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January 23, 2025 Holiday:

National Handwriting Day

National Handwriting Day is a celebration of the art of putting pen to paper and creating unique, personal scripts. This holiday encourages people to put aside their keyboards and devices, and instead, take the time to practice and appreciate the beauty of handwriting. It's a day to dust off old journals, break out the fancy pens, and get creative with lettering and calligraphy. Many people use this day to write letters to loved ones, create handmade cards, or simply to practice their signature. By embracing the tactile nature of handwriting, people can reconnect with a more personal and intimate form of communication.

Learn more about National Handwriting Day
Holidays on January 23, 2025:

National Rhubarb Pie Day

National Rhubarb Pie Day, 1/23/2025 - Discover the joy of indulging in sweet and tangy rhubarb pies, from scratch or at local bakeries, on this special day. more >>

International Sticky Toffee Pudding Day

Indulge in this sweet celebration, dedicated to the rich, indulgent treat that's taken the world by storm! With its sticky, gooey caramel sauce and moist, buttery sponge, this beloved dessert deserves a day all its own. So go ahead, grab a spoon and ... more >>

Clashing Clothes Day

Breaking all fashion rules, this day is all about embracing bold, mismatched, and outrageous outfits, encouraging individuals to express themselves without fear of judgment, and celebrating the beauty of individuality through fashion. more >>

Measure Your Feet Day

Discover the truth about Measure Your Feet Day on 1/23/2025. Is it a real holiday or just a myth? more >>

Snowplow Mailbox Hockey Day

Gear up for a fun-filled day that combines the thrill of hockey with the quirks of winter maintenance! This offbeat holiday celebrates the unsung heroes of winter: snowplow drivers and mailbox guardians. It's a time to appreciate the people who keep ... more >>
Birthdays on January 23:

Richard Dean Anderson

75 Years Old

Star of the iconic TV series MacGyver, known for playing the titular character who uses wit and resourcefulness to escape sticky situations.

Mariska Hargitay

61 Years Old

Star of the long-running TV drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, playing a detective and advocating for victims' rights in real life.

Chesley Sullenberger

74 Years Old

Heroic pilot who landed a commercial airliner on the Hudson River in 2009, saving all 155 lives on board, and advocate for aviation safety.

XXXTentacion

Died in 2018, aged 20

A controversial and prolific rapper who blended emo and hip-hop to create a unique sound, known for his raw energy and turbulent life.

Robin Zander

72 Years Old

Lead vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Cheap Trick, known for his powerful voice and iconic hits like "Surrender" and "I Want You to Want Me".

Rutger Hauer

Died in 2019, aged 75

A renowned Dutch actor, director, and producer, best known for his iconic roles in sci-fi classics like Blade Runner and The Hitcher. He brought complex characters to life with his...

Tiffani Thiessen

51 Years Old

Star of popular 90s sitcoms "Saved by the Bell" and "Beverly Hills, 90210", known for her iconic characters Kelly Kapowski and Valerie Malone.

Bob Paisley

Died in 1996, aged 77

Legendary football manager who led Liverpool to numerous domestic and European titles, revolutionizing the sport with his innovative tactics and leadership style.

David Arnold

63 Years Old

A renowned film composer, scoring iconic soundtracks for blockbuster franchises like James Bond and Harry Potter, earning numerous awards and nominations.

Hideki Yukawa

Died in 1981, aged 74

Predicted the existence of mesons, subatomic particles that mediate the strong nuclear force, and was the first Japanese person to receive a Nobel Prize in Physics.

John Hancock

Died in 1793, aged 56

First Governor of Massachusetts, instrumental in American independence and famously signed the Declaration of Independence with a large, bold signature .

Django Reinhardt

Died in 1953, aged 43

A virtuosic guitarist and composer who blended jazz with Romani folk music, creating a unique sound that has inspired generations of musicians.

Events from History on January 23:
469 years ago
Deadliest earthquake in history devastates Shaanxi province, China (Shaanxi Province, China) 1556
In the heart of Shaanxi province, China, the earth's fury was unleashed in a catastrophic event that would be etched in history as the deadliest earthquake of all time. On this fateful day, the ground shattered, swallowing entire towns and cities, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in its wake. The earthquake's magnitude is still unknown, but its impact was undeniable, claiming a staggering 830,000 lives and leaving countless others homeless and destitute. This calamitous event would forever be etched in the annals of history as one of the most devastating natural disasters to have ever occurred.
61 years ago
Ratification of 24th Amendment ends poll taxes in US elections (Washington, D.C., USA) 1964
After nearly a century of struggle, the 24th Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified, officially banning poll taxes in national elections. This historic milestone marked a crucial step towards voting equality, ensuring that citizens' right to vote was no longer threatened by economic barriers. With the amendment's ratification, the door was finally closed on a discriminatory practice that had long hindered marginalized communities from exercising their democratic rights.
75 years ago
Israel declares Jerusalem as its capital (Jerusalem, Israel) 1950
In a bold move, the Knesset, Israel's parliament, gathered to make a historic decision, declaring Jerusalem as the country's capital, a choice that would shape the nation's identity and spark international debate. This move, following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, solidified Israel's claim to the city, which was divided between Israel and Jordan. The Knesset's resolution not only reflected Israel's emotional attachment to Jerusalem but also underscored its commitment to a unified capital, despite international pressure to maintain the city's international status.
657 years ago
Zhu Yuanzhang proclaims himself Hongwu Emperor, starting Ming dynasty (Nanjing, Jiangsu, China) 1368
The charismatic Zhu Yuanzhang, a former Buddhist monk and rebel leader, seized the moment to declare himself the Hongwu Emperor, marking the birth of the Ming dynasty. This pivotal moment in Chinese history marked a new era of power, as Zhu abandoned his humble beginnings to embark on a grand adventure, restoring stability and strength to a war-torn nation. With his proclamation, the Ming dynasty would go on to flourish for nearly three centuries, leaving an indelible mark on Chinese politics, culture, and identity.
82 years ago
British Eighth Army Captures Tripoli from German-Italian Forces (Tripoli, Libya) 1943
As Rommel's grip on North Africa began to loosen, the British Eighth Army, led by General Bernard Montgomery, dealt a crushing blow to the German-Italian Panzer Army by capturing the strategic city of Tripoli in Libya. This victory marked a significant turning point in the North African Campaign, as it paved the way for the Allied forces to advance further into Tunisia and ultimately led to the expulsion of Axis powers from the continent.
28 years ago
Madeleine Albright becomes the first female US Secretary of State (Washington D.C., USA) 1997
As the world watched, a trailblazing diplomat took the reins, shattering glass ceilings and making history! Madeleine Albright, a Czech-born American diplomat, became the first woman to hold the prestigious position of United States Secretary of State. Nominated by President Bill Clinton, Albright's appointment marked a significant milestone in American politics, solidifying her position as a powerful player on the global stage. With her vast experience in international relations and foreign policy, Albright brought a unique perspective to the role, advocating for democracy, human rights, and global cooperation.
Notable Deaths on January 23:
2005Johnny Carson Legendary entertainer who charmed audiences with his wit and charisma
2021Larry King Legendary TV host and journalist
1944Edvard Munch Norwegian painter and printmaker
2015Ernie Banks American baseball icon who played and managed with excellence
2021Hal Holbrook Veteran actor and director
1989Salvador Dalí Visionary painter and sculptor with a unique perspective
2003Nell Carter Vibrant performer who brought warmth and joy to audiences through music and acting
2011Jack LaLanne Fitness advocate who empowered people to take control of their health
2015Abdullah of Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian monarch who ruled with moderate reforms
2004Bob Keeshan Beloved mentor who shared his story to inspire and educate generations
1976Paul Robeson Legendary singer and civil rights advocate
2024Charles Osgood American radio and TV personality
2007E. Howard Hunt Clandestine operative who played a pivotal role in shaping global events
1985James Beard Befittingly named chef and cookbook author
1803Arthur Guinness Irish brewer who founded a legendary beer
2024Melanie Safka Singer-songwriter and TV personality
2017Bobby Freeman American musician who produced hits in multiple genres
1973Alexander Onassis American businessman and philanthropist
1978Terry Kath Guitarist and songwriter behind iconic rock music
2018Hugh Masekela South African musician who combined jazz, pop, and traditional sounds