On This Day - September 20th
What is it about September 20th that is so remarkable? Well, to start, it’s often the first “real” day of fall (or autumn) for anyone living in the northern hemisphere, meaning the weather’s getting chillier from here on out. For the southern hemisphere, things are heating up! Here are some more facts and figures about September 20th that might just surprise you in the meantime.
On this day
A Spanish expedition around the world set sail.
In 1519, the Spanish expedition led by Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan set sail on the first-ever successful circumnavigation of the world! However, Magellan would not finish the journey as he was tragically killed en route.
The Battle of the Alma took place.
In 1854, the Battle of the Alma took place when the British, Ottoman, and French alliance defeated the Russian Empire. It was the first major battle of the Crimean War, which would endure until February 1856.
Mahatma Gandhi began his strike.
In 1932, Indian pacifist Mahatma Gandhi began his famous hunger strike. He was striking against the way Hindu untouchables were treated – to this day, his peaceful stand is one of the most iconic of the 20th century.
France voted “Yes.”
In 1992, France voted in favor of the Maastricht treaty. The treaty was signed by other European countries such as the UK, Spain, Italy, and more – it effectively helped to form the original alliance that would become the European Union. As we all know by now, the UK made waves in 2016 by becoming the first to vote “out” of the Union via Brexit.
Special Days Falling on September 20th
September 20th is just as much a time for celebrations and commemorations as it is for anything else! Here are some of the most important celebrations taking place today around the world.
German World Children’s Day
There are two children's days recognized in Germany every year, and today, people across Germany come together to honor and swear protection for the children of the world. It’s a noble gesture that we can all get behind, so make sure to read up on this wonderful holiday if you can today.
National Care for Kids Day
Coincidentally, the US also celebrates children today with National Care for Kids Day! The day's goal is to come together to plan a better future for today's children, and encourage communities everywhere to focus on and take care of their young! It is not just a day for parents and babysitters. There are things we could all be doing to better the future for the planet's children, and today is the perfect day to look into how.
National Fried Rice Day
Today, we all get to eat our favorite twists on fried rice dishes! Fried rice has a long history in Asian cultures, and it’s important to honor the way it is traditionally made! However, it is such a versatile dish, many of us take the opportunity to make it in our own favorite ways, and today is the perfect day to try it with a variety of different dishes. Whether you’re super-creative or more traditional, have fried rice your way today.
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This page was last modified on September 13, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
The Norman conquest of England first started. In 1066, the Norman conquest took shape as Duke William of Normandy first landed with troops at Pevensey, in the county of Sussex. The invasion ended by 1071, and William would become King of England – the rest, as they all say, is history.
Famous Birthdays on September 20th
If you were born on September 20th…
…you’re a Virgo! You are a naturally very curious person. You’re also very intuitive, conscientious, and a natural leader people want to follow. Want to learn more about what makes you, you? Head over to our Virgo facts page to learn more!
