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December 1, 2024 Holiday:

Advent Sunday

Advent Sunday is a significant holiday in the Christian calendar that marks the beginning of the Advent season, a time of preparation and anticipation for the birth of Jesus Christ. It's a period of reflection, hope, and joy, characterized by a sense of expectation and excitement. One of the most iconic traditions associated with Advent Sunday is the lighting of the first candle on the Advent wreath, which symbolizes the light of Christ and the hope of his coming. Many churches and families also observe the holiday by decorating their homes and places of worship with evergreen branches, holly, and other festive decorations. Throughout the Advent season, Christians come together to pray, sing, and engage in acts of kindness and charity, fostering a sense of community and spiritual renewal.

Learn more about Advent Sunday
Holidays on December 1, 2024:

Rosa Parks Day

Rosa Parks Day, December 1, 2024: Honoring Rosa Parks' courageous act of defiance and her pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. more >>

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day, December 1, 2024: Remembering lives lost, supporting those living with HIV, and advocating for access to treatment and care. more >>

National Christmas Lights Day

National Christmas Lights Day, December 1, 2024: Discover the magic of twinkling lights that bring people together, spreading cheer and warmth during the holiday season. more >>

National Pie Day

National Pie Day on 12/1/2024: Join fellow pie enthusiasts for a day of baking, sharing, and indulging in sweet and savory treats. more >>

First Sunday of Advent

First Sunday of Advent on 12/1/2024: Marking the start of a four-week journey towards Christmas, a time of hope, expectation, and reflection. more >>

Small Brewery Sunday

Small Brewery Sunday on 12/1/2024: Explore local breweries, sample innovative beers, and connect with the craft beer community. more >>

Day With(out) Art

On December 1st, 2024, join the global art community in honoring the impact of AIDS on the art world with Day With(out) Art, a poignant visual statement highlighting the devastating effect of the epidemic on creatives. more >>

Great Union Day

Great Union Day, 12/1/2024: Join the nation in commemorating the unification of regions, with parades, performances, and feasts showcasing national pride and unity. more >>

National Peppermint Bark Day

National Peppermint Bark Day, December 1, 2024: Indulge in rich chocolate, crunchy peppermint, and creamy white chocolate in unique and delicious creations. more >>
Birthdays on December 1:

Sarah Silverman

54 Years Old

A comedian, actress, and singer known for her raunchy humor, satire, and outspoken views on politics and social issues, often pushing boundaries and sparking controversy.

Richard Pryor

Died in 2005, aged 65

A groundbreaking comedian and actor who pioneered unflinching, uncensored humor, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Bette Midler

79 Years Old

A talented triple threat, known for her powerful voice, iconic film roles, and energetic live performances, which have endeared her to audiences across generations.

Tyler Joseph

36 Years Old

Lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the popular rock duo Twenty One Pilots, known for his energetic live performances and thought-provoking lyrics.

Pablo Escobar

Died in 1993, aged 44

Notorious leader of the Medellín cartel, responsible for smuggling massive amounts of cocaine into the US and committing numerous violent crimes. Known for his ruthless tactics and...

Janelle Monáe

39 Years Old

A genre-bending artist who blends music, fashion, and film, creating a unique brand of futuristic soul and sci-fi inspired storytelling. Known for hits like "Tightrope" and "Dirty ...

Candace Bushnell

66 Years Old

A renowned journalist and author, best known for writing the iconic novel "Sex and the City", which was adapted into a hit TV series and films. She's a leading voice on relationshi...

Zoë Kravitz

36 Years Old

American actress, singer, and model known for her eclectic film roles and edgy style, starring in popular franchises like X-Men and Fantastic Beasts.

Lou Rawls

Died in 2006, aged 72

Smooth-voiced crooner and versatile entertainer, known for soulful jazz and blues performances, as well as iconic roles in film and television.

Riz Ahmed

42 Years Old

A talented actor and rapper who has starred in films like "The Night Of" and "Rogue One," and has also released critically acclaimed music, using his platform to speak out on socia...

Georgy Zhukov

Died in 1974, aged 77

A Soviet military leader who played a crucial role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II, and later became a key figure in Soviet politics.

Jaco Pastorius

Died in 1987, aged 35

A groundbreaking bassist who revolutionized jazz and rock music with his innovative, genre-bending playing style and compositions, influencing countless musicians across genres.

Events from History on December 1:
83 years ago
Emperor Hirohito Approves War Against the US (Tokyo, Japan) 1941
Japan's highest authority, Emperor Hirohito, quietly sanctioned his country's top council's unified decision to wage war against the United States. In a solemn, behind-closed-doors meeting, the imperial council had deemed war necessary, and Hirohito's subtle nod of approval transformed the Pacific's landscape. As the council's unified determination solidified, Japan's military machinery roared to life, steamrolling toward a collision course with the sleeping giant across the sea.
162 years ago
President Lincoln reaffirms Emancipation Proclamation in Address (The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20500, USA) 1862
In the midst of a brutal civil war, President Abraham Lincoln takes the podium to deliver his State of the Union Address, reaffirming his commitment to ending slavery, as decreed ten weeks prior in the Emancipation Proclamation. With conviction, he emphasizes the moral imperative of abolishing the evil of slavery, drawing a clear distinction between the Union's noble cause and the Confederacy's morally bankrupt institution. Lincoln's unwavering dedication to freedom and equality echoes through the halls of Congress, inspiring hope in the hearts of abolitionists and freedom fighters.
190 years ago
Slavery abolished in Cape Colony per 1833 Act (Cape Town, Cape Colony (now Western Cape), South Africa) 1834
As the sun set on the Cape Colony, a new era dawned as the shackles of slavery were finally broken, freeing thousands of enslaved people. On December 1, 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect, marking a significant milestone in the fight against oppression. This monumental change was the culmination of years of tireless campaigning by abolitionists, who refused to back down in the face of adversity. With the stroke of a pen, the British Empire took a crucial step towards a more just society, paving the way for a brighter future.
69 years ago
Rosa Parks defies segregation on Montgomery bus (Montgomery, Alabama, USA) 1955
On a fateful December evening, Rosa Parks, a 42-year-old African American seamstress, boards a Montgomery City bus after a long day of work. When the driver orders her to vacate her seat to make room for a white passenger, Parks refuses, sparking a chain reaction that would shake the foundations of racial segregation in America. Her courageous defiance leads to her arrest, but ultimately inspires the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a 381-day protest led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that would end with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling segregation on public buses unconstitutional. Parks' bold act becomes a beacon of resistance, galvanizing the Civil Rights Movement and cementing her place as an American icon.
5 years ago
Coronavirus outbreak begins in Wuhan, China (Wuhan, Hubei, China) 2019
In the bustling city of Wuhan, China, a mysterious respiratory illness was spreading rapidly, sparking fear and confusion among residents and healthcare professionals alike. It started with a cluster of pneumonia cases, but soon escalated into a full-blown epidemic. By the end of December, the Chinese authorities had reported a slew of mysterious illnesses, and the world was about to witness the dawn of a global pandemic. Little did they know that this was just the beginning of a global health crisis that would change the course of history.
90 years ago
Sergei Kirov's assassination triggers Stalin's Great Purge (Leningrad, Soviet Union) 1934
In the heart of Leningrad, a mysterious figure lurked in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. And strike they did, on December 1, 1934, when Sergei Kirov, a rising star in the Communist Party, was assassinated. This brutal act would become the catalyst for one of the darkest periods in Soviet history - the Great Purge. Joseph Stalin, the cunning and ruthless General Secretary, seized the opportunity to consolidate his power, unleashing a wave of terror that would claim millions of lives. The Vinnytsia massacre, a brutal campaign of mass killings and forced labor, was just the beginning of Stalin's reign of terror. The Soviet Union would never be the same again.
Notable Deaths on December 1:
2023Sandra Day O'Connor Trailblazing justice who paved the way for women in public service
1987James Baldwin A influential American literary figure and prominent voice in the Civil Rights Movement
2008Paul Benedict American actor and comedy icon
2022Gaylord Perry Legendary baseball player who left an indelible mark on the sport
1989Alvin Ailey A legendary American modern dancer and choreographer
2006Claude Jade Versatile French actress and icon of the silver screen
2018Ken Berry Beloved entertainer who thrilled audiences with his charisma and stage presence
1973David Ben-Gurion I Israeli statesman who led the country to independence and became its first Prime Minister
2012Rick Majerus Respected American basketball coach and player
1947Aleister Crowley Sage occultist and poet who delved into the mysteries of the universe.
2012Jovan Belcher Talented American football player and athlete
1975Nellie Fox Legendary American baseball player and coach known for his clutch hitting
2015Joseph Engelberger Visionary physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to robotics and artificial intelligence
2011Christa Wolf Influential German author and literary critic
2007Anton Rodgers Talented actor who brought characters to life on stage and screen
2019Paula Tilbrook Renowned actress who left a lasting impact on the world of theatre and television
1997Stéphane Grappelli A renowned French violinist with a timeless sound
1988J. Vernon McGee A respected American Christian minister and biblical scholar
1975Anna Roosevelt Halsted Influential American journalist who reported on world events and politics
2013Martin Sharp Talented Australian cartoonist and songwriter