December 10th
December 10 is the 344th day of the Gregorian calendar, leaving only 21 days until the year’s end. In leap years, it falls as the 345th day. This date is often a moment to pause and embrace the spirit of the holiday season, reflecting on the journey of the year. December 10 carries a sense of transition, as people wrap up projects and make plans for the year ahead. It is a time to honor traditions, remember historical milestones, and enjoy the festive warmth that December brings as the countdown to New Year’s celebrations continues.
December 10th Holidays
1. National Lager Day
National Lager Day, celebrated annually on December 10, is a toast to one of the world’s most popular beer styles. Lagers, known for their crisp, refreshing taste, are brewed using bottom-fermenting yeast at cooler temperatures, a technique that originated in Central Europe in the 19th century. This day honors the craftsmanship behind lagers and encourages beer enthusiasts to savor its diverse varieties, from pale lagers to dark, malty bocks.
Breweries and pubs often host special events, tastings, and promotions to mark the occasion, making it a perfect opportunity for beer lovers to explore and appreciate the nuances of this globally cherished beverage. Whether you enjoy a classic pilsner, a rich Dunkel, or a smooth amber lager, National Lager Day is a chance to raise a glass in celebration of tradition, innovation, and the communal joy that lager has brought to generations of beer enthusiasts worldwide. Cheers!
2. Dewey Decimal System Day
Dewey Decimal System Day, observed annually on December 10th, celebrates the birthday of Melvil Dewey (1851–1931), the creator of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system. This day honors his revolutionary contribution to library science, which has made information categorization and retrieval more efficient and accessible for over a century.
The DDC, introduced in 1876, organizes books and other library materials into ten broad subject areas, each assigned a unique numerical code. These categories range from general knowledge to specific disciplines like science, literature, and history. The system’s simplicity and adaptability have made it a cornerstone of library organization worldwide.
3. Festival for the Souls of Dead Whales
Festival for the Souls of Dead Whales, observed annually on December 10th, is a unique and reflective celebration dedicated to honoring the spirits of whales that have passed away. This festival, celebrated by certain coastal and indigenous communities, serves as a tribute to these majestic marine creatures, acknowledging their profound connection to both the natural world and the spiritual realm.
The observance often involves ceremonial practices such as offering prayers, creating art, and gathering as a community. Participants come together to express gratitude for the whales’ role in the ecosystem and their cultural significance. In some cultures, the passing of a whale is seen as a deeply sacred event, marking a life cycle and a spiritual transition. The festival emphasizes the need for environmental stewardship and the importance of preserving these magnificent creatures for future generations.
4. International Animal Rights Day
International Animal Rights Day, observed every year on December 10th, is a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about the rights of animals and advocating for their protection. This day serves as a reminder of the ethical obligation humans have to treat animals with respect, compassion, and dignity. It highlights the importance of ending animal cruelty and promoting policies and practices that ensure the well-being of all living beings, both domesticated and wild.
The observance encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to reflect on the treatment of animals in various industries, including agriculture, entertainment, and research. It calls for a shift towards more humane and sustainable practices, as well as the recognition of animals as sentient beings with the right to live free from harm. Through protests, educational events, and campaigns, International Animal Rights Day strives to inspire global action for a future where animals are no longer subjected to exploitation or suffering.
5. Alfred Nobel Day or Nobeldagen (Sweden)
Alfred Nobel Day, or Nobeldagen, is observed on December 10th in Sweden to honor the life and legacy of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite and founder of the prestigious Nobel Prizes. This day commemorates the anniversary of his death in 1896 and celebrates the Nobel laureates whose work has made groundbreaking contributions to humanity in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace.
The significance of Nobel Day is rooted in Alfred Nobel’s vision, expressed in his will, to use his wealth to reward those who have made significant advancements for the benefit of society. He signed his third and final will on November 27, 1895, at the Swedish-Norwegian Club in Paris. The contents of the will caused considerable controversy when it was read after his death. Nobel had left much of his fortune to establish a prize, but both his family and the prize awarders he had named were initially opposed to his plan. It took five years for the first Nobel Prizes to be awarded in 1901, marking the realization of his vision.
6. Constitution Day (Thailand)
Constitution Day (Thailand), celebrated annually on December 10th, marks the day when Thailand adopted its first permanent constitution in 1932. The holiday commemorates the historic transition of Thailand from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. It is a significant day in the nation’s history, reflecting Thailand’s evolution toward a more democratic system of government.
The constitution established the framework for a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, shifting political power from the royal family to elected representatives. While the country has had several revisions of the constitution since 1932, the day still holds importance as a reminder of the country’s commitment to its democratic principles and governance.
7. Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day is observed globally on December 10th each year to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This pivotal document outlines fundamental human rights that are universally protected, such as the right to life, liberty, equality, and freedom of speech. Human Rights Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for human dignity, equality, and justice across the world, encouraging people and governments to reflect on and address violations of human rights. The day is also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements made toward human rights protections and to call for further action in promoting and safeguarding these essential rights for all individuals. Each year, the United Nations selects a theme to highlight specific human rights issues that require attention and advocacy.