked as the world's No. 1 by the United States Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA).
  11. December 12th, 2000, marked the end of the contested U.S. presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. The Supreme Court of the United States halted the recount of votes in Florida, ultimately leading to Bush's victory.
  12. On December 12th, 2012, North Korea successfully launched its first satellite, Kwangmyongsong-3 Unit 2, using the Unha-3 carrier rocket. The launch marked a significant milestone for the country's space program.
  13. December 12th is National Ding-A-Ling Day in the United States, which encourages people to reconnect with old friends and acquaintances by giving them a call. The day is named after the Chuck Berry hit song "My Ding-A-Ling."
  14. On December 12th, 1956, Irish physician Dr. John Bodkin Adams was arrested on suspicion of poisoning over 100 of his patients. He was later acquitted of murder charges, but his case remains one of the most controversial in British legal history.
  15. The animated sitcom, "The Simpsons," premiered on December 12th, 1989. It has become the longest-running American scripted prime-time television series, with over 700 episodes aired.
  16. On December 12th, 1995, the city of Jerusalem was proclaimed the capital of Israel. This decision sparked controversy and conflict, as both Israelis and Palestinians consider Jerusalem as their capital.
  17. December 12th is the National Cocoa Day in the United States, a day to celebrate and enjoy the warm, comforting beverage made from cocoa powder, sugar, and milk.
  18. The Paris Agreement, an international treaty addressing climate change, was officially adopted by representatives of 196 member countries on December 12th, 2015. The agreement aims to limit global temperature rise by committing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  19. On December 12th, 1927, the phrase "Grand Ole Opry" was coined by George D. Hay on the WSM Radio Barn Dance in Nashville, Tennessee. The Grand Ole Opry is now known as the longest-running live radio program in the world.
  20. December 12th, 1941, saw Adolf Hitler declare war on the United States during World War II, just days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This decision led the U.S. to join the Allied Powers against Germany, Italy, and Japan.
  21. On December 12th, 1935, the Lebensborn Program was established in Nazi Germany. The program aimed at increasing the Aryan population by providing support to pregnant women who met certain racial criteria.
  22. December 12th is National Ambrosia Day in the United States. Ambrosia is a popular holiday dessert that typically consists of whipped cream, marshmallows, fruit, and coconut.
  23. On December 12th, 1911, the Indian capital was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi by the British Empire. This move was made for better governance and to establish the capital closer to the geographical center of British India.
  24. The first ever women's soccer match in the United States took place on December 12th, 1985. A team from Denmark defeated the U.S. team 2-1 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
  25. On December 12th, 1981, the Solidarity movement in Poland had its first national meeting. This was a significant moment in the history of communist Europe, as the movement eventually played a major role in bringing down the communist regime in Poland.
  26. December 12th is National Gingerbread House Day in the United States. This day celebrates the creativity, fun, and joy of building and decorating gingerbread houses, a popular holiday tradition.
  27. On December 12th, 1870, Joseph H. Rainey was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first African-American Congressman in the United States.
  28. The safety razor was patented by King C. Gillette on December 12th, 1901. This invention revolutionized the shaving industry and is the foundation of modern razors.
  29. December 12th is National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day in the United States. This holiday encourages people to wear their most outrageous, festive, or tacky Christmas sweaters to celebrate the season.
  30. On December 12th, 1889, Robert Browning, one of the most famous English poets and playwrights, passed away. He was best known for his dramatic monologues and his poems "My Last Duchess" and "Porphyria's Lover."
  31. December 12th is National Lost Day, a day to remember and appreciate the television series "Lost," which aired from September 22, 2004, to May 23, 2010.
  32. On December 12th, 1897, Belo Horizonte was founded as the capital of the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. The city was planned as a modern city with an innovative design consisting of diagonal and perpendicular streets.
  33. Actor and martial artist, Bruce Lee, was posthumously awarded the Golden Horse Award for Best Actor for his performance in Enter the Dragon on December 12th, 1973, just months after his death.
  34. December 12th, 2008, marked the release of the legendary video game "Doom." Developed by id Software, Doom became a cultural phenomenon and pioneered the first-person shooter genre in gaming.

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