May 9: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On May 9, the world celebrates the Schuman Declaration, a cornerstone moment that paved the way for the modern European Union.
Quick Facts for May 9
- Zodiac sign: Taurus
- Day of year: 129
About May 9
This date serves as a profound pivot point for international relations and peace. In 1950, Robert Schuman introduced a proposal that would eventually transform the landscape of Europe, leading to the creation of the European Union. This spirit of unity is mirrored in the celebrations of Liberation Day in Guernsey and Jersey, marking the end of German occupation during the Second World War, and various Victory Day observances across Eurasia honoring the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Beyond the weight of geopolitical shifts, May 9 is a day where culture and humanity collide. It is a day to celebrate the arts, from the first recorded appearance of the legendary character Mr. Punch in the 17th century to the modern musical mastery of icons like Billy Joel. Whether marking the signing of the world's oldest active treaty or celebrating the joy of a good brunch, the day balances the solemnity of history with the vibrancy of human achievement.
Holidays & Observances on May 9
- Commemoration of the end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands related observances: Liberation Day, commemorating the end of the German occupation of the Channel Islands during World War II. (Guernsey and Jersey)
- Europe Day, commemorating the Schuman Declaration. (European Union, Kosovo, Moldova, Ukraine)
- Victory Day observances, celebration of the Soviet Union victory over Nazi Germany (Soviet Union, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) Victory and Peace Day, marks the capture of Shusha (1992) in the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, and the end of World War II. (Armenia)
- Home Front Heroes Day in the United States (proposed; locally observed in Dallas, Texas)
- Goku Day (Japan), commemorating the fictional character Goku.
Fun & National Days on May 9
- Brunch for Lunch Day — Celebrate by enjoying eggs and pancakes for your midday meal today!
- Lost Sock Memorial Day — Pay a playful tribute to all the single socks lost to laundry limbo.
- Mother Ocean Day — Show some love to our seas and honor the vastness of the ocean.
- American Indian Day
- Birthmother's Day
- Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Awareness Day
- Hurray for Buttons Day
- International Migratory Bird Day
- Letter Carrier's Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day
- Martin Z. Mollusk Day
On This Day in History
- 1386 — The Treaty of Windsor was signed, establishing a lasting diplomatic partnership between England and Portugal that remains active today.
- 1502 — Christopher Columbus departed from Cádiz to begin his fourth major voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.
- 1761 — The Society of Artists of Great Britain held its very first exhibition at Spring Gardens in London.
- 1865 — Following the American Civil War, President Andrew Johnson declared that the rights of Confederate belligerents had officially ended.
- 1873 — The Vienna stock exchange suffered a massive crash, triggering the Panic of 1873 and a long economic depression.
- 1877 — Mihail Kogălniceanu delivered the Declaration of Independence in Romania's Chamber of Deputies, marking a foundational national moment.
- 1901 — The first national parliament for the Australian people officially opened its doors in Melbourne.
- 1926 — Admiral Richard E. Byrd and Floyd Bennett claimed to have successfully flown over the North Pole.
- 1941 — The British Royal Navy captured the German submarine U-110, recovering an Enigma machine vital for breaking enemy codes.
- 1945 — German forces withdrew from the Channel Islands, bringing liberation to the local populations after years of occupation.
- 1950 — The Schuman Declaration was presented, laying the essential groundwork for what would eventually become the European Union.
- 1960 — The FDA granted approval for Enovid, marking the debut of the world's first oral contraceptive pill.
Famous Birthdays on May 9
- 1800 — John Brown, A courageous and famous American abolitionist who fought to end slavery.
- 1874 — Howard Carter, The renowned English archaeologist who famously discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun.
- 1949 — Billy Joel, An iconic American singer-songwriter and legendary pianist known for his massive hits.
- 1960 — Tony Gwynn, A dominant American baseball player and Hall of Fame hitting specialist.
- 1979 — Rosario Dawson, A talented and widely recognized American film and television actress.