May 08
Overview
Holidays & Observances
Christianfeast day:
Amato Ronconi, Apparition of Saint Michael, Arsenius the Great, Desideratus, BlessedCatherine of St. Augustine, Julian of Norwich(Anglican,Lutheran), Magdalene of Canossa, Our Lady of Luján, Peter II of Tarentaise, BlessedTeresa Demjanovich(Ruthenian Catholic Church), 19 Martyrs of Algeria, May 8 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A day in the Christian calendar recognizing multiple saints and religious observances across traditions.
Emancipation Day(Columbus, Mississippi)
A local observance commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in Columbus, Mississippi.
Furry Dance(Helston, UK)
A traditional Cornish celebration featuring music, dancing, and parades in Helston.
Liberation Day(Czech Republic)
A national holiday marking the end of Nazi occupation in Czechoslovakia in 1945.
Miguel Hidalgo's birthday(Mexico)
Commemoration of the birth of Miguel Hidalgo, leader of Mexico’s independence in 1810.
Parents' Day(South Korea)
A national holiday honoring the love and dedication of mothers and fathers.
Truman Day(Missouri)
A state holiday celebrating the contributions of President Harry S. Truman.
Veterans Day (Norway)
A day honoring military veterans and their service in Norway.
Victory in Europe Day, and its related observances (Europe):
Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War, continues to May 9, Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II 1939 – 1945(Ukraine)
Commemorations marking the end of World War II in Europe and remembrance of its victims.
Events
Spring and Autumn period: The house of Zhao defeats the house of Zhi, ending the Battle of Jinyang, a military conflict between the elite families of the State of Jin.
In 453 BC, the Zhao clan decisively defeated the Zhi clan at the Battle of Jinyang, ending a major power struggle in the State of Jin.
Emperor Honorius signs an edict providing tax relief for the Italian provinces Tuscia, Campania, Picenum, Samnium, Apulia, Lucania and Calabria, which were plundered by the Visigoths.
In 413, Western Roman Emperor Honorius issued an edict granting tax relief to Italian provinces ravaged by Visigothic incursions.
Reccared I opens the Third Council of Toledo, marking the entry of Visigothic Spain into the Catholic Church.
On May 8, 589, King Reccared I convened the Third Council of Toledo, ushering Visigothic Spain into the Roman Catholic fold.
Treaty of Brétigny drafted between King Edward III of England and King John II of France (the Good).
In 1360, the Treaty of Brétigny was drafted, pausing part of the Hundred Years’ War between England and France.
Julian of Norwich, a Christian mystic and anchoress, experiences the deathbed visions described in her Revelations of Divine Love.
In 1373, mystic Julian of Norwich experienced the visions later recorded in her Revelations of Divine Love.
Joan of Arc lifts the Siege of Orléans, turning the tide of the Hundred Years' War.
On May 8, 1429, Joan of Arc broke the Siege of Orléans, marking a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.
Kentishmen revolt against King Henry VI.
In 1450, men from Kent rose in revolt against King Henry VI’s rule, sparking political unrest in England.
A group of imperial guards, led by Trịnh Duy Sản, murdered Emperor Lê Tương Dực and fled, leaving the capital Thăng Long undefended.
In 1516, imperial guards led by Trịnh Duy Sản assassinated Emperor Lê Tương Dực, leaving the Vietnamese capital unprotected.
Hernando de Soto stops near present-day Walls, Mississippi, and sees the Mississippi River (then known by the Spanish as Río de Espíritu Santo, the name given to it by Alonso Álvarez de Pineda in 1519).
On May 8, 1541, explorer Hernando de Soto glimpsed the great Mississippi River near modern-day Walls, Mississippi.
Births
Joan I
Joan I was a 14th-century French noblewoman who ruled as Countess of Auvergne and Boulogne. She inherited her titles at a young age and played a key role in regional politics during the Hundred Years' War.
John Tiptoft
John Tiptoft, 1st Earl of Worcester, was an English nobleman and high-ranking official during the Wars of the Roses. Known for his loyalty to Edward IV, he served as Lord High Treasurer and earned a reputation for harsh justice.
Frederick I
Frederick I was a German prince of the Hohenzollern dynasty who ruled Brandenburg-Ansbach for over six decades. He supported the Reformation and fostered religious and cultural change in his territories.
Andrea Alciato
Andrea Alciato was an Italian jurist and scholar considered the founder of legal humanism. His works transformed the study of Roman law and influenced European legal thought.
Charles Wriothesley
Charles Wriothesley was an English Officer of Arms and chronicler at the Tudor court. He played a key role in recording the history and genealogy of the royal family.
Peter Canisius
Saint Peter Canisius was a Dutch-Swiss Jesuit priest who became a leading figure of the Counter-Reformation. He is remembered for his catechisms and the revitalization of Catholic education in German-speaking Europe.
Thomas Drury
Thomas Drury was an English government informer and swindler known for his role in espionage and his allegations against the playwright Christopher Marlowe.
Victor Amadeus I
Victor Amadeus I was Duke of Savoy from 1630 to 1637, ruling during a period of dynastic conflicts and shifting alliances in 17th-century Europe.
Claes Rålamb
Claes Rålamb was a Swedish statesman and diplomat who served as ambassador to the Ottoman Empire and chronicled his travels in the 17th century.
Deaths
Pope John II served as Bishop of Rome from 533 to 535 and was the first pontiff to choose a new papal name. He is remembered for his efforts to reform church discipline.
Pope Boniface IV led the Church from 608 to 615 and is best known for consecrating the Pantheon in Rome as a Christian church. He strengthened ecclesiastical structures and promoted monastic life.
Pope Benedict II led the Catholic Church from 684 to 685 and worked to reform papal succession. He secured confirmation of his election from the Byzantine emperor and strengthened ties between Rome and Constantinople.
Tai Zong
Emperor Taizong of Song, personal name Zhao Jiong, ruled China from 976 to 997 and consolidated the foundations of the Song dynasty. He is celebrated for strengthening the civil administration and promoting cultural growth.
Ahmed Sanjar
Ahmed Sanjar was Sultan of the Seljuk Empire from 1118 until his death in 1157, known for his patronage of Persian culture and efforts to maintain Seljuk unity. His reign witnessed both military victories and significant defeats.
Ottokar IV
Ottokar IV was the first Duke of Styria, ruling from 1180 until his death in 1192 and securing elevated status for his realm. He played an important role in the political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire.
Rikissa of Denmark
Rikissa of Denmark was a Danish princess who became queen consort of Sweden from 1210 to 1216. Her marriage cemented an alliance between Denmark and Sweden during a turbulent era.
Duan Zong
Emperor Duanzong of Song, born Zhao Shi, reigned during the final struggle of the Southern Song dynasty and is remembered for his flight from Mongol forces. He died in exile in 1278.
Haakon V
Haakon V, known as Haakon the Tall, was King of Norway from 1299 to 1319 and moved the capital to Oslo. He strengthened royal authority and initiated major building projects.