🗓️ On This Day - May 8th
On May 8th we met a mermaid, took an exciting ride, and knocked back the first Coca-Cola, oh, and a few other bits happened! If you’re celebrating today, here are a few interesting bits about your special day you might want to remember!
On this day
Fairy tales took flight!
On this day all the way back in 1835, the very first installment of Hans Christian Andersen's "Fairy Tales" was published in Denmark. The magical collection includes stories such as "The Little Mermaid", and "The Emperor's New Clothes", which have become timeless classics!
Fancy a Coke?
On May 8th, 1886, you could glug down some iconic fizz for the first time ever! Dr. John Pemberton sold the first Coca-Cola at Jacobs' Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. The syrup for the soft drink was mixed with carbonated water and sold for five cents per glass. Who isn’t aware of Coca-Cola these days?
Lights, Camera, Action!
On May 8th 1912, Paramount Pictures was founded in Los Angeles, California. The company was originally known as the Famous Players Film Company - and today, it is one of the oldest and most successful film studios in the world, producing and distributing films across the globe. It’s since entered the world of TV streaming, too!
Get the garlic!
"Dracula" is a 1958 British horror film produced by Hammer Film Productions. It stars the inimitable Christopher Lee as the titular Count Dracula and Peter Cushing as Dr. Van Helsing, and was directed by Terence Fisher. It’s a real classic of British horror cinema, and it made Lee and Cushing legends in the genre.
Six Flags goes loopy!
In 1976, Six Flags Magic Mountain introduced “The New Revolution,” the first modern roller coaster to include a stunning vertical loop! This coaster, designed by Anton Schwarzkopf, featured a 90-foot drop and two vertical loops. It was an instant hit with thrill-seekers - but are you daring enough?
Special Days Falling on May 8th
Today, modern medicine and healthcare are on the minds of many, so why not observe all of these amazing holidays?
World Ovarian Cancer Day
World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed every year to raise awareness about ovarian cancer and to support those affected by the disease. Ovarian cancer is at present the eighth most common cancer among women - and is often diagnosed at a later stage when it is often difficult to treat. This day serves to encourage early detection.
International Thalassemia Day
International Thalassemia Day raises awareness about thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder that affects the body's ability to produce hemoglobin. We take this day to educate people about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition, which affects people most of all across Europe and Asia.
World Red Cross Day
Today's the birthday of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross! So, today we celebrate all the humanitarian services provided by the Red Cross and Red Crescent groups all over the worldThe day also raises awareness about the continued importance of voluntary blood donations. Have you ever given blood before?
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This page was last modified on August 3, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
Join Hands Day was first celebrated - and annually, on the first Saturday in May, we come together to promote volunteerism and community service. Join Hands Day encourages cooperation between generations and works as a reminder of the importance of giving back to society. Think about joining a local clean-up or food drive to take part!
Famous Birthdays on May 8th
If you were born on May 8th…
You’re a Taurus! As a Taurus, you embody the qualities of a bull, such as being passionate, stubborn, and determined.
You highly value practicality, reliability, and loyalty, but are often resistant to swift change. Your unwavering commitment and strong work ethic allow you to achieve great success.
You also see nothing wrong in treating yourself in the finer things in life, such as luxurious experiences and material possessions, as a reward for your hard work.
Want a bit more insight into what makes Taureans tick? Head over to our Taurus fact page.
