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May 21

May 21 is the 141st day of the year (142nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 224 days remaining until the end of the year. The date holds significance for various international observances, including International Tea Day, established by the United Nations to promote sustainable tea production and consumption, and the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, aimed at fostering mutual understanding among cultures. In the United States, it coincides with observances such as National Waitstaff Day, recognizing service industry workers. Historically, May 21 features pivotal events that advanced humanitarian efforts and milestones. On May 21, 1881, founded the in , modeling it after the International Red Cross to provide aid during disasters and wars, an organization that has since responded to thousands of crises worldwide. Exactly 46 years later, on May 21, 1927, completed the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight, departing from and landing in after 33.5 hours, demonstrating the feasibility of long-distance air travel and earning him the nickname "The Lone Eagle." Other notable occurrences include the 1932 solo transatlantic flight by , the first by a woman, further pushing boundaries in aviation endurance and technology. The date is associated with births of influential figures across arts and sciences, such as English poet Alexander Pope (1688), known for satirical works like The Dunciad that critiqued literary and social norms, and American rapper The Notorious B.I.G. (1972), whose albums Ready to Die and Life After Death shaped East Coast hip-hop with raw storytelling of urban life. Among deaths, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto perished on May 21, 1542, during his expedition through the southeastern United States, where his forces encountered Native American civilizations and sought gold, contributing to early European mapping but also conflict. These events underscore May 21's role in chronicling human progress, exploration, and cultural expression.

Events

Pre-1600

In 293, and his co-emperor appointed as Caesar under , establishing the —a system of four rulers to stabilize the empire amid internal divisions and external threats. On May 21, 878, Muslim forces under the Aghlabid sultanate captured the Byzantine stronghold of Syracuse in after a nine-month , marking a significant expansion of Islamic control in the Mediterranean and weakening Byzantine influence in the region. In 879, issued a document blessing , effectively recognizing Croatian sovereignty and independence from Frankish overlordship, which laid early foundations for the Croatian state. crowned Otto III as in on May 21, 996, affirming the continuity of the and reinforcing the alliance between the papacy and the German monarchy amid ongoing power struggles in medieval . The , signed on May 21, 1420, between and , disinherited the French in favor of Henry as heir to the French throne, arranged a marriage between Henry and , and aimed to end the by uniting the crowns—though it ultimately failed to hold due to subsequent English defeats. In 1499, was appointed governor of the Indies by the Spanish crown, replacing following investigations into Columbus's administration of , which included charges of mismanagement and cruelty toward colonists and natives.

1601–1900

On May 21, 1659, the Concert of was signed by representatives of the , the , and , articulating a unified diplomatic stance aimed at mediating the Second Northern War between and , including demands for Sweden to withdraw from Danish territories and restore pre-war borders. The first national convention of the convened on May 21, 1832, in , , where delegates nominated incumbent President for re-election and Vice President as his running mate, marking the introduction of the modern party convention system to select presidential candidates and supplanting the earlier method dominated by congressional insiders. New Zealand was formally annexed as a distinct British colony on May 21, 1840, when Governor proclaimed sovereignty over the and , complementing the earlier (February 6, 1840) that applied primarily to the and addressing ambiguities in British claims amid French exploratory interests. The was established on May 21, 1881, in , by , who had witnessed the International Red Cross's operations in Europe and sought to create a U.S. counterpart focused on disaster relief, neutrality in conflicts, and aid to the vulnerable, initially incorporating principles from the 1864 Geneva Convention.

1901–present

On May 21, 1901, became the first U.S. state to enact a law for motor vehicles, capping speeds at 12 miles per hour within cities and 15 miles per hour in rural areas. May 21, 1927 marked the completion of Lindbergh's historic nonstop , as the American aviator landed his monoplane at Field near approximately 33.5 hours after departing Roosevelt Field in , covering 3,600 miles without refueling or navigation aids beyond a magnetic and . On May 21, 1932, became the first woman to complete a solo nonstop , departing Harbor Grace, Newfoundland, in her 5B and landing near Londonderry, , after roughly 15 hours aloft, demonstrating advancements in aviation endurance and female participation in long-distance flight. May 21, 1956 saw the conduct the first successful airborne test of an improved , code-named , dropped from a B-52 bomber over Namu Island in the , yielding 4.5 megatons and advancing delivery methods for strategic deterrence amid tensions. Former Indian Prime Minister was assassinated on May 21, 1991, in near by a suicide bomber from the (LTTE), who detonated explosives hidden in a basket during an election rally, killing Gandhi and at least 14 others in retaliation for India's military intervention in Sri Lanka's civil war. A magnitude 6.8 struck northern on May 21, 2003, centered near Boumerdès, causing over 2,200 deaths, injuring more than 10,000, and destroying thousands of structures in a densely populated coastal region, highlighting vulnerabilities in seismic building standards. On May 21, 2010, the Aerospace Exploration Agency () launched the spacecraft aboard an rocket from , marking the first successful interplanetary mission using a for propulsion, which demonstrated photon pressure for attitude control and partial thrust during its voyage to .

Births

Pre-1600

In 293, Roman Emperor and his co-emperor appointed as Caesar under , establishing the —a system of four rulers to stabilize the empire amid internal divisions and external threats. On May 21, 878, Muslim forces under the Aghlabid sultanate captured the Byzantine stronghold of Syracuse in after a nine-month , marking a significant expansion of Islamic control in the Mediterranean and weakening Byzantine influence in the region. In 879, issued a document blessing , effectively recognizing Croatian sovereignty and independence from Frankish overlordship, which laid early foundations for the Croatian state. crowned Otto III as in on May 21, 996, affirming the continuity of the and reinforcing the alliance between the papacy and the German monarchy amid ongoing power struggles in medieval . The , signed on May 21, 1420, between and , disinherited the French dauphin in favor of Henry as heir to the French throne, arranged a marriage between Henry and , and aimed to end the by uniting the crowns—though it ultimately failed to hold due to subsequent English defeats. In 1499, was appointed governor of the Indies by the Spanish crown, replacing following investigations into Columbus's administration of , which included charges of mismanagement and cruelty toward colonists and natives.

1601–1900

On May 21, 1659, the Concert of was signed by representatives of the , the , and , articulating a unified diplomatic stance aimed at mediating the Second Northern War between and , including demands for Sweden to withdraw from Danish territories and restore pre-war borders. The first national convention of the convened on May 21, 1832, in , , where delegates nominated incumbent President for re-election and Vice President as his running mate, marking the introduction of the modern party convention system to select presidential candidates and supplanting the earlier caucus method dominated by congressional insiders. New Zealand was formally annexed as a distinct colony on May 21, 1840, when Governor proclaimed sovereignty over the and , complementing the earlier (February 6, 1840) that applied primarily to the and addressing ambiguities in claims amid exploratory interests. The was established on May 21, 1881, in Washington, D.C., by , who had witnessed the International Red Cross's operations in Europe and sought to create a U.S. counterpart focused on disaster relief, neutrality in conflicts, and aid to the vulnerable, initially incorporating principles from the 1864 Geneva Convention.

1901–present

On May 21, 1901, became the first U.S. state to enact a law for motor vehicles, capping speeds at 12 miles per hour within cities and 15 miles per hour in rural areas. May 21, 1927 marked the completion of Lindbergh's historic nonstop , as the American aviator landed his monoplane at Field near approximately 33.5 hours after departing Roosevelt Field in , covering 3,600 miles without refueling or navigation aids beyond a magnetic and . On May 21, 1932, became the first woman to complete a solo nonstop , departing Harbor Grace, Newfoundland, in her 5B and landing near Londonderry, , after roughly 15 hours aloft, demonstrating advancements in aviation endurance and female participation in long-distance flight. May 21, 1956 saw the conduct the first successful airborne test of an improved , code-named Cherokee, dropped from a B-52 bomber over Namu Island in the , yielding 4.5 megatons and advancing delivery methods for strategic deterrence amid tensions. Former Indian Prime Minister was assassinated on May 21, 1991, in near by a suicide bomber from the (LTTE), who detonated explosives hidden in a during an election rally, killing Gandhi and at least 14 others in retaliation for India's military intervention in Sri Lanka's civil war. A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck northern on May 21, 2003, centered near Boumerdès, causing over 2,200 deaths, injuring more than 10,000, and destroying thousands of structures in a densely populated coastal region, highlighting vulnerabilities in seismic building standards. On May 21, 2010, the Aerospace Exploration Agency () launched the spacecraft aboard an rocket from , marking the first successful interplanetary mission using a for propulsion, which demonstrated photon pressure for attitude control and partial thrust during its voyage to .

Deaths

Pre-1600

In 293, and his co-emperor appointed as Caesar under , establishing the —a system of four rulers to stabilize the empire amid internal divisions and external threats. On May 21, 878, Muslim forces under the Aghlabid sultanate captured the Byzantine stronghold of Syracuse in after a nine-month , marking a significant expansion of Islamic control in the Mediterranean and weakening Byzantine influence in the region. In 879, issued a document blessing , effectively recognizing Croatian sovereignty and independence from Frankish overlordship, which laid early foundations for the Croatian state. crowned Otto III as in on May 21, 996, affirming the continuity of the and reinforcing the alliance between the papacy and the German monarchy amid ongoing power struggles in medieval . The , signed on May 21, 1420, between and , disinherited the French in favor of Henry as heir to the French throne, arranged a marriage between Henry and , and aimed to end the by uniting the crowns—though it ultimately failed to hold due to subsequent English defeats. In 1499, was appointed governor of the Indies by the Spanish crown, replacing following investigations into Columbus's administration of , which included charges of mismanagement and cruelty toward colonists and natives.

1601–1900

On May 21, 1659, the Concert of was signed by representatives of the , the , and , articulating a unified diplomatic stance aimed at mediating the Second Northern War between and , including demands for Sweden to withdraw from Danish territories and restore pre-war borders. The first national convention of the convened on May 21, 1832, in , , where delegates nominated incumbent President for re-election and Vice President as his running mate, marking the introduction of the modern party convention system to select presidential candidates and supplanting the earlier caucus method dominated by congressional insiders. New Zealand was formally annexed as a distinct British colony on May 21, 1840, when Governor proclaimed sovereignty over the and , complementing the earlier (February 6, 1840) that applied primarily to the and addressing ambiguities in British claims amid French exploratory interests. The was established on May 21, 1881, in Washington, D.C., by , who had witnessed the International Red Cross's operations in Europe and sought to create a U.S. counterpart focused on disaster relief, neutrality in conflicts, and aid to the vulnerable, initially incorporating principles from the 1864 Geneva Convention.

1901–present

On May 21, 1901, Connecticut became the first U.S. state to enact a speed limit law for motor vehicles, capping speeds at 12 miles per hour within cities and 15 miles per hour in rural areas. May 21, 1927 marked the completion of Charles Lindbergh's historic solo nonstop transatlantic flight, as the American aviator landed his monoplane Spirit of St. Louis at Le Bourget Field near Paris approximately 33.5 hours after departing Roosevelt Field in New York, covering 3,600 miles without refueling or navigation aids beyond a magnetic compass and airspeed indicator. On May 21, 1932, became the first woman to complete a solo nonstop , departing Harbor Grace, Newfoundland, in her 5B and landing near Londonderry, , after roughly 15 hours aloft, demonstrating advancements in aviation endurance and female participation in long-distance flight. May 21, 1956 saw the conduct the first successful airborne test of an improved , code-named , dropped from a B-52 bomber over Namu Island in the , yielding 4.5 megatons and advancing delivery methods for strategic deterrence amid tensions. Former Indian Prime Minister was assassinated on May 21, 1991, in near by a suicide bomber from the (LTTE), who detonated explosives hidden in a basket during an election rally, killing Gandhi and at least 14 others in retaliation for India's military intervention in Sri Lanka's civil war. A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck northern on May 21, 2003, centered near Boumerdès, causing over 2,200 deaths, injuring more than 10,000, and destroying thousands of structures in a densely populated coastal region, highlighting vulnerabilities in seismic building standards. On May 21, 2010, the Aerospace Exploration Agency () launched the spacecraft aboard an rocket from , marking the first successful interplanetary mission using a for propulsion, which demonstrated photon pressure for attitude control and partial thrust during its voyage to .

Holidays and observances

Religious and cultural observances

In the , May 21 is the feast day of Saints Constantine and Helen, equal to the Apostles, honoring Emperor Constantine's in 313 AD, which legalized Christianity in the , and his mother Helen's efforts in locating relics such as the . The Roman Catholic Church commemorates May 21 as the optional memorial of Magallanes, a Mexican priest executed in 1927 during the persecution of the Church, along with 24 companion martyrs who refused to renounce their faith amid anti-clerical violence. The , a fire-walking ritual involving barefoot dancing over hot coals, is performed in select villages of and southern from May 21 to 23, originating from ancient Thracian traditions and tied to the veneration of Saints Constantine and Helen through ecstatic rites and processions. The designates May 21 as the World Day for for Dialogue and Development, proclaimed by resolution 57/249 in 2002 to promote tolerance, intercultural exchange, and the preservation of as essential to . Circassians worldwide observe May 21 as a Day of Mourning for the perpetrated by the , culminating in the mass and deaths of up to 1.5 million people in 1864 following the conquest of the . In , May 21 is Afro-Colombian Day, marking the 1851 abolition of and recognizing the enduring cultural, musical, and social contributions of Afro-descendant communities, first officially celebrated in 2001.

National and international commemorations

The United Nations designates May 21 as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, proclaimed by General Assembly resolution A/RES/57/249 in 2001 to foster mutual understanding and respect among cultures while promoting sustainable development. UNESCO coordinates annual events emphasizing cultural preservation and intercultural dialogue. The same date marks the International Day for Biological Diversity, established by resolution A/RES/55/201 in 2000 to raise awareness of biodiversity's role in ecosystems, food security, and human well-being, with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity organizing global initiatives. Additionally, May 21 is International Tea Day, recognized by the UN General Assembly in 2019 (resolution A/RES/74/182, adopted December 21, 2019) to highlight tea's economic importance for small producers and advocate sustainable cultivation practices amid climate challenges. In , May 21 is observed as National Defence Day (Nemzetvédelmi Napon), commemorating the Hungarian army's recapture of from Habsburg forces on May 21, 1849, during the –1849; designated in 1992, it honors military traditions and homeland defenders through ceremonies and public demonstrations but is not a . commemorates May 21 as the anniversary of its 2006 , in which 55.5% of voters approved from Serbia-Montenegro, meeting the EU-mandated 55% threshold and paving the way for formal independence on June 3, 2006; official events reflect on the peaceful democratic process monitored by international observers. Circassians worldwide observe May 21 as a Day of , marking the Russian Empire's declaration of victory over resistance on May 21, 1864, which culminated in the mass deportation and deaths of up to 90% of the population during the (1763–1864), with commemorations including marches, cultural displays, and calls for recognition of the resulting demographic catastrophe. Colombia celebrates May 21 as Afro-Colombian Day (Día de la Afrocolombianidad), established in 2001 to mark the abolition of slavery on May 21, 1851, by President José Hilario López; observances highlight Afro-Colombian contributions to national culture, resistance against historical oppression, and ongoing advocacy for ethnic rights through festivals, educational programs, and policy discussions.

Secular and modern observances

The World Day for for and is observed annually on May 21, as proclaimed by 56/262 in 2001, marking the anniversary of the 2001 adoption of 's Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. This observance emphasizes the preservation of cultural heritage amid globalization, promotes tolerance through intercultural exchange, and aligns with on inclusive education, with UNESCO coordinating global events such as forums, exhibitions, and educational campaigns to foster mutual understanding among over 7,000 distinct cultures worldwide. International Tea Day, established by A/RES/74/241 on December 21, 2019, and observed on May 21 since 2020, recognizes as the world's second-most consumed beverage after , produced in over 60 countries and supporting livelihoods for approximately 13 million workers, primarily smallholder farmers. The day advocates for sustainable agricultural practices to address challenges like climate change impacts on tea yields, pricing amid volatile global markets (where tea exports exceeded $6 billion in 2022), and improved labor conditions in regions such as , , and , which account for over 70% of production. Additional modern observances include , typically held on the third Thursday of May (coinciding with May 21 in certain years like 2025), initiated in 2011 by developer Joe Devon to promote digital inclusion for the estimated 1 billion people with disabilities by encouraging tech companies and developers to test and improve assistive technologies such as screen readers and keyboard navigation. , National Waitstaff Day honors servers, originating in the 1980s through advocacy to recognize their role in an sector employing over 4 million workers and generating $90 billion in annual tips. These observances, while less formalized internationally, highlight niche professional and technological priorities through campaigns and corporate initiatives.

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