December 12th
December 12 marks the 346th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (347th in leap years), leaving just 19 days until year-end. This date has witnessed significant historical, cultural, and political events across centuries. It is celebrated in various traditions, including the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a major religious observance in Mexico. Notable figures have been born or passed away on this day, influencing fields like science, literature, and the arts. Globally, December 12 often symbolizes preparation and reflection as the year winds down, with festivities, milestones, and commemorations enriching its significance.
December 12th Holidays
1. Jamhuri Day (Kenya)
Jamhuri Day, celebrated annually on December 12th, is one of Kenya’s most significant national holidays. The term “Jamhuri” is derived from the Swahili word for “republic,” and the day commemorates two important milestones in the nation’s history:
- Kenya’s Independence from British Colonial Rule on December 12, 1963.
- Kenya becoming a Republic a year later on December 12, 1964.
This dual significance makes Jamhuri Day a time for celebrating the country’s sovereignty, achievements, and unity. Jamhuri Day is marked with vibrant national celebrations, including military parades, cultural performances, and speeches by political leaders. It is a day when Kenyans reflect on the sacrifices made during the fight for independence and celebrate the progress made since attaining self-governance.
2. National Gingerbread House Day
National Gingerbread House Day, celebrated every year on December 12th, is a delightful holiday that invites people of all ages to embrace their creativity and festive spirit. This day is dedicated to the fun and whimsical tradition of crafting gingerbread houses, a staple of holiday celebrations around the world.
Building gingerbread houses has become a cherished activity, often bringing families and friends together during the holiday season. With colorful candies, frosting, and intricate designs, these edible structures serve as both delicious treats and beautiful decorations.
3. Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe
The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, observed annually on December 12th, is a deeply significant religious holiday in Mexico and among Catholic communities worldwide. This day honors Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of Mexico and the Americas, who holds a special place in Mexican culture, history, and faith.
The celebration commemorates the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego, an indigenous man, on December 9 and 12, 1531, on Tepeyac Hill near present-day Mexico City. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary instructed Juan Diego to have a church built in her honor. As proof of her apparition, she left her image imprinted on his cloak, or tilma. This sacred relic is housed at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most visited religious sites in the world.
4. Guadalupe Day
Guadalupe Day, observed annually on December 12th, is a major religious and cultural celebration in Mexico and across the Catholic world. This day honors Our Lady of Guadalupe, a beloved symbol of faith and national identity, revered as the patroness of Mexico and the Americas.
The holiday commemorates the 1531 apparition of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego, an indigenous farmer, on Tepeyac Hill near present-day Mexico City. According to tradition, the Virgin instructed Juan Diego to build a church in her honor and provided a miraculous image of herself on his cloak, or tilma, as proof of her request. This image is now enshrined at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world.
5. National Ding-A-Ling Day
National Ding-A-Ling Day, celebrated annually on December 12th, is a quirky and lighthearted holiday that encourages people to reconnect with friends and loved ones. While its name might evoke playful humor, the holiday has a meaningful purpose: rekindling relationships and strengthening human connections.
Founded in the early 1970s by Franky Hyle, a man who wanted to inspire people to check in on those they may have lost touch with, the day emphasizes the joy and importance of reconnecting. The term “ding-a-ling” refers not only to the sound of a phone ringing but also playfully highlights the eccentricity of reaching out to someone unexpectedly.
6. Constitution Day (Russia)
Constitution Day, observed annually on December 12th, marks the adoption of the Russian Constitution of 1993, a significant moment in the nation’s modern history. This public holiday commemorates the approval of the current Constitution, which established the framework for governance in post-Soviet Russia, emphasizing democratic values, civil liberties, and the rule of law.
The Constitution was ratified through a national referendum held on December 12, 1993, following a period of political and social upheaval in the wake of the Soviet Union’s dissolution. This legal document replaced the Soviet-era Constitution and provided the foundation for the Russian Federation’s current political system.
7. National Ambrosia Day
National Ambrosia Day, celebrated every year on December 12th, honors a classic dish that has graced American tables for generations: ambrosia. Known as the “food of the gods,” this sweet and creamy dessert typically features a medley of fruits like oranges, pineapples, and coconut, often mixed with whipped cream, yogurt, or sour cream. Marshmallows, cherries, and nuts are popular additions, making it a festive and indulgent treat.
This day is an opportunity to celebrate the rich culinary tradition of ambrosia, a dish with roots in Southern cuisine and a history of delighting families at holiday gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Whether you stick to a traditional recipe or put your unique twist on it, National Ambrosia Day is the perfect time to savor this heavenly dessert.