Celebrate His Birth December 25th
At this time of year we gather together to observe the birth of someone who changed the world on ways that no other before him had done. The way he saw the world improved our own outlook on how we, in turn see the world today. His teachings continue to influence entire generations as they become aware of his philosophy. His name is known to billions around the world for the message he brought us on how the universe works for and against us. His views and teaching shocked the religious world in his time. To this day there is confusion on the exact date of his birth and death (which happened in the spring).
That’s right we are speaking of Sir Isaac Newton. Born on December 25th 1642 and died March 20th 1727. His work in mathematics, astronomy, physics and philosophy still resonate and are the foundation of modern day science and advance math. His theories of universal gravitation and the three laws of motion gave rise to modern physics. His work helped to cement heliocentric model as the accepted view of our solar system.
He is not the only person we should be celebrating this December 25th. Below is a short list of some of those who are also born on this date.
Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross
Robert Ripley, collector of odd facts
Rod Serling, American television writer
Philip Mazzei, Italian physician and friend of Thomas Jefferson
Humphrey Bogart, American actor
Archibald Pitcairne, Scottish physician
Conrad Hilton, Founder of Hilton Hotels
Carlos Castaneda, American author
Jimmy Buffett , American country music singer
Mary Elizabeth (Sissy) Spacek, American actress
Claude Chappe, French engineer and optical telegraph inventor
Gerhard Herzberg, Canadian molecular physicist and Nobel Prize winner
Anwar el-Sadat Egyptian President and Nobel Peace Prize
So this year, when you gather with others to celebrate a famous birthday on December 25th, you might want to pick one of these real people to honor.
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Comment by matt.clerke on December 12, 2011 at 5:18pm -
Don't forget to celebrate the solstice too!
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Comment by Eoganacht on December 12, 2011 at 5:46pm -
Look at all those birthdays I need to go to.
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Comment by Jared on December 12, 2011 at 6:36pm -
Praise be the Newton!
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Comment by John Kelly on December 12, 2011 at 11:50pm -
Jimmy Buffett is so much more than country. I don't even like country. Jimmy Buffett is tropical sailing music! He is also quite the philosopher in his lyrics.
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Comment by Judith van der Roos on December 13, 2011 at 4:27am -
My parents celebrate the winter solstice on their farm, much to the annoyance of the Dutch Reform Church minister in the village. They invite the families of the farm staff to a night time picnic , light a big bonfire, walk some of the fields banging drums and blowing horns. All the animals are hand fed that evening with the best feeds, horses groomed, pigs given a warm mud bath, sheep dogs washed and blow dried. Then off to an evening of folk music and home made booze. It is staggeringly well attended, unlike the church services in the church on Christmas day !
This year I will ask that they raise a toast to ech of the names in your list above.
Regards
Judith vd R
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Comment by Rich on December 13, 2011 at 5:23am -
My mate Dave was born on Christmas day, I think its just fair he gets a mention. When he dies he wants to be nailed to a cross and have hot bovril and gravel thrown at him. He is mental my mate Dave, he cracks me up.
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Comment by Robert Karp on December 13, 2011 at 10:04am -
Don't forget Mithra!!!!!!
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Comment by Ed on December 13, 2011 at 10:05am -
@ Judith
"Then off to an evening of folk music and home made booze."
What's the home brew? Mead, vino, etc ?
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Comment by Nina van der Roos on December 13, 2011 at 3:38pm -
Ed I can tell you that my in-laws brew a very nice Dutch beer from Hops they grow themselves, but the real kick-in-the-ass stuff at that event is a 15% abv berry wine that they serve hot and which leaves you with this very lovely warm sensation from head to toe.
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Comment by Ash Pryce on December 13, 2011 at 10:52pm -
Robert Karp, that's a myth. There is nothing to say that Mithras was born on December 25th. Zeitgeist is bollocks of the highest order.
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