23 fun facts for December, 27

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 27th has witnessed many notable events and milestones, including the opening of Radio City Music Hall, Charles Darwin's voyage on the HMS Beagle, and the birth of actress Marlene Dietrich. In addition, it's a day to celebrate National Fruitcake Day in the US, Chrysanthemum Day in India, and marks the first commercial screening of a movie, cementing its place as a day of fun and historical significance.
23 Fun facts
  1. December 27th is National Fruitcake Day in the United States, a day dedicated to appreciating the traditional holiday dessert made with chopped fruits and nuts. While fruitcake has a reputation for being dense and not everyone's favorite, it's still a beloved holiday treat for many.
  2. On December 27, 1932, Radio City Music Hall opened in New York City. This iconic entertainment venue is known for hosting numerous events, such as concerts, ceremonies, and stage shows. It has become a must-visit landmark for tourists and a symbol of American pop culture.
  3. Marlene Dietrich, the famous German-American actress and singer, was born on December 27, 1901. She was one of the highest-paid actresses of her time in the 1930s and appeared in numerous iconic films. Dietrich was a significant figure in the 20th-century American and European cinema.
  4. On December 27, 1968, Apollo 8, the first manned mission to orbit the Moon, safely returned to Earth. The mission, led by astronauts Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders, gave mankind its first-ever view of the far side of the Moon.
  5. Charles Darwin boarded the HMS Beagle on December 27, 1831, beginning his five-year voyage that would lead to the development of his theory of evolution. During his travels, he collected and observed many specimens that eventually formed the basis for his groundbreaking scientific work.
  6. December 27 is the Feast Day of Saint John the Apostle in the Catholic Church. John was one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles and is believed to be the author of the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse.
  7. The first international hockey game took place on December 27, 1910. The match was held in Cleveland, Ohio, and featured a confrontation between the Canadian team from Berlin (now Kitchener) and a local American team. The Canadian team emerged victorious.
  8. December 27, 1978, marked the arrest of the infamous drug lord Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria. He turned himself into Colombian authorities in 1991 and agreed to face charges in exchange for protection from rival cartels. His arrest and subsequent surrender are key moments in the history of drug enforcement.
  9. The first successful steam-powered passenger railroad trip in the United States took place on December 27, 1830. Known as the Best Friend of Charleston, the train ran round trips between Charleston and Hamburgh, South Carolina.
  10. On December 27, 1904, Peter Pan premiered on stage in London. Written by J.M. Barrie, the story revolves around a young boy who refuses to grow up and is set in the mythical Neverland. The play has gone on to become a popular children's classic.
  11. Edouard Michelin, the French industrialist who co-founded the Michelin Tyre Company, was born on December 27, 1859. His company played a significant role in advancing automobile travel and road transportation through innovations in tire technology and the introduction of travel guides and maps.
  12. In India, December 27th marks the celebration of Chrysanthemum Day. This event, held in various locations across the country, is dedicated to the cultivation, exhibition, and appreciation of chrysanthemums – a popular flower in India for both their beauty and their cultural significance.
  13. In 1935, on December 27, Regina Jonas became the first woman in history to be ordained as a rabbi—a Jewish religious leader. This groundbreaking event took place in Berlin, Germany, and opened new opportunities for women in religious leadership roles.
  14. The first issue of Time Magazine, a popular American news publication, was published on December 27, 1923. The magazine, which started as a weekly publication, has grown to become a well-respected source of information and analysis on global events, politics, and culture.
  15. On December 27, 1911, Jana Gana Mana, the Indian national anthem, was first sung at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress. Written by the Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, the anthem is a symbol of Indian unity and pride.
  16. December 27, 1949, marked the independence of Indonesia from the Netherlands. To this day, it's celebrated as the conclusion of the Indonesian National Revolution, a milestone for the country and a significant event in the history of global decolonization.
  17. Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolá discovered San Diego Bay on December 27, 1769. He named it "La Ensenada de San Diego" in honor of the Franciscan saint. San Diego's beautiful harbor later became the site of the first European settlements in California.
  18. December 27, 1880, saw the invention of the electric lamp by Thomas Edison. The inventor created the first practical, long-lasting incandescent light bulb, which would go on to revolutionize the world of lighting, making it safer, more efficient, and ultimately changing the way people lived.
  19. Television inventor Philo T. Farnsworth was granted the patent for the electronic television system on December 27, 1937. The concept of creating moving images by scanning them electronically was groundbreaking and laid the foundation for modern television technology.
  20. On December 27, 1836, the Battle of Lake Okeechobee took place. This battle was part of the Second Seminole War between the United States Army and the Seminole people. Despite significant efforts by both sides, the battle eventually ended in a stalemate.
  21. Famous astronomer Johannes Kepler was born on December 27, 1571. Kepler is best known for his three laws of planetary motion, which were crucial in establishing the field of astronomy as a rigorous, mathematical science.
  22. In the UK, December 27 is treated as a public holiday known as Boxing Day Bank Holiday. It's an extra day off for employees to relax after Christmas, and a continuation of the Boxing Day celebrations typically enjoyed with family, friends, and shopping.
  23. The first commercial screening of a movie took place on December 27, 1895. The event was held in the Salon Indien du Grand Café in Paris, France, and marked the beginning of modern cinema, transforming the way people experience entertainment.

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