December 7: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
December 7 marks a profound turning point in history, from the devastating surprise at Pearl Harbor to the final footsteps of humanity on the Moon.
Quick Facts for December 7
- Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
- Day of year: 341
About December 7
The day is most heavily defined by the gravity of World War II. In 1941, the world changed forever when the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a sudden strike against the United States Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This moment of sudden conflict shifted the trajectory of global history and pulled the United States into the theater of war.
Yet, the date also offers glimpses of human connection and cosmic discovery. It is the day we celebrate the spirit of flight through International Civil Aviation Day, and in Colombia, the Day of the Little Candles brings warmth and light as families gather after sunset. From the tragic echoes of the past to the celebratory glow of community traditions, December 7 remains a complex tapestry of human experience.
Holidays & Observances on December 7
- Armed Forces Flag Day (India)
- Eve of the Immaculate Conception-related observances: Day of the Little Candles, begins after sunset (Colombia)
- International Civil Aviation Day
- National Heroes Day (East Timor)
- National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (United States)
- Spitak Remembrance Day (Armenia)
Fun & National Days on December 7
- National Cotton Candy Day — Indulge in some sugary, fluffy pink clouds of sweetness today!
- Letter Writing Day — Grab a pen and send a heartfelt, handwritten note to someone special.
- Walt Disney Day — Celebrate the magic of storytelling and the legacy of animation.
On This Day in History
- -43 — The Roman statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero was killed in Formia following orders issued by Marcus Antonius.
- 1703 — A massive windstorm, the most powerful ever recorded in southern Great Britain, struck with 120 mph gusts.
- 1732 — The prestigious Royal Opera House made its debut in London's Covent Garden.
- 1787 — Delaware officially became the premier state to approve and ratify the United States Constitution.
- 1842 — The New York Philharmonic held its very first concert after being established by Ureli Corelli Hill.
- 1917 — During the Great War, the United States formally declared war against the nation of Austria-Hungary.
- 1930 — The first television advertisement in America aired in Boston during a CBS radio program telecast.
- 1941 — The Imperial Japanese Navy executed a surprise military strike against the American fleet at Pearl Harbor.
- 1965 — In a major religious milestone, the Pope and the Patriarch ended centuries of mutual excommunication.
- 1972 — The final Apollo Moon mission launched, eventually capturing the iconic Blue Marble photograph of Earth.
- 1988 — A catastrophic 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck northern Armenia, causing widespread devastation and immense loss of life.
- 1995 — The Galileo spacecraft successfully reached Jupiter, beginning a new era of planetary exploration.
Famous Birthdays on December 7
- 1598 — Gian Lorenzo Bernini, The celebrated Italian master of sculpture and painting.
- 1810 — Theodor Schwann, An influential German biologist who helped shape the field of physiology.
- 1873 — Willa Cather, A highly acclaimed American novelist known for her poetic prose.
- 1910 — Louis Prima, An energetic American singer, actor, and talented trumpet player.
- 1915 — Eli Wallach, The legendary American actor recognized for his iconic film roles.
- 1994 — Yuzuru Hanyu, A world-renowned figure skater from Japan who achieved greatness.