International Human Rights Day
Friday, December 10, is International Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Day
Sunday, December 12 (2021), is the Roman Catholic feast day for Our Lady of Guadalupe. Timeanddate.com notes that “this day is particularly special for Americans of Mexican heritage, as it honors the belief that Jesus’ mother Mary, who is Mexico’s patron saint, appeared to a man in Mexico City twice in 1531.” In addition to her religious importance, the Virgin of Guadalupe is of great cultural importance to Mexicans and people of Mexican heritage. NBCnews.com states that “Our Lady of Guadalupe is a powerful symbol of devotion, identity, and patriotism. Her image inspires artists, activists, feminists and the faithful.”
Bill of Rights Day / Law Day
The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were adopted by the United States government on December 15, 1791. Both a joint resolution of Congress and President Franklin D. Roosevelt recognized the 150th anniversary of this date by proclaiming December 15, 1941 as “Bill of Rights Day”, and US presidents since then have continued this annual tradition of proclaiming December 15 to be “Bill of Rights Day”.
President Obama issued a slight modification a few years ago, issuing a presidential proclamation recognizing December 15, 2014 as “Law Day” and noting our inalienable rights and the progress that laws and the courts have made in securing these rights. President Trump built upon this tradition, issuing a proclamation unifying the UN’s International Human Rights Day (December 10) with the US “Law Day”. The proclamation declares December 10 “Human Rights Day”, December 15 “Bill of Rights Day”, and the week containing both “Human Rights Week”.