28 December

28 December is the 362nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (the 363rd in leap years). Three days remain in the year. It falls in the final month of the year, during a period when many countries observe holidays and make preparations for the new year.

The Gregorian calendar is a timekeeping system introduced in the 16th century, based on the Earth's orbit around the sun. For this reason, the date 28 December marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

Position in the year

Counting from 1 January, 28 December is the 362nd day of ordinary years. It falls in the final week of the year, often called the period between Christmas and New Year. The day of the week on which it falls varies from year to year.

Religious observance

In Western churches, particularly among Catholics and Anglicans, 28 December marks a commemoration known as 'Holy Innocents', recalling children mentioned in Christian religious history. In Spain and Latin American countries, the day is associated with a social custom in which people deceive one another and spread false reports, similar to April Fools' Day in other countries.

Use in reference and encyclopedias

Date pages in encyclopedias list events, births, and deaths for 28 December. This list is continuously updated and varies from language to language, since decisions about what is notable enough to include depend on the purpose of the publishing community.