Let’s be real: December 21 doesn’t always get the same hype as Christmas or New Year’s Eve. But dig into history, and you’ll find it’s a date absolutely bursting with pivotal moments, unexpected twists, and people who changed the world. From Roman emperors swaggering into power to animated dwarfs redefining entertainment, buckle up because December 21 is a wild ride.
69 CE: Vespasian’s Big Roman GlowUp
Imagine it’s ancient Rome, and the Empire’s having the ultimate messy year. Four—count ’em—FOUR emperors have tried to hold onto power in what historians aptly call the “Year of the Four Emperors.” It’s chaos. Enter Vespasian, the military general who rolls up to Rome like, “Alright, enough of this nonsense.”
On December 21, 69 CE, Vespasian officially claimed the imperial throne, putting an end to this imperial game of musical chairs. He wasn’t just about flexing power, though. Vespasian founded the Flavian dynasty, brought some much needed stability to Rome, and oh yeah—started building the Colosseum. Not bad for a guy who walked into a political dumpster fire and came out looking like a legend.
1598: The Mapuche Say “Not Today, Colonizers”
Fast forward to 1598, and we’re in southern Chile. The Spanish Empire was busy trying to flex its muscles and expand its territory, but the indigenous Mapuche people were not here for it. Cue the Battle of Curalaba on December 21.
The Spanish were completely caught off guard, and the Mapuche warriors delivered a decisive defeat. This wasn’t just any battle, though—it kicked off a massive uprising that pushed back against colonial rule. It’s a reminder that even in the face of an empire, resistance and resilience can leave a lasting legacy.
1879: Edison Lights It Up (Literally)
Ah, Thomas Edison. Love him or hate him, the man knew how to make headlines. On December 21, 1879, he took the world one step closer to modernity by demonstrating the first successful incandescent electric light.
Imagine being there—watching a lightbulb glow for hours on end in Menlo Park, New Jersey. Sure, today we take electricity for granted (and groan when the power bill arrives), but back then? This was absolute wizardry. Edison’s breakthrough didn’t just illuminate a room—it lit the way for the 20th century and beyond.
1891: Basketball is Born in a Snowy Gym
Speaking of game changers, let’s talk about James Naismith, the guy who literally invented basketball on December 21, 1891. Picture this: you’re in a drafty gym in Springfield, Massachusetts, it’s freezing outside, and you’re trying to keep a bunch of rowdy students entertained.
Naismith’s solution? Toss a soccer ball into a peach basket. Boom—basketball. It was simple, fun, and probably the best thing to ever happen to gym class. Fast forward to today, and that snowy day birthed a sport worth billions of dollars, with global icons and millions of fans. Not bad for a gym teacher looking to kill time in winter.
1937: Disney Changes the Animation Game
Okay, now let’s talk magic. On December 21, 1937, Walt Disney premiered Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in Los Angeles. It wasn’t just another cartoon—this was the first full length animated feature film.
People were skeptical at first. A 90 minute animated film? Who was going to sit through that? Turns out, millions of people. Snow White didn’t just rake in the cash; it set the stage for the Disney empire we know today. Without Snow White, there’s no Lion King, no Elsa belting “Let It Go,” and no endless arguments about whether or not Marvel should dominate the box office.
69 BCE: Cleopatra’s Crowning Moment
Move over, Game of Thrones—December 21, 69 BCE, had all the drama. Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of Egypt’s Ptolemaic dynasty, ascended to the throne. But here’s the twist: she shared it with her brother Ptolemy XIII. (Yeah, ancient dynasties were all about sibling power struggles.)
Cleopatra wasn’t just another royal, though. She was a political genius, a master of alliances (hey there, Julius Caesar and Marc Antony), and a cultural icon who still fascinates us today. December 21 marks the beginning of her journey to becoming one of the most legendary figures in history.
1620: Pilgrims Land at Plymouth Rock
Let’s jump to 1620, when the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower finally set foot on what they called Plymouth Rock. After months of rough seas and questionable food, these settlers landed in Massachusetts on December 21.
Of course, history is complicated. The Pilgrims’ arrival is often romanticized, but it also marked the beginning of devastating consequences for Native American communities. It’s a moment that shaped American history, for better or worse, and December 21 stands as a reminder to reflect on the full story—not just the parts we learned in elementary school.
1898: The Curies Discover Radium (and Change Science Forever)
Speaking of groundbreaking moments, December 21, 1898, saw Pierre Curie and his wife, Marie, discovering radium. Working in less than ideal lab conditions (seriously, these two worked with radioactive materials without the protective gear we’d consider mandatory today), they changed the course of science.
Radium’s discovery was huge—it paved the way for cancer treatments and medical breakthroughs. But it also came with lessons about the dangers of radiation. Still, you can’t deny the Curie duo’s genius and determination.
1919: The Soviet Ark Sets Sail
Finally, let’s end with a splash of political drama. On December 21, 1919, the United States deported 249 people, including the anarchist Emma Goldman, to Russia on what became known as the “Soviet Ark.”
It was a time of intense fear about communism and anarchism (hello, Red Scare), and the U.S. government wasn’t playing around. But Goldman? She was unapologetically bold, challenging societal norms and advocating for workers’ rights. While her deportation marked the end of her time in the U.S., her influence on social movements continues to ripple through history.
2015: SpaceX Mic Drops on Gravity
Picture this: a rocket, soaring into the heavens, comes back intact and lands upright, like it’s auditioning for “Dancing with the Stars.” SpaceX made this dream a reality in 2015, sticking to the landing of its Falcon 9 rocket booster. For the first time, an orbital class rocket didn’t just burn up or get ghosted by Earth’s gravity—it came home, ready for round two. Elon Musk called it “a great day for space.” The rest of us? Still trying to land a text back.
Iceland’s Yule Cat: The Fashion Police Nobody Asked For
In Iceland, December 21 isn’t just another chilly day—it’s your deadline to avoid becoming cat food. Enter the Yule Cat, a giant, bloodthirsty feline that prowls the snow, sniffing out anyone without new clothes. No fresh threads? You’re dinner. This folklore isn’t just a cute story; it’s Icelandic parents’ genius way to make sure their kids stop whining and wear those itchy holiday sweaters.
The Mayan Calendar: Apocalypse or Hoax of the Century? (2012)
Ah, 2012. A simpler time when half the planet was convinced we were all about to be vaporized. The panic came from a misreading of the Mayan calendar, which some thought foretold the end of the world on December 21. People stocked bunkers, canceled plans, and even partied like it was the literal end of days. Spoiler: December 22 came along, and we all had to sheepishly unpack those canned beans.
2020: The Year Aliens Got Our Hopes Up
2020 didn’t just throw us a pandemic; it also dangled the possibility of aliens. On December 21, astronomers detected a weird radio signal from Proxima Centauri, our closest stellar neighbor. Cue the wild theories: “It’s aliens!” “It’s a sign!” “It’s probably just static!” While the signal likely had a mundane explanation, the timing couldn’t have been better. After all, nothing screams “2020 finale” like extraterrestrial suspense.
Honorable Mention: The Winter Solstice GlowUp
Let’s not forget that December 21 also marks the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. While the darkness might feel oppressive, it’s also the start of a slow climb back to summer vibes. Plus, it’s prime time for cozy fires, warm drinks, and staring dramatically out windows like you’re in an indie film.
Why December 21 Deserves More Love
Let’s face it—December 21 is the underdog of historical dates. It doesn’t scream “fireworks” or “holiday cheer,” but it’s packed with stories that shaped the world. From ancient Rome to revolutionary science, and from basketball courts to Hollywood red carpets, this date has everything.
So next time December 21 rolls around, take a moment to appreciate its drama, its brilliance, and its magic. Because history? It’s never boring when you look close enough.
