December 16
Overview
Holidays & Observances
Christianfeast day:
Adelaide of Italy, Haggai, Ralph Adams Cram,Richard UpjohnandJohn La Farge(Episcopal Church (USA)), December 16 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A Christian celebration honoring Saint Adelaide of Italy, the prophet Haggai, and prominent Episcopal Church architects and artists, observed by multiple denominations on December 16.
Day of Reconciliation, formerly celebrated asDay of the Vowby theAfrikaners(South Africa)
South Africa's national Day of Reconciliation on December 16 promotes unity and healing, evolving from the historic Day of the Vow.
Independence Day, celebrates theindependenceofKazakhstanfrom theSoviet Unionin 1991.
Kazakhstan observes its Independence Day on December 16, marking the country's sovereignty from the Soviet Union in 1991.
National Day, celebrates the withdrawal ofUnited KingdomfromBahrain, making Bahrain an independent emirate in 1971.
Bahrain's National Day on December 16 celebrates its independence from the United Kingdom and the founding of the modern emirate in 1971.
National Sports Day (Thailand)
Thailand's National Sports Day on December 16 encourages nationwide participation in physical activities and celebrates the country's sporting spirit.
The beginning of the nine-day celebration beginning December 16 and ending December 24, celebrating the trials whichMaryandJosephendured before finding a place to stay whereJesuscould be born (Hispanidad):
The first day ofLas Posadas(Mexico,Latin America), The first day of theSimbang Gabinovenaofmasses(Philippines)
The first day of Las Posadas in Latin America and Simbang Gabi in the Philippines marks the start of nine days of processions and masses reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for shelter.
Victory Dayobservances, celebration of the Indo-Bangla allied victory overPakistan armed forcesand the Liberation of Bangladesh. (BangladeshandIndia)
Bangladesh's Victory Day on December 16 honors the 1971 victory over Pakistan and the country's liberation.
Adelaide of Italy
Feast day honoring Saint Adelaide of Italy, a 10th-century Holy Roman Empress celebrated for her piety, charity, and support of monasteries.
Haggai
Feast day commemorating Haggai, the Old Testament prophet who urged the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple after the Babylonian exile.
Events
Pepin of Herstal, mayor of the Merovingian palace, dies at Jupille (modern Belgium). He is succeeded by his infant grandson Theudoald, while his widow Plectrude holds actual power in the Frankish Kingdom.
Pepin of Herstal, the powerful mayor of the Merovingian palace, dies at Jupille, leading to his grandson Theudoald's succession and his widow Plectrude's control of the Frankish realm.
An Lushan revolts against Chancellor Yang Guozhong at Yanjing, initiating the An Lushan Rebellion during the Tang dynasty of China.
General An Lushan rebels against Chancellor Yang Guozhong at Yanjing, igniting the devastating An Lushan Rebellion against the Tang dynasty.
Hundred Years' War: Henry VI of England is crowned King of France at Notre Dame in Paris.
Henry VI of England is crowned King of France at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, asserting English claims during the Hundred Years' War.
Vasco da Gama passes the Great Fish River at the southern tip of Africa, where Bartolomeu Dias had previously turned back to Portugal.
Explorer Vasco da Gama crosses the Great Fish River at Africa's southern tip, surpassing Bartolomeu Dias' previous limit and advancing Europe-India navigation.
An earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 8.5Mw strikes Valdivia, Chile.
A major earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 8.5 strikes near Valdivia in southern Chile, causing widespread damage.
Seven-Year War: Battle of Noryang: The final battle of the Seven-Year War is fought between the China and the Korean allied forces and Japanese navies, resulting in a decisive allied forces victory.
In the Battle of Noryang, Chinese and Korean allied forces achieve a decisive naval victory over the Japanese fleet, concluding the Imjin War.
English Interregnum: The Protectorate: Oliver Cromwell becomes Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland.
Oliver Cromwell becomes Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, inaugurating The Protectorate era.
Convention Parliament: The Declaration of Right is embodied in the Bill of Rights.
The Declaration of Right is enacted by the Convention Parliament and embodied in the Bill of Rights 1689, limiting royal power.
Most Recent Eruption of Mount Fuji.
Mount Fuji’s most recent eruption, the Hōei eruption, occurs, marking the last volcanic activity of Japan’s iconic volcano.
Births
Emperor Manuel III ruled the Empire of Trebizond from 1390 to 1417. He navigated complex relations with the Ottoman Empire and fostered artistic and architectural endeavors in his court.
Catherine of Aragon
First wife of King Henry VIII and queen consort of England from 1509 to 1533. She was a Spanish princess renowned for her political acumen and devout faith.
Hans Bol
Flemish Renaissance artist celebrated for his detailed landscapes and botanical illustrations. His work bridged medieval manuscript illumination and early modern painting.
Robert Bertie
English nobleman and military commander who led Royalist forces in the early English Civil War. He became the 1st Earl of Lindsey and died at the Battle of Edgehill.
John Selden
English jurist and polymath whose scholarship shaped modern legal and historical studies. He was a founding figure of English constitutional thought.
Livia della Rovere
Italian noblewoman and Duchess of Urbino known for her cultural patronage. She played a significant role in the artistic life of Renaissance Italy.
Jerome Weston
English diplomat and noble who served as 2nd Earl of Portland under Charles I. He conducted missions to various European courts during a tumultuous era.
Eberhard III
Duke of Württemberg who ruled during the Thirty Years' War and its aftermath. He led efforts to rebuild his duchy after widespread devastation.
Mary Somerset
British aristocrat and pioneering botanist who introduced exotic plants to England. Her gardens at Badminton House became famous for rare specimens.
Deaths
Houzhu
Houzhu was the last emperor of the Chen dynasty who ruled southern China in the late 6th century.
Wu Zetian
Wu Zetian was the only female emperor in Chinese history, founding the Zhou dynasty in the late 7th century.
Pepin of Herstal
Pepin of Herstal was a powerful Frankish mayor of the palace who laid the foundations for the Carolingian dynasty.
Eberhard of Friuli
Eberhard of Friuli was a loyal Frankish duke who defended the Italian frontiers for Charlemagne and his successors.
Ado
Ado was the renowned Archbishop of Vienne who presided over significant ecclesiastical reforms in the 9th century.
John VIII
Pope John VIII was the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church who defended Christendom against Saracen invasions.
Wei Yifan
Wei Yifan was a Tang dynasty official who briefly served as chancellor during a turbulent period of Chinese history.
Adelaide of Italy
Adelaide of Italy was a Holy Roman Empress and regent who played a central role in shaping 10th-century European politics.
Ranulf de Gernon
Ranulf de Gernon was the 4th Earl of Chester whose turbulent life was marked by allegiance shifts during England’s civil war.