Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

December 17

December 17 is the 351st day of the year (352nd in leap years) in the , with 14 days remaining until the end of the year. In the United States, it is designated as to commemorate the first sustained, controlled powered flight of a heavier-than-air craft, achieved by and Wilbur on December 17, 1903, near , covering a distance of 120 feet in 12 seconds during the initial trial. This breakthrough, conducted on the dunes of Kill Devil Hills with a gasoline-engine glider, marked the inception of modern aviation and relied on the brothers' empirical innovations in , propeller design, and aerodynamic control derived from testing and glider experiments. The event, witnessed by five locals amid challenging winds, has been verified through the Wrights' diaries, photographs, and subsequent flights that day totaling over 1,000 feet, establishing causal foundations for aircraft stability absent in prior unmanned or uncontrolled attempts.

Events

Pre-1600

In 283, (also known as ) began his papacy as bishop of , succeeding Eutychian during a period of relative peace under Emperor Carinus before the . His reign lasted until 296, marked by efforts to organize the clergy, including decrees requiring priests to precede bishop ordinations, though exact start dates rely on later catalogues like the Liberian. On December 17, 546, during the Gothic War, Ostrogothic forces under King entered after a prolonged , bribing and overcoming the Byzantine garrison led by , effectively sacking the city and destroying aqueducts to undermine defenses. This event, chronicled by , represented a significant setback for Byzantine Emperor Justinian I's reconquest of Italy, leading to widespread depopulation and economic ruin in the Eternal City. Romanos I Lekapenos was crowned co-emperor of on December 17, 920, alongside the underage , after maneuvering from regent to through marriage alliances and military support. As an peasant-turned-admiral, Romanos consolidated power by sidelining rivals like Leo Phokas, ruling effectively until 944 while promoting naval reforms and diplomacy with Arab powers. William Longsword, Count of Normandy since 927, was assassinated on December 17, 942, during peace talks with Arnulf I of Flanders at Picquigny, where he was ambushed and killed by Flemish forces amid territorial disputes over border regions. This Viking-descended ruler's death triggered succession struggles, eventually secured by his young son Richard I with aid from Norman loyalty and Carolingian intervention, shaping Normandy's feudal consolidation.

1601–1900

On December 17, 1666, the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society published the first documented account of a experiment, detailed in a letter from physician Richard Lower to chemist describing successful dog-to-dog transfusions using quills as conduits. Lower's work, conducted in , advanced early understandings of circulation following William Harvey's discoveries, though human applications remained experimental and risky for decades afterward. On December 17, 1777, French Foreign Minister Charles Gravier, Count of Vergennes, formally acknowledged the independence of the following the American victory at , marking a pivotal shift in European support for the revolutionaries against . This recognition, prompted by secret negotiations and the need to counter British power, preceded the 1778 Treaty of Alliance but signaled France's commitment to providing , loans, and naval forces that proved decisive in the war's outcome. During the , on December 17, 1862, Union Major General issued General Order No. 11, directing the expulsion of Jews "as a class" from the military Department of the , encompassing parts of , , and , due to perceived involvement in illegal cotton smuggling and trade violations undermining Union efforts. The order, rooted in Grant's frustration with wartime profiteering amid the , led to immediate expulsions and widespread protests, including from President Lincoln, who revoked it on January 4, 1863; Grant later expressed regret during his 1868 presidential campaign and as president sought reconciliation with Jewish communities.

1901–present

Births

Pre-1600

In 283, (also known as ) began his papacy as of , succeeding Eutychian during a period of relative peace under Emperor before the . His reign lasted until 296, marked by efforts to organize the clergy, including decrees requiring priests to precede bishop ordinations, though exact start dates rely on later catalogues like the Liberian. On December 17, 546, during the Gothic War, Ostrogothic forces under King entered after a prolonged , bribing and overcoming the Byzantine garrison led by , effectively sacking the city and destroying aqueducts to undermine defenses. This event, chronicled by , represented a significant setback for Byzantine Justinian I's reconquest of , leading to widespread depopulation and economic ruin in the Eternal City. Romanos I Lekapenos was crowned co-emperor of on December 17, 920, alongside the underage , after maneuvering from regent to through marriage alliances and military support. As an peasant-turned-admiral, Romanos consolidated power by sidelining rivals like Leo Phokas, ruling effectively until 944 while promoting naval reforms and diplomacy with Arab powers. William Longsword, Count of Normandy since 927, was assassinated on December 17, 942, during peace talks with Arnulf I of Flanders at Picquigny, where he was ambushed and killed by Flemish forces amid territorial disputes over border regions. This Viking-descended ruler's death triggered succession struggles, eventually secured by his young son Richard I with aid from Norman loyalty and Carolingian intervention, shaping Normandy's feudal consolidation.

1601–1900

On December 17, 1666, the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society published the first documented account of a experiment, detailed in a letter from physician Richard Lower to chemist describing successful dog-to-dog transfusions using quills as conduits. Lower's work, conducted in , advanced early understandings of circulation following William Harvey's discoveries, though human applications remained experimental and risky for decades afterward. On December 17, 1777, French Foreign Minister Charles Gravier, Count of Vergennes, formally acknowledged the independence of the following the American victory at , marking a pivotal shift in European support for the revolutionaries against . This recognition, prompted by secret negotiations and the need to counter British power, preceded the 1778 Treaty of Alliance but signaled France's commitment to providing military aid, loans, and naval forces that proved decisive in the war's outcome. During the , on December 17, 1862, Union Major General issued General Order No. 11, directing the expulsion of Jews "as a class" from the military Department of the , encompassing parts of , , and , due to perceived involvement in illegal cotton smuggling and trade violations undermining Union efforts. The order, rooted in Grant's frustration with wartime profiteering amid the , led to immediate expulsions and widespread protests, including from President Lincoln, who revoked it on January 4, 1863; Grant later expressed regret during his 1868 presidential campaign and as president sought reconciliation with Jewish communities.

1901–present

Deaths

Pre-1600

In 283, (also known as ) began his papacy as of , succeeding Eutychian during a period of relative peace under Emperor before the . His reign lasted until 296, marked by efforts to organize the clergy, including decrees requiring priests to precede bishop ordinations, though exact start dates rely on later catalogues like the Liberian. On December 17, 546, during the Gothic War, Ostrogothic forces under King entered after a prolonged , bribing and overcoming the Byzantine garrison led by , effectively sacking the city and destroying aqueducts to undermine defenses. This event, chronicled by , represented a significant setback for Byzantine Justinian I's reconquest of , leading to widespread depopulation and economic ruin in the Eternal City. Romanos I Lekapenos was crowned co-emperor of on December 17, 920, alongside the underage , after maneuvering from regent to through marriage alliances and military support. As an peasant-turned-admiral, Romanos consolidated power by sidelining rivals like Leo Phokas, ruling effectively until 944 while promoting naval reforms and diplomacy with powers. William Longsword, Count of Normandy since 927, was assassinated on December 17, 942, during peace talks with Arnulf I of Flanders at Picquigny, where he was ambushed and killed by Flemish forces amid territorial disputes over border regions. This Viking-descended ruler's death triggered succession struggles, eventually secured by his young son Richard I with aid from Norman loyalty and Carolingian intervention, shaping Normandy's feudal consolidation.

1601–1900

On December 17, 1666, the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society published the first documented account of a experiment, detailed in a letter from Richard Lower to chemist describing successful dog-to-dog transfusions using quills as conduits. Lower's work, conducted in , advanced early understandings of circulation following William Harvey's discoveries, though human applications remained experimental and risky for decades afterward. On December 17, 1777, French Foreign Minister Charles Gravier, Count of Vergennes, formally acknowledged the independence of the following the American victory at , marking a pivotal shift in European support for the revolutionaries against . This recognition, prompted by secret negotiations and the need to counter British power, preceded the 1778 Treaty of Alliance but signaled France's commitment to providing , loans, and naval forces that proved decisive in the war's outcome. During the , on December 17, 1862, Union Major General issued General Order No. 11, directing the expulsion of Jews "as a class" from the military Department of the , encompassing parts of , , and , due to perceived involvement in illegal cotton smuggling and trade violations undermining Union efforts. The order, rooted in Grant's frustration with wartime profiteering amid the , led to immediate expulsions and widespread protests, including from President Lincoln, who revoked it on January 4, 1863; Grant later expressed regret during his 1868 presidential campaign and as president sought reconciliation with Jewish communities.

1901–present

Holidays and Observances

Religious Observances

In the Roman Catholic Church, December 17 marks the start of the Greater Antiphons (O Antiphons), a series of seven ancient liturgical texts recited or sung at Vespers each evening through December 23, drawing from messianic prophecies in the Book of Isaiah to invoke Christ under titles such as Wisdom, Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Rising Dawn, King of Nations, and Emmanuel. The practice dates to at least the eighth century in monastic traditions and emphasizes Advent's theme of expectant waiting for the Incarnation. This day also serves as the optional memorial for Saint John of Matha (died 1213), a French priest who founded the Trinitarian Order in 1198 to ransom Christian captives from Muslim enslavement during the Crusades, an effort that reportedly freed thousands through negotiation and self-sacrifice. In the , December 17 commemorates the Prophet Daniel and the Three Holy Youths—Hananiah, , and Mishael (also known as )—figures from the who exemplify faithfulness amid persecution, including their survival in the fiery furnace under around the sixth century BCE. The observance highlights themes of divine protection and resistance to , with liturgical readings from Daniel's prophecies. Other religious traditions lack major fixed observances on this Gregorian date, though lunar calendars may align variable practices such as Pradosh Vrat—a bimonthly Hindu fast honoring Shiva for prosperity and obstacle removal—with December 17 in certain years.

National Holidays

Bhutan's National Day, known as Gyalyon Tshuenjo, is observed annually on December 17 to commemorate the coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck as the country's first hereditary king in 1907, which unified Bhutan under a centralized monarchy and laid the foundation for its modern governance structure. This event marked the transition from a system of decentralized theocratic rule to a hereditary monarchy, with Ugyen Wangchuck elected by clerical and regional leaders amid British influence in the region, though Bhutan retained sovereignty through subsequent treaties. The holiday is a public occasion across , featuring official ceremonies in the capital, , at , where the king delivers an address, and traditional performances showcase Bhutanese arts, including masked dances, , and competitions—national sports symbolizing precision and cultural heritage. Schools and government offices close, allowing participation in nationwide events that emphasize principles, with regional celebrations incorporating local customs and tributes to the royal family. While primarily a Bhutanese observance, December 17 also aligns with secondary public holidays in a few other nations, such as Bahrain's extended National Day observances tied to the ruling family's accession on , 1971, which may spill into the 17th with parades and fireworks in . In , Revolution and Youth Day honors 1964 student-led protests against authoritarian policies, marked by youth seminars and official commemorations but not designated as the primary national holiday. These are distinct from full sovereign national days and reflect specific historical milestones rather than foundational independence events.

Secular and Cultural Observances

Wright Brothers Day, established by U.S. federal law under 36 U.S.C. § 143, commemorates the first successful powered, controlled flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft on December 17, 1903, achieved by Orville and Wilbur Wright at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. The Wright Flyer I covered 120 feet (37 meters) in 12 seconds during its maiden flight, marking a pivotal advancement in aviation history through the brothers' empirical experimentation with wing design, control systems, and propulsion. U.S. presidents issue annual proclamations recognizing the day, emphasizing its role in fostering technological innovation and global air travel. Celebrations, organized by the National Park Service at Wright Brothers National Memorial, feature replica flights, lectures on aeronautical engineering, and public demonstrations of early flight principles. National Maple Syrup Day, an unofficial observance primarily in the United States and Canada, highlights the cultural and economic significance of maple syrup production from sap harvested from maple trees, predominantly Acer saccharum. The process involves boiling sap to evaporate water, yielding approximately 40 liters of sap per liter of syrup, with production peaking in late winter across northeastern North America where over 80% of global supply originates. Participants typically enjoy pure maple syrup on pancakes, waffles, or in baking, underscoring its distinction from artificial imitations through flavor compounds like vanillin formed during evaporation. The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, observed since 2003 by advocacy groups, originated as a in , Washington, memorializing victims of the Green River Killer, , who confessed to murdering 49 individuals, many sex workers, between 1982 and 1998. Initiated by sex workers and allies including , the day draws attention to ongoing violence, with data indicating sex workers face homicide rates up to 45 times higher than the general population in some regions due to and . Global activities include red umbrella symbolism for resistance, candlelight , and calls for to enhance safety through legal protections and healthcare access, though proponents note from pilot programs shows mixed outcomes on violence reduction without broader social reforms. Kurdistan Flag Day, designated by the Kurdistan Regional Parliament in 2004, honors the Kurdish flag—featuring red, white, and green stripes with a yellow sun —as a emblem of ethnic , autonomy aspirations, and historical against assimilation. The date aligns with parliamentary recognition efforts post-1991 autonomy gains in northern , where number approximately 6 million in the region. Observances in and other cities involve flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances, and speeches emphasizing unity amid geopolitical challenges, with communities worldwide participating via and local events.

References

  1. [1]
    https://www.dayoftheweek.org/?m=December&d=17&y=2000&go=Go
  2. [2]
    1903-The First Flight - Wright Brothers National Memorial (U.S. ...
    Before they ever attempted powered flight, the Wright brothers were masters of the air. ... The first flight would have to wait on repairs. December 17 ...Missing: confirmation | Show results with:confirmation<|separator|>
  3. [3]
    115 Years Ago: Wright Brothers Make History at Kitty Hawk - NASA
    Dec 17, 2018 · On December 17, 1903, at Kill Devil Hills near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Orville Wright completed the first powered flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft ...Missing: confirmation | Show results with:confirmation
  4. [4]
    110th Anniversary of the Wright Brothers' First Flight
    Dec 17, 2013 · On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright made four brief flights at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina with their first powered aircraft.Missing: confirmation | Show results with:confirmation
  5. [5]
    Saint Gaius | Biography, Papacy, & Facts - Britannica
    St. Gaius (born, Dalmatia? [now in Croatia]—died April 22?, 296, Rome [Italy]; feast day April 22) was the pope from 283 (possibly December 17) to 296.<|separator|>
  6. [6]
    Ostrogoths Capture Rome - History Today
    The capture of the 'Eternal City' by the king of the Ostrogoths, Totila, was one episode in a complex thirty-year struggle for control of the Italian peninsula.
  7. [7]
    Romanos I (920–944) - Dumbarton Oaks
    Romanos associated himself with the Macedonian dynasty by marrying the young Constantine VII to his daughter Helena in May 919, but also crowned three of his ...
  8. [8]
    Romanus I Lecapenus | Byzantine Revival, Military ... - Britannica
    Romanus I Lecapenus was a Byzantine emperor who shared the imperial throne with his son-in-law Constantine VII and exercised all real power from 920 to 944.
  9. [9]
    December 17, 942: Death of William I Longsword of Normandy
    Dec 17, 2021 · William I Longsword (c. 893 – December 17, 942) was the second ruler of Normandy, from 927 until his assassination in 942.
  10. [10]
    Blood Transfusion: 350 Years | Books, Health and History
    Nov 15, 2016 · Three hundred and fifty years ago, on December 17, 1666, the Philosophical Transactions published the first account of blood transfusion.
  11. [11]
    France formally recognizes the United States | December 17, 1777
    On December 17, 1777, the French foreign minister, Charles Gravier, count of Vergennes, officially acknowledges the United States as an independent nation.
  12. [12]
    Ulysses S. Grant and General Orders No. 11 - National Park Service
    Jan 14, 2021 · On December 17, 1862, Grant issued General Orders No. 11, which stated: “The Jews, as a class, violating every regulation of trade established by the Treasury ...
  13. [13]
    120 Years Ago: The First Powered Flight at Kitty Hawk - NASA
    Dec 14, 2023 · On Dec. 17, 1903, at Kill Devil Hills near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Orville Wright completed the first powered flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft known ...
  14. [14]
    1903 Wright Flyer | National Air and Space Museum
    Jun 2, 2022 · It first flew at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903, with Orville at the controls. Date. 1903. Country of Origin. United States of ...The Wright Brothers Made... · The Wright Brothers · Reserve Free Passes
  15. [15]
    The Malmedy Massacre | Holocaust Encyclopedia
    On December 17, 1944, one day after the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge, a Waffen SS unit captured and murdered 84 US soldiers. This atrocity is known ...
  16. [16]
    The Malmedy Massacre | The National WWII Museum | New Orleans
    Jan 14, 2020 · The notorious murder of dozens of American soldiers at Malmedy, Belgium, on December 17, 1944. On that date, German troops of the 1st SS Leibstandarte “Adolf ...
  17. [17]
    December 17 | USCCB
    Monday of the Third Week of Advent. Read. The Roman Church has beensinging the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that ...
  18. [18]
    December 17, O Wisdom - Liturgical Calendar - Catholic Culture
    Dec 17, 2024 · December 17 marks the beginning of the O Antiphons, the seven jewels of our liturgy, dating back to the fourth century, one for each day ...
  19. [19]
    Calendar of Saints - 17 December - CatholicSaints.Mobi
    Saint Lazarus of Bethany · Saint John of Matha · Saint Josep Manyanet y Vives · Saint Sturmi of Fulda · Saint Modestus of Jerusalem · Saint Judicaël · Saint Olympias ...
  20. [20]
    Lives of all saints commemorated on December 17
    Lives of all saints commemorated on December 17 · Prophet Daniel · The Three Holy Youths: Ananias, Azarias and Misael · Venerable Daniel the Confessor (in Schema ...Prophet Daniel · Venerable Dionysius Of... · Martyr Avakum The Deacon Of...
  21. [21]
    Russian Orthodox Christian Menaion Calendar for December
    Greek Calendar. Martyrs Promus and Hilarion. St. Modestus, Archbishop of Jerusalem. December 17 (Civil Date: December 30). Nativity Fast. Prophet Daniel and ...Missing: Eastern | Show results with:Eastern
  22. [22]
    2025 December Hindu Festivals and other significant days for New ...
    December 2025 includes Gita Jayanti, Guruvayur Ekadashi, Hanuman Jayanti, Dattatreya Jayanti, Annapurna Jayanti, and Masik Krishna Janmashtami.
  23. [23]
    [PDF] National days - Government.se
    Independence Day. " 16. Bahrain. National Day. " 17. Bhutan. National Day. " 18. Niger. Independence Day. Page 6. " 18. Qatar. National Day. " 24. Libya.
  24. [24]
    Bhutan National Day | Mountain Kingdoms
    Taking place each year on the same date every year, December 17th, Bhutan's National Day commemorates the coronation of the first king of Bhutan.
  25. [25]
    BHUTAN NATIONAL DAY - December 17, 2025 - National Today
    The Bhutan National Day in modern Bhutan is celebrated glamorously every December 17. The Changlimithang Stadium is already getting prepared for December 17.
  26. [26]
    Bhutan National Day: a colourful celebration in the Land of Happiness
    Dec 17, 2024 · Bhutan's National Day is celebrated annually on December 17th. This significant day marks the coronation of the country's first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, in 1907.
  27. [27]
    December 17 Public Holidays Worldwide - qppstudio.net
    The list of worldwide public holidays for Wednesday, December 17, 2025 is: Bahrain; National Day Holiday. Bhutan; National Day. Tunisia; Revolution and Youth ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  28. [28]
    36 U.S.C. § 143 (2023) - Wright Brothers Day :: 2023 ... - Justia Law
    Citation, 36 U.S.C. § 143 (2023). Section Name, §143. Wright Brothers Day. Section Text. (a) Designation.—December 17 is Wright Brothers Day. (b) Purpose.
  29. [29]
    The Wright Brothers Made History at Kitty Hawk
    Jun 23, 2022 · At 10:35 a.m., on December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright made history in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. They made the first powered, ...
  30. [30]
    Wright Brothers Day, 2024 - Federal Register
    Dec 19, 2024 · BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 17, 2024, as Wright Brothers Day. ... Billing code 3395-F4-P.
  31. [31]
    WRIGHT BROTHERS DAY - December 17 - National Day Calendar
    Orville and Wilbur Wright made that first successful flight on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
  32. [32]
    NATIONAL MAPLE SYRUP DAY - DECEMBER 17
    December 17th calls for orders of pancakes, french toast, or biscuits topped off with butter and delicious maple syrup.
  33. [33]
    https://nationaltoday.com/national-maple-syrup-day/
  34. [34]
    December 17th: International Day to End Violence Against Sex ...
    Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers was first recognized in 2003 as a memorial and vigil for the victims of the Green River Killer in Seattle Washington.
  35. [35]
    17 December: International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
    This day was created in to call attention to hate crimes committed against sex workers all over the globe. Inaugurated by Dr Annie Sprinkle and started by ...
  36. [36]
    Kurdish leaders celebrate Kurdistan Flag Day, honor sacrifices
    Dec 17, 2024 · December 17 was chosen as Kurdistan Flag Day in 2004 by the Kurdish parliament and has been celebrated across the Region annually since. “The ...
  37. [37]
    Kurdistan Flag Day: A symbol of identity, resistance, hope
    Dec 17, 2024 · Every December 17th, Kurdistan celebrates its flag day, a significant juncture honored across the Kurdistan Region and by Kurdish communities worldwide.