Nobel Day, Human Rights Day, International Animal Rights Day and World Football Day are celebrated on December 10.
Nobel Day
Every year on December 10, on the anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel, a solemn ceremony for the awarding of the Nobel Prizes – one of the most prestigious awards in the world – is held in Stockholm and Oslo. Alfred Nobel, Swedish chemist, engineer, inventor of dynamite and author, bequeathed his legacy to fund prizes for outstanding achievements in science, literature, peacekeeping and economics.
The idea of the Nobel Prize was born after Alfred’s death was mistakenly announced in 1888, calling him a “merchant of death.” In response, Nobel decided to leave behind a legacy that would benefit humanity. Nobel Day has become a symbol of international recognition of world-changing achievements, and the prize itself is a sign of respect for those who have dedicated their lives to the advancement of science, culture and peace.
Interesting facts
The centerpiece of the celebration is the lavish Nobel Banquet, which begins at exactly 7 p.m. in the Blue Hall of Stockholm City Hall. To solemn music, the King and Queen of Sweden descend the stairs together with the laureate of the prize or, in his absence, with the wife of the laureate in physics. This moment opens the dinner, during which two main toasts are made: the first – for the king, the second – in memory of Alfred Nobel.
About 1,300–1,400 guests are invited to the banquet, including the royal family, laureates, scientists, politicians and prominent personalities from around the world. The dress code is tailcoats and evening dresses, and the event itself is noted for its sophistication and traditions.
At a ceremony in Stockholm, prizes in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and economics are awarded by the King of Sweden. On the same day, the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo. Each laureate receives a gold medal, a diploma and a cash prize of approximately $1.1 million. The amount of the prize money varies depending on the income of the Nobel Foundation, which is based on a capital of 31.5 million Swedish kroner.
The table is decorated with specially designed tablecloths and napkins with a woven portrait of Nobel. The dishes are made by hand and decorated with a ribbon in the blue and gold colors of the Swedish empire. The evening ends with dessert, ice cream and dancing, to the accompaniment of music by famous performers.
The Peace Prize is the only one awarded not in Stockholm, but in Oslo, by the decision of Nobel, who highly appreciated Norway’s efforts in peace-making activities.
Alfred Nobel did not include mathematics in the list of awards, believing that this science does not bring direct practical benefits to humanity.
In 1901, the first laureates were, in particular, Wilhelm Röntgen for the discovery of X-rays and Sully-Prud for literary achievements.
The medals are made of high quality gold and depict the profile of Alfred Nobel.
Marie Curie became the first woman to receive the prize twice – in physics (1903) and chemistry (1911).
In 1974, the rule of awarding awards posthumously was abolished, except when the laureate died after the award was announced.
Several laureates have refused to accept the award due to political pressure, such as the Soviet writer Boris Pasternak in 1958.
The Nobel Prize has repeatedly honored scientists and artists associated with Ukraine. Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov, a native of the village of Ivanivka, Kupyansky district, Kharkiv province, received a prize in physiology and medicine for research on immunity. Lev Davidovych Landau, worked in Kharkiv, laureate of the physics prize for his theoretical research.
Human Rights Day
December 10 is a day when the world remembers the importance of protecting and respecting the rights of every person. It was on this day 76 years ago, in 1948, that the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It was the first global document that defined the basic rights and freedoms of every person. It became an important step in the direction of building a just world, where everyone’s dignity and equality are recognized unconditionally.
Human Rights Day annually reminds us of the importance of freedom of speech, the right to education, freedom from discrimination, and the need to fight poverty and injustice. On this day, international conferences, educational events, exhibitions are held, and people and organizations that have made a significant contribution to the cause of rights protection are awarded.
In 2023, the UN dedicated the day to the theme of solidarity and action for climate rights, focusing on the link between climate change and human rights.
Interesting facts
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights holds the record for the number of translations – it has been translated into more than 500 languages, making it accessible to the majority of the world’s population.
Officially, Human Rights Day began to be celebrated in 1950, when the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling on all states and organizations to join the celebration of this date.
In 2011, the UN presented the official symbol of human rights – a blue logo with an open hand, which emphasizes equality, dignity and freedom.
Every year, the UN chooses a special theme for this day. For example, the topics of recent years have been: equality, climate change, eradication of discrimination and protection of women’s rights.
International Animal Rights Day
Every year on December 10, at the same time as Human Rights Day, the world community celebrates International Animal Rights Day. This date reminds us that care and respect for the rights of animals is an inseparable part of humanity. Founded in 1998 by the organization Uncaged Campaigns, this day is designed to draw attention to the suffering of animals and the importance of their protection.
The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the ethical treatment of animals and to call on society to reconsider its views on the use of animals in the food, cosmetic, scientific and entertainment spheres. Activists around the world organize rallies, flash mobs, educational events, and also call for a transition to a more ethical lifestyle.
Interesting facts
The choice of December 10 symbolizes the connection between the struggle for human rights and the protection of animal rights. This is a reminder of the need to respect all living things.
In 1998, activists held marches and public events in support of animal rights in several countries simultaneously for the first time.
In 1978, UNESCO adopted the “Universal Declaration of Animal Rights”, which became the basis for calls for ethical treatment of animals.
The protection of animal rights is closely related to the struggle for the preservation of the environment, because the violation of animal rights often destroys ecosystems.
On this day, people often talk about the rejection of cruel practices, such as animal testing of cosmetics, the fur industry, and also promote veganism as a way of life.
Many countries use this day to discuss global issues such as poaching, species extinction and illegal animal trade.
World Football Day
Football deserves the title of “king of sports”. It is a game that unites millions of hearts, blurring the boundaries between countries, languages and cultures. Every year on December 10, the whole world celebrates World Football Day established by the United Nations to honor this unique game and its impact on humanity.
This holiday unites professional athletes, coaches, amateurs and fans who express their love for football on this day. Friendly matches, charity tournaments, meetings with football legends and initiatives aimed at popularizing sports among young people are held.
Football has become not just a sport, but a universal language capable of uniting people with different beliefs and worldviews. It helps foster discipline, team spirit and mutual respect, making the world a better place.
Interesting facts
The idea of celebrating World Football Day came about as a sign of gratitude to the game for its ability to unite people and cultivate peace.
For the first time, this day was celebrated at the international level in 2001, attracting millions of football fans to the event.
Football clubs and federations often use this day for charity, helping children from low-income families and promoting inclusiveness in sport.
According to FIFA, more than 4 billion people in the world consider themselves to be soccer fans – more than fans of any other sport.
On this day, matches “for peace” are often organized, where teams from different countries, even those with political conflicts, meet.
Famous football players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and others often participate in charity events on this day, inspiring millions of their fans.
In 2001, a football match between the British and Iraqi militaries became a symbol of friendship, celebrated as one of the most famous examples of peace through sport.
The day also draws attention to the growing popularity of women’s football and its contribution to the development of the sport.
As part of the celebrations, the memory of great football players of the past, who left a mark in the hearts of fans, is honored.
Historical events on this day
1520 – Martin Luther against papal authority
The famous reformer Martin Luther publicly burned the papal bull Exsurge Domine, which announced his excommunication. This act in Wittenberg became a symbol of a strong protest against corruption in the Catholic Church and started the era of the Reformation.
1637 – Defeat of the Cossacks near Borovytsia
Cossack troops under the leadership of Pavel But (Pavlyuk) were defeated in a battle with the army of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth near the town of Borovitsa. This event became part of the Cossack uprisings directed against the Polish nobility.
1684 – Newton’s work on Kepler’s laws
At a meeting of the Royal Society in London, Edmond Halley presented Isaac Newton’s work De motu corporum in gyrum. In this work, Newton justified Kepler’s laws on the basis of the theory of gravitation, which became the foundation for modern physics.
1768 – Foundation of the Royal Academy of Arts
In Great Britain, the Royal Academy of Arts was created – an influential organization that united the best artists of the country. It became a platform for the development of British art and its popularization in the world.
1817 – Mississippi becomes a US state
Mississippi, located in the southern part of the United States, officially joined the United States as the 20th state. This region became an important center of agriculture and trade in the 19th century.
1953 – Debut of “Playboy” magazine
The first issue of Playboy magazine, which started a revolution in the media space by combining entertainment and cultural content, was released. This issue marked the beginning of a successful media brand.
1981 – First description of AIDS
The American medical journal The New England Journal of Medicine for the first time publicly described cases of the new disease, which was later named AIDS. This publication was the first step towards understanding and fighting the epidemic.
1999 – the Panama Canal comes under the jurisdiction of Panama
The United States transferred control of the Panama Canal to Panama. This became a historic moment for the country, which gained control over a strategically important object and a symbol of national independence.
