🗓️ On This Day - February 12th
Love is very nearly in the air - but before plunging headfirst into Valentine’s Day, there are plenty of great reasons to mark February 12th. Maybe it’s your birthday, or maybe you’re celebrating it in a different way - regardless, here are some seriously interesting things about February 12th you’re going to want to take note of.
On this day
Lady Jane Grey was executed.
Lady Jane Grey has the dubious honor of being England’s shortest-serving monarch. At just 17 years old, she’d only served nine days in charge of the country before being executed, with her husband, for treason against the country! That all came to a head… literally… on February 12th, 1554.
Chile broke free!
On February 12th, 1818, Chile finally managed to gain independence from Spain to run as its own nation. This occurred as a result of a formal declaration - though it wouldn’t be until Chile triumphed in battle over Spain two months later that the motion would be made official.
Utah women finally got the vote!
Women across Utah finally got a little more freedom on this day in 1870, as it was finally brought into law that they could vote in US elections. This news arrived on the back of Wyoming similarly bringing in freedoms for women the year prior.
All change for China!
February 12th marks a momentous change in China’s history, as it marks the abdication of Emperor Puyi, the last of his line - therefore ending the Emperorship and ushering in the Chinese Revolution.
Milosevic got brought to task… but never saw justice.
February 12th saw the notorious Slobodan Milosevic - President of Yugoslavia until 2000 - brought to trial accused of war crimes in 2002. The trial took years to get underway fully at The Hague - and Milosevic died in 2006, before any charges could be finalized.
Special Days Falling on February 12th
Not got much to mark February 12th with? Here are a few interesting occasions that fall on this particular part of the calendar today.
Darwin Day
On this day, the birthday of Charles Darwin is celebrated in honor of him being known as the Father Of Evolutionary Biology. Born in 1809, Darwin's book entitled “The Origin of Species” was overwhelmingly voted the most influential academic tome in history! It’s a great day to dig into some of his fascinating work.
Red Hand Day - International Day Against Child Soldiers
Red Hand Day marks an occasion whereby organizations all over the world raise awareness of children being employed in combat against their will. The rights of children have been noted in a United Nations treaty known as OPAC. It’s hard to believe that atrocities against children still continue - making February 12th a very important date indeed.
National Hug Day
Got someone in your life who could use a hug? Maybe you want one of your own. In any case, now’s the day to find a loved one and show them how much they mean to you. This holiday is seen as a precursor to Valentine’s Day, which is set to be celebrated on the 14th.
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This page was last modified on July 29, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
Queen Elizabeth II, who served the UK as monarch until her passing in 2022, received the title upon the death of King George VI, her father, in February 1952. The lineage passed directly to her - though it wouldn’t be until June 1953 when she was officially crowned. This is tradition - as King Charles III took the mantle after his mother’s death in September 2022, but he’d be crowned the next spring, in 2023.
Famous Birthdays on February 12th
If you were born on February 12th…
You’re an Aquarius! You are considered to be an ambitious and logical thinker, but you’re sometimes susceptible to becoming moody! Ruled by the planet Saturn, your innate curiosity can make you seem bold in your search for knowledge!
Speaking of knowledge, there’s plenty more left to learn about being an Aquarius. Check out our fact file to learn more about your place in the Western Zodiac!
