Name: French Parliament passes Church-State Separation Law
Start: 1905-12-09
Location: Paris, France

Holidays on December 9, 2026:

National Pastry Day

National Pastry Day, December 9, 2026. Indulge in flaky, buttery, and sweet treats, honoring pastry-making and talented bakers with special deals and discounts. more >>

International Anti-Corruption Day

International Anti-Corruption Day, December 9, 2026: Join the fight against corruption, promote transparency, and create a more just world. more >>

National Llama Day

National Llama Day on 12/9/2026: Learn about these gentle animals, their habitats, and importance in Andean cultures. more >>

World Genocide Commemoration Day

World Genocide Commemoration Day, 12/9/2026: Learn about the significance of remembering genocide and its impact on communities worldwide. more >>

Get ready to groove to the futuristic beats and celebrate the genre that revolutionized the music scene! Born in Detroit, techno music has been pulsating with energy, influencing global club culture and electronic music as we know it. This day is all... more >>

International Day of Veterinary Medicine

International Day of Veterinary Medicine on 12/9/2026: Learn more about this lesser-known holiday and its significance in the world of veterinary medicine. more >>

Weary Willie Day

Weary Willie Day - Uncover the mystery behind this lesser-known holiday on December 9, 2026. more >>

National Opal Apples Day

Discover the sweetness of Opal apples, a unique variety of apples cherished for their sweet-tart taste and crunchy texture. While there isn't a dedicated holiday, Opal apples deserve to be celebrated for their unique flavor profile and versatility in... more >>

Birthdays on December 9:

Judi Dench

91 Years Old

A renowned actress celebrated for her iconic performances on stage and screen, particularly as M in the James Bond film series and her numerous Shakespearean roles.

John Malkovich

72 Years Old

Academy Award-nominated actor and producer, renowned for his distinctive voice and eccentric performances in films like "Being John Malkovich" and "Con Air".

Kirk Douglas

Died in 2020, aged 103

A legendary actor, singer, and producer who starred in iconic films like "Spartacus" and "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea", leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood's Golden Age.

Kurt Angle

57 Years Old

A legendary Olympic gold medalist and WWE Hall of Famer, known for his intense wrestling matches and charismatic persona.

Redd Foxx

Died in 1991, aged 68

Star of the hit TV show "Sanford and Son," a groundbreaking sitcom that broke racial barriers and brought laughter to millions with its witty humor and lovable characters.

TrÃ© Cool

53 Years Old

German-American drummer and songwriter for the punk rock band Green Day, known for his energetic stage presence and catchy songwriting. He's behind some of the band's most iconic h...

Dick Butkus

83 Years Old

Legendary linebacker and iconic tough guy, feared on the field and beloved in popular culture for his rugged charm and humor.

Felicity Huffman

63 Years Old

Acclaimed actress and producer, known for her versatile roles in TV and film, including her Emmy-winning performance in Desperate Housewives.

John Cassavetes

Died in 1989, aged 59

Pioneering independent filmmaker known for intense, emotionally charged dramas that explored the human condition, often using improvisation and a naturalistic style.

Bob Hawke

Died in 2019, aged 89

Leader of the Australian Labor Party who served as Prime Minister from 1983 to 1991, known for his charismatic leadership and economic reforms.

Dalton Trumbo

Died in 1976, aged 70

Acclaimed author and screenwriter, blacklisted during the Red Scare, penned iconic films like "Roman Holiday" and "Spartacus", leaving a lasting impact on Hollywood and American li...

Donny Osmond

68 Years Old

A teen idol of the 1970s, known for his charming smile, signature pompadour haircut, and hits like "Go Away Little Girl" and "Puppy Love". He's a beloved entertainer with a lasting...

Events from History on December 9:

47 years ago

Global eradication of smallpox virus certified (Geneva, Switzerland) 1979

In a historic feat of medical triumph, the World Health Organization officially declared the global eradication of smallpox on December 9, 1979. This monumental achievement marked a first in human history, as smallpox became the first and only human disease to be completely wiped out from the face of the earth. The culmination of a decade-long concerted effort, this victory was made possible by the tireless efforts of health workers, scientists, and governments worldwide.

80 years ago

Doctors and Nazi officials face trial for atrocities (Nuremberg, Germany) 1946

Physicians and high-ranking officials of the Nazi regime stood trial for their heinous crimes against humanity, including forced sterilization, cruel medical experiments, and mass murder under the guise of euthanasia. The "Doctors' Trial" marked the first of the subsequent Nuremberg trials, aiming to bring to justice those responsible for the atrocities committed in the name of medicine and science. Defendants included senior doctors and administrators from the Nazi party, who were accused of perpetrating inhumane experiments on prisoners, disabled individuals, and minority groups. The trial exposed the shocking extent of the Nazi's pseudoscientific pursuits, pushing the boundaries of medical ethics and human morality.

85 years ago

China and allies declare war on Axis powers (Washington, D.C., USA) 1941

Four days after the US, China, Cuba, Guatemala, and the Philippine Commonwealth decided to take a bold stance against the enemy, declaring war on Germany and Japan. This collective response was a powerful show of solidarity, underscoring their commitment to the Allied cause. China, already embroiled in a brutal conflict with Japan, was joined by its new allies in a move that would galvanize the war effort. Cuba and Guatemala, both with strategic locations in the Caribbean, brought vital naval and air bases to the table, while the Philippine Commonwealth, already under attack by Japan, added its own wealth of knowledge about the enemy.

89 years ago

Japanese invasion of Nanking, city falls to Lt. Gen. Yasuhiko Asaka (Nanking, Jiangsu Province, China) 1937

The city of Nanking, the capital of China, was about to witness one of the darkest moments in its history. Japanese troops, led by Lt. Gen. Yasuhiko Asaka, launched a massive assault on the city, catching the Chinese defenders off guard. The Japanese army, notorious for its brutality, stormed into the city, unleashing a wave of violence, slaughter, and destruction. The six-week battle would later be remembered as one of the deadliest and most devastating conflicts of the Second Sino-Japanese War, leaving behind a trail of death, destruction, and horror.

80 years ago

Constituent Assembly meets to draft India's Constitution (Delhi, India) 1946

The Constituent Assembly of India, a gathering of esteemed national leaders and experts, converged for the first time to embark on a monumental task: crafting a constitution that would shape the nation's future. Led by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the assembly's president, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chairman of the drafting committee, this historic meeting marked the beginning of a journey to create a governing document that would uphold the principles of democracy, equality, and social justice. Over the next two years, the assembly would engage in intense debates, rigorous discussions, and meticulous drafting to produce a constitution that would reflect India's unique cultural heritage and its aspirations for a brighter future.

121 years ago

French Parliament passes Church-State Separation Law (Paris, France) 1905

In a historic move, France's Parliament takes a bold step towards secularism, voting to separate church and state, marking a significant shift in the country's relationship with religion. The law, championed by Ãmile Combes, aims to end the Catholic Church's influence on French politics and education, and instead, establish a neutral, secular government. This groundbreaking legislation paves the way for a more modern, democratic France, sparking controversy and debate among the French people.

Notable Deaths on December 9:

2021Demaryius Thomas NFL wide receiver and Super Bowl champion

2012Jenni Rivera Passionate American singer-songwriter

2003Paul Simon Dedicated soldier, journalist, and statesman, serving Illinois

1992Vincent Gardenia Legendary American actor with a career spanning decades

1996Mary Leakey Pioneering archaeologist uncovering secrets of human evolution

2014Mary Ann Mobley All-American beauty and actress

1972Louella Parsons American entertainment journalist and gossip columnist

2012Norman Joseph Woodland Visionary American inventor and entrepreneur

1971Ralph Bunche American diplomat and Nobel laureate who promoted peace and international cooperation

2013Eleanor Parker Beloved American actress

1998Archie Moore Legendary boxer and actor, a true entertainment icon

2012Patrick Moore Esteemed English astronomer and educator

2009Gene Barry Versatile American actor with numerous film credits

2005Robert Sheckley American author weaving complex, imaginative worlds

2021Speedy Duncan Pioneering defensive back in the NFL and college football

1964Edith Sitwell English poet and critic known for her innovative and avant-garde poetry

2022Jovit Baldivino Famous Filipino singer and TV personality

1995Douglas Corrigan American pilot who flew solo across the Atlantic

1930Rube Foster Pioneer of baseball who broke barriers and inspired generations

2014Jane Freilicher Visionary American painter and poet

Christmas Card Day