December: A Popular Month

Known as the last month of the year in the modern calendar, December was traditionally known for its key events anywhere in the globe. The name formerly originated from the Latin term decem, which denotes ten since the early Roman calendar originally has 10 months and December is its last.

It is the shortest month of the year in North Hemisphere and known as the longest in the Southern part. Universally known for the Christmas Day, this month is the moment for many families to gather and spend time together; even people who already traveled elsewhere were coming back home for this special tradition. Everyone is joyful, sharing hilarious memories and reminiscing the good old days.

Christmas is celebrated as a very important holiday of the month of December. Although some people believe that celebrating Christmas in December 25 is just a pagan belief and should be held instead on other dates, still for people, it was the birth of Jesus Christ, the savior of the world and creator of heaven and earth.

Historical Events That Happened in December

Aside from the famous December occasions, some of the renowned highlights in science, religion and liturgical history also happened on December.

In the 24th of December 1298, the Italian physician and Bishop Theodoric Lucca who develop and introduce a relief in surgical pain surpassing what an anesthesiologist can do, died at a young age. It was also in December 1846 when the first ether based surgical anesthetic has been administered in England.

December in Paris is also memorable during late 1800s because of a very scandalous play called Ubu Roi which caused the Parisian people to demonstrate for more than 15 minutes at that time.

These and many other events made December a very special month of the year.

Some Festivities During This Month

During the early years, Saturn, the god of agriculture is being honored on this month. It was also on this month that the Jewish festival of Lights called Hanukkah is being celebrated.

In Africa, the African-American holiday is being celebrated during December 26 which began since the olden times in history. New England also observes Forefathers’ Day on December 21. This celebration started in 1620 to pay tribute to the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth.