December 28: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 1895, Wilhelm Röntgen changed medicine forever by publishing his groundbreaking findings regarding the existence of X-ray radiation.
Quick Facts for December 28
- Zodiac sign: Capricorn
- Day of year: 362
About December 28
December 28 serves as a bridge between the ancient and the modern. In the late 18th century, Thailand saw a monumental shift when King Taksin achieved his coronation through conquest, establishing Thonburi as a new capital. Centuries later, the mid-19th century saw the world expand through colonial and political shifts, including the 1836 founding of South Australia and the formal recognition of Mexico's independence by Spain.
The day also celebrates the sparks of human creativity and intelligence. From the Lumière brothers showing their first paying film audience in 1895 to the mathematical genius of John von Neumann being born, this date is a tapestry of scientific leaps and artistic milestones that have shaped our contemporary world.
Holidays & Observances on December 28
- King Taksin Memorial Day (Thailand)
- Proclamation Day (South Australia), celebration started on the day following Christmas (South Australia)
- Republic Day (South Sudan)
- The fourth of the Twelve Days of Christmas (Western Christianity)
Fun & National Days on December 28
- National Card Playing Day — Shuffle up your favorite deck and enjoy a competitive game with friends.
- National Chocolate Candy Day — Indulge your sweet tooth with your favorite cocoa-based treats today.
- National Download Day — Take a moment to finally save that digital content you have been eyeing.
- National Short Film Day — Celebrate the art of storytelling by watching a cinematic masterpiece in miniature.
- Call a Friend Day — Reach out to a loved one just to say hello and catch up.
- Holy Innocents' Day
- Pledge of Allegiance Day
On This Day in History
- 418 — A new era for the papacy begins as the election of Pope Boniface I takes place.
- 1065 — The Romanesque-style monastic church at Westminster Abbey is officially consecrated.
- 1768 — King Taksin is crowned in Thailand, subsequently designating Thonburi as his capital city.
- 1795 — Work commences on Yonge Street, which once held the title of the world's longest road.
- 1836 — The settlement of South Australia and its capital, Adelaide, are formally established.
- 1836 — Through the Santa María–Calatrava Treaty, Spain officially acknowledges Mexico's sovereign independence.
- 1846 — The United States welcomes Iowa as its twenty-ninth state into the Union.
- 1885 — The Indian National Congress is officially organized within the British-ruled Bombay Presidency.
- 1895 — The Lumière brothers host their first ticketed film screening at the Grand Cafe.
- 1895 — Wilhelm Röntgen shares his revolutionary discovery of X-ray radiation in a published paper.
- 1918 — Constance Markievicz secures her place in history as the first female MP elected to the British House of Commons.
- 1973 — President Richard Nixon signs the Endangered Species Act into law to protect wildlife.
Famous Birthdays on December 28
- 1856 — Woodrow Wilson, The 28th President of the United States and a former American historian.
- 1903 — John von Neumann, An incredibly influential Hungarian-American mathematician and physicist.
- 1922 — Stan Lee, The legendary American comic book publisher and creator of iconic superheroes.
- 1932 — Nichelle Nichols, The iconic American actress best known for her role in Star Trek.
- 1934 — Maggie Smith, The highly acclaimed and celebrated English actress.
- 1954 — Denzel Washington, A world-renowned American actor, director, and producer.