December is the last month of the year and the first month of the winter. December has a lot of things to do here are some surprising fun facts about December and Trivial talks about December.
Also Read: November
Basic December Facts:
1. December Marks the Start of Winter in the Northern Hemisphere
December 21 or 22 is the Winter Solstice, the start of winter and the shortest day.
2. December is the Twelfth and Final Month of the Year
In 30 days December closes the year in the Gregorian and Julian calendars.
3. The Name “December” Means Tenth
Despite being the twelfth month now, December comes from the Latin word “decem,” meaning ten, as it was originally the tenth month in the Roman calendar.
4. December is the Month of Holidays
Christmas (December 25) and Hanukkah often fall in December, along with Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 to January 1.
5. It’s the Time of Festive Decorations
December is known for beautiful lights, ornaments, and festive décor, especially around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
6. The Birthstone of December is Turquoise
Turquoise, with its calming blue-green hue, is the traditional birthstone of December, symbolizing good fortune and success.
7. December Features Popular Festivals Worldwide
In addition to Christmas, December hosts several significant festivals like Hogmanay in Scotland and Las Posadas in Mexico.
8. Famous Birthdays in December
Some famous people born in December include Walt Disney, Taylor Swift, and Beethoven, adding more celebratory reasons to the month.
9. December is National Pear Month in the U.S.
As the prime harvest time for pears, the U.S. celebrates this delicious and versatile fruit throughout December.
10. December Has Meteor Showers
The Geminid meteor shower, one of the most spectacular meteor events, peaks around mid-December each year, lighting up the winter sky.
Trivial Talks about December
1. December Marks the Shortest Day of the Year
The Winter Solstice, usually falling on December 21 or 22, is the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere. After this day, daylight hours start to increase again, signaling the slow return of longer days.
2. December’s Birthstone is the Stunning Turquoise
Turquoise, known for its striking blue-green hue, is December’s official birthstone. It symbolizes protection, tranquility, and good fortune, making it a cherished gift during the holiday season.
3. The Geminid Meteor Shower Lights Up December Skies
The Geminid meteor shower, peaking in mid-December, is one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year. Stargazers can witness up to 120 meteors per hour during its peak.
4. Poinsettias Became a Symbol of Christmas by Chance
Introduced to the U.S. in December 1825, poinsettias are native to Mexico and quickly became associated with Christmas due to their festive red and green colors.
5. December Wasn’t Always the 12th Month
In the ancient Roman calendar, December was originally the 10th month. Its name comes from the Latin word “decem,” meaning ten, even though it’s now the year’s final month.
Holidays in December
1. Christmas – December 25
One of the most widely celebrated holidays, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a major cultural and religious event featuring gift exchanges, festive meals, and decorated trees.
2. Hanukkah – Varies (late November to December)
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The holiday includes lighting the menorah, traditional foods, and games.
3. Kwanzaa – December 26 to January 1
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration honoring African heritage and culture. It includes candle lighting, storytelling, and festive meals. The holiday focuses on principles like unity, self-determination, and collective work.
4. Boxing Day – December 26
Celebrated in countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia, Boxing Day is traditionally a day for giving gifts to the less fortunate. Today, it’s also associated with shopping sales and sporting events.
5. New Year’s Eve – December 31
The final day of the year, New Year’s Eve, is celebrated with parties, fireworks, and countdowns. People around the world gather to welcome the new year with hopes for a fresh start.
6. St. Nicholas Day – December 6
Observed in many European countries, St. Nicholas Day honors the patron saint of children, St. Nicholas, with gift-giving and parades. It’s a precursor to modern Christmas traditions.
7. Las Posadas – December 16 to 24
This Mexican holiday celebrates the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter before Jesus’s birth. Families participate in processions, reenacting their search, and enjoy festive celebrations afterward.
8. Yule – December 21 (Winter Solstice)
A pagan holiday, Yule celebrates the Winter Solstice, marking the shortest day of the year. The festival is associated with ancient Norse traditions, including the Yule log, feasts, and honoring the sun’s return.
9. Feast of the Immaculate Conception – December 8
Celebrated primarily by Catholics, this feast honors the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. It is a public holiday in many Catholic-majority countries.
10. Omisoka – December 31
In Japan, Omisoka is a traditional celebration marking the final day of the year. It involves thorough house cleaning, eating special food, and preparing for the upcoming New Year with hope and renewal.
Surprising Fun Facts About December
Celebrities’ Birthdays in December
1. Walt Disney – December 5, 1901
2. Taylor Swift – December 13, 1989
3. Brad Pitt – December 18, 1963
4. Jay-Z – December 4, 1969
5. Britney Spears – December 2, 1981
6. John Legend – December 28, 1978
7. Zoe Kravitz – December 1, 1988
8. Denzel Washington – December 28, 1954
You can also read about Days
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| FUN FACTS ABOUT WEDNESDAY |
| FUN FACTS ABOUT THURSDAY |
| FUN FACTS ABOUT FRIDAY |
| FUN FACTS ABOUT SATURDAY |
| FUN FACTS ABOUT SUNDAY |
Surprising Fun Facts About December
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