Fun Facts about October: From Its Origins to the Dual Charms of the Month
Dec 28, 2023
A family enjoying Christmas dinner | Source: Getty Images
Four December Fun Facts Highlighting Historical Milestones, Celebrations, and Superstitions
By
Milla Sigaba
Feb 02, 202401:30 P.M.
Take a deeper look inside the rich and insightful history of December, including some of the fascinating events that occurred during this month and how it once upon a time had 29 days.
For many, December is the season of Christmas lights and spending time with loved ones as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, one of the most beloved holidays of the year. However, there's more about this month you may not know.
Indulge in these fun facts about December to learn more about its history and other fascinating details, such as celebrations and superstitions attached to this month.
A little girl and her mother decorating a Christmas tree | Source: Getty Images
December Fun Facts
1. December is National Pear Month.
In 2011, a survey revealed that 84% of shoppers did not know how to tell when a pear was ripe. According to USA Pears, a pear's ripeness makes all the difference, and this encouraged them to join forces with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create National Pear Month.
National Pear Month is a month-long holiday aimed at educating the public on how to tell when a pear is ripe and all the ways this delicious fruit can be enjoyed.
A ripe pear on a tree | Source: Getty Images
2. December was originally the tenth month of the Roman calendar, hence its name.
During the time of the Ancient Romans, December, Latin for "ten," was the tenth month of the Roman calendar, following November, and had 29 days. Dictator Julius Caesar later reformed the Roman calendar to have 12 months, making December the last and 12th month of the year as we know it to be today.
A statue of Ancient Romans | Source: Getty Images
3. The wheels of the USSR came to a screeching halt in December 1991.
In December 1991, the course of history and the world as it was formerly known changed when the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, also known as the Soviet Union or USSR, collapsed.
When Mikhail Gorbachev, the former President of the Soviet Union, decided to allow a multi-party party system during elections and create a presidency for the Soviet Union, this slowly destabilized the Union's Communist control, leading to its eventual demise and democratization.
The flag of the Union of Soviet Socialistic Republics (USSR) | Source: Getty Images
4. There is a superstition/belief in the Christian faith that December 28 is unlucky.
For some Christians, December 28 is considered an unlucky day, as the Bible details it as the day King Herod called for all baby boys to be killed in an attempt to kill Jesus Christ.
Until recently, some Christians considered it bad luck to start work, set sail on new adventures, or do anything in general on this date.
A mosaic depiction of Jesus Christ | Source: Getty Images
Hopefully, you've learned something new about the fascinating month of December and its rich history with these four fun facts about the month. For more month-related tidbits, here are fun facts about August.
