Fact 1: The Astrological Significance
July 23 is a date that falls under the astrological sign of Leo. This is the fifth sign in astrology and people born on this day are typically enthusiastic, passionate, and spontaneous. The ruling planet at this time is the Sun, which imbues Leos with great energy, charisma, and a flair for leadership.
Fact 2: Connection to the Egyptian Calendar
Did you know that the ancient Egyptian civil year originally began on July 23? This was when the Nile flooding typically started and signaled the beginning of the new agricultural season. The flooding was seen as a yearly rebirth, a time of renewal, fertility, and prosperity for the Egyptian civilization.
Fact 3: Historic Cuban Change
July 23, 1953, marks an important day in Cuba's history. This is when Fidel Castro began his revolutionary "26th of July Movement" against the then dictator Fulgencio Batista. Although he failed initially, his movement eventually led to the Cuban Revolution in 1959.
Fact 4: The Tape Measure Day
National Tape Measure Day is celebrated every year on July 23. This significant invention by Alvin J. Fellows in 1868 brought a revolutionary change in the field of construction and has since become an essential tool for many.
Fact 5: Birth of “Beautiful Boy”
Celebrities can be born any day of the year, but do you know who was born on July 23? Paul and Linda McCartney's son, James McCartney, was born on this day in 1977. The Beatles member John Lennon wrote the famous song “Beautiful Boy” for his dear friend's newborn son.
Fact 6: The Royal Connection
July 23 is also special in the world of royalty! On this day in 2013, Prince George of Cambridge, the third in line to the British throne, was born. He is the first child of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
Fact 7: The Start of Freedom Schools
July 23 marked an important day in the history of the American Civil Rights Movement. On this day in 1964, the first Freedom Schools opened across Mississippi to provide alternative education for African-American students.
Fact 8: Miracle on the Hudson Landing
On July 23, 2009, a thrilling incident took place when the famous "Miracle on the Hudson" plane was lifted from the river and moved to a New Jersey marina. It's an unforgettable event that saw an emergency landing performed by U.S. Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River.
Fact 9: The Journey of Telstar Satellite
July 23, 1962, is a memorable day in science history when Telstar, the first communication satellite, relayed the first live transatlantic television signal.
Fact 10: A New Era in Automobiles
Ford Motor Company sold its first car on July 23, 1903. The car was a Model A, and it initiated a new era of personal transportation. This hatched the first-ever seeding ground for the personally owned automobile industry.
Fact 11: Baltimore's Heat Wave Record
On July 23, 2011, Baltimore hit its all-time record high temperature of 108 degrees Fahrenheit — making it a heated date to remember.
Fact 12: Van Gogh's Self-Portrait Gift
July 23, 1890, marks an unforgettable moment in art history. On this day, Vincent van Gogh gifted his last self-portrait to his mother as a birthday present.
Fact 13: The Sprinkler Sprinkling Day
Every year, July 23 is celebrated as 'Sprinkler Sprinkling Day'. It's a fun-filled day for kids, and some adults too, who enjoy the use of the sprinkler on warm summer days.
Fact 14: The Bizarre Holiday of Gorgeous Grandma Day
'Gorgeous Grandma Day' is a fun and bizarre holiday celebrated on July 23. It's the day to celebrate and appreciate the beauty and accomplishments of the elderly women in our society.
Fact 15: The Launch of Windows 95
July 23, 1995, is a significant date in the technology world, as this is the day Microsoft first showcased Windows 95. It’s the operating system that brought personal computing to the forefront like never before.
Fact 16: Hot Enough For Ya Day
July 23 is also celebrated as 'Hot Enough For Ya Day'. It is a humorous holiday made to acknowledge how hot and humid late-July weather typically is.
Fact 17: The End of French Resistance
On July 23, 1944, the German troops finally crushed the French resistance movement in Vercors, marking a significant event during World War II.
Fact 18: Bellamy Salute Controversy
July 23, 1942, is a day of change in American history. On this day, the U.S. Congress amended the Flag Code to replace the controversial Bellamy salute with the hand over the heart, now commonly used during the pledge of allegiance or the national anthem.
Fact 19: Moon Day Alternative
July 23 is considered by many as an alternative 'Moon Day'. This is because the first human mission to land on the Moon, Apollo 11, returned safely to Earth on this day in 1969.
Fact 20: From Amelia Earhart’s Life
July 23 holds importance in the history of aviation as well. In 1932, on this day, Amelia Earhart set off from Los Angeles on a solo cross-country trip to become the first woman to fly non-stop across the United States, a feat completed in just 19 hours.