September 22: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
From the revolutionary strokes of the Emancipation Proclamation to the whimsy of Hobbit Day, September 22 is a date defined by profound shifts in human liberty and imagination.
Quick Facts for September 22
- Zodiac sign: Virgo
- Day of year: 265
About September 22
For those born under the sign of Virgo, September 22 often brings a sense of meticulous order, a trait mirrored in the historical turning points of this day. In 1862, the world watched as Abraham Lincoln released a preliminary version of the Emancipation Proclamation, a seismic shift in the American landscape that began the long journey toward formal abolition. It was a moment where legal ink met the fierce pulse of human rights.
Beyond the heavy lifting of political history, the day offers lighter, more fantastical escapes. Whether you are celebrating the legendary Middle-earth lore of Hobbit Day or observing the quiet reflection of Dear Diary Day, September 22 provides a unique balance between the monumental achievements of past leaders and the personal, imaginative joys of the present.
Holidays & Observances on September 22
- American Business Women's Day (United States)
- Baltic Unity Day (Lithuania, Latvia)
- Christian feast days: Candidus
- Christian feast days: Digna and Emerita
- Christian feast days: Emmeram of Regensburg
- Christian feast days: Felix and Constantia
- Christian feast days: Ignatius of Santhià (Lorenzo Maurizio Belvisotti)
- Christian feast days: Laud of Coutances
Fun & National Days on September 22
- Hobbit Day — Celebrate like a Middle-earth local with plenty of second breakfasts!
- National Elephant Appreciation Day — Take a moment to honor these majestic and intelligent giants of the wild.
- Dear Diary Day — Grab a pen and capture your most private thoughts on paper today.
- National Eat Local Day — Support your community by shopping at nearby farmers' markets and shops.
- National Girls' Night In Day — Gather your best friends for a cozy evening of movies and relaxation.
- Chainmail Day
- International Day of Radiant Peace
- National Centenarian's Day
- National Falls Prevention Awareness Day
On This Day in History
- 904 — The warlord Zhu Quanzhong seized control of the imperial government and ended the life of Emperor Zhaozong of the Tang dynasty.
- 1236 — In the Battle of Saule, the Samogitians achieved a significant victory over the Livonian Brothers of the Sword.
- 1586 — During the Eighty Years' War, Spanish troops led by the Marquis del Vasto broke through an English and Dutch ambush at Zutphen.
- 1692 — The Salem witch trials reached a grim conclusion as the final group of accused individuals faced execution by hanging.
- 1761 — King George III and Queen Charlotte were officially crowned to lead the Kingdom of Great Britain.
- 1776 — American Revolutionary hero Nathan Hale was executed after being caught performing espionage duties for the enemy.
- 1789 — The United States government formally established the position of Postmaster General to manage national mail.
- 1792 — The French First Republic was officially inaugurated with the arrival of the first day of the French Republican Calendar.
- 1862 — President Abraham Lincoln issued a preliminary version of the Emancipation Proclamation, altering the course of the American Civil War.
- 1896 — Queen Victoria became the longest-reigning British monarch, surpassing the record previously held by her grandfather, George III.
- 1948 — Gail Halvorsen began his humanitarian mission of dropping candy via parachute to children during the Berlin Airlift.
- 1991 — The world gained unprecedented access to ancient history as the Dead Sea Scrolls were released to the public.
Famous Birthdays on September 22
- 1515 — Anne of Cleves, The influential Queen consort of England who married Henry VIII.
- 1791 — Michael Faraday, A legendary English scientist who made massive contributions to physics and chemistry.
- 1880 — Christabel Pankhurst, A prominent English activist and a key founder of the Women's Social and Political Union.
- 1885 — Erich von Stroheim, A celebrated Austrian-American film director, actor, and screenwriter.
- 1891 — Alma Thomas, A renowned American painter known for her vibrant and expressive works.
- 1957 — Nick Cave, An iconic Australian musician, songwriter, and actor known for his unique artistry.
- 1958 — Andrea Bocelli, A world-famous Italian tenor and highly successful classical crossover singer.
- 1958 — Joan Jett, The legendary American rock musician and influential singer-songwriter.