1. A Groundhog Day Tradition
Though you might be familiar with the holiday, did you know that it originated in Pennsylvania in the United States in the 1800s? According to locals, if the groundhog sees its shadow that day, winter will last another six weeks. If it doesn’t, spring will come early!
2. Sharing with World Wetlands Day
Aside from being Groundhog Day in the US, February 2 is globally recognized as World Wetlands Day. This day is commemorated to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands to the planet and all its inhabitants.
3. A Famous Ship's Maiden Voyage
On February 2, 1914, the RMS Britannic, sister ship to the ill-fated Titanic, began her maiden voyage. The Britannic herself would meet a tragic end in World War I just two years later.
4. Birth of a Jazz Icon
February 2 is the birthday of jazz legend, Stan Getz. Born in 1927, Getz is renowned for his integral role in popularizing the bossa nova style of music in the 1960s.
5. A Dramatic Event in the Franco-Prussian War
Historically, February 2nd, 1871 marked a crucial shift in the Franco-Prussian War when the French troops in Paris surrendered to the Prussian forces, paving the way for German unification.
6. A Celebration of Crepes in France
In France, February 2 is celebrated as 'La Chandeleur', or 'Candlemas.' It’s custom to eat crepes on this day, symbolizing prosperity and good luck for the year ahead.
7. Europe's First Football Club
On 2nd February 1857, Sheffield Football Club, the oldest football club in Europe that’s still in operation today, was founded.
8. A Leap Toward Equality
The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was approved by the U.S. Senate on February 2, 1922. This amendment guaranteed all American women the right to vote.
9. A Record-Breaking Film Premiere
The world-famous film, "Gone with the Wind," made its television debut on February 2, 1976. The airing attracted more viewers than any other program in television history at the time.
10. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Signed on the February 2, 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War and included the sale of California, Arizona and New Mexico to the United States.
11. An Inventor's Patent
February 2, 1892, is the day on which William Painter received a patent for the bottle cap opener, making beverage consumption a lot easier for generations to come!
12. A Record-Breaking Skydive
On February 2, 1977, Daredevil stuntman Evel Knievel broke his own record by skydiving 40,000 feet.
13. Establishment of the Vatican City State
February 2nd, 1929 marked the signing of the Lateran Treaty, formally recognizing Vatican City as a sovereign, independent state.
14. Burial of a Macedonian King
King Philip II of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great, was buried in tomb I at Vergina, Greece on February 2, 336 B.C.
15. Birth of an English Novelist
World-renowned novelist James Joyce was born on this day in 1882 in Dublin, Ireland.
16. Launch of a Special Space Shuttle
February 2, 1995, was the day when the Discovery Space Shuttle took off to carry out the first joint American-Russian Space Mission.
17. American Music Legend's Death
On February 2, 1973, the iconic American folk singer, Woodie Guthrie, passed away. Known for his “dust bowl ballads”, his songs captured significant aspects of American life in the 20th century.
18. Women Allowed onto the Floor of the London Stock Exchange
On this day in 1973, women were permitted to enter the floor of the London Stock Exchange for the first time in its 200-year history.
19. Invention of Paper Money
In 1690, on February 2, the Massachusetts colony issued its first paper money to fund a military expedition during the King William's War.
20. A Significant Scientific Discovery
On February 2, 1980, scientific researchers announced the breakthrough discovery which proved the identity of the HIV virus, the virus that causes AIDS. This was a crucial development in understanding and treating the global health crisis.
With these fascinating historical incidents, scientific breakthroughs, birthdays, and unusual traditions, it’s clear that February 2nd has more to it than meets the eye!