UNIVERSAL HOUR OF PEACE
From 11:30 p.m. on December 31st to 12:30 a.m. on January 1st each year, Universal Hour of Peace hopes to take a step toward a war-free world.
#UniversalHourOfPeace
The day encourages the promotion of peaceful activities during the hour of observance.
HOW TO OBSERVE UNIVERSAL HOUR OF PEACE
Organizations around the world host events supporting an hour of peace. Some include prayer, music, poetry, or speeches. While gatherings may be large or small, the effort overall will be to spread the word of peace in every heart and mind regardless of faith.
Several ways to participate include:
- Host a prayer circle
- Join a candlelight vigil
- Meditate or attend a meditation session
- Organize an event to discuss drawing us closer to peace
- Share resources for promoting harmony in communities
- Participate in discussions that bring organizations together to create solutions to issues
- Share an experience
- Write a poem or story
Use #UniversalHourOfPeace to post on social media.
UNIVERSAL HOUR OF PEACE HISTORY
Dr. Barbara Condron at the School of Metaphysics conceived the first Universal Hour of Peace. The world celebrated the first Universal Hour of Peace on October 24, 1995. It coincided with the 50th anniversary of the United Nations and the autumnal equinox. The following year it was moved to January 1st at Noon GMT. It is now celebrated from 11:30 p.m. December 31st to 12:30 a.m. January 1st.
December 31st Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History
1904
Earlier in 1904, The New York Times moved to 42nd Street along Longacre Square overlooking a growing triangle of commerce. In August, New York City Mayor George McClellan renamed the area Times Square. The newspaper ushered in 1905 with the first New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square.
1911
Marie Curie receives her second Nobel Prize. Her work with radioactivity led to the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
1983
Mayor Ed Koch appoints Benjamin Ward as New York City Police Commissioner, the first African American to hold the position.
1999
Complying with the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties, the U.S. government transfers control of the Panama Canal to Panama.
2000
Last day of century and the second millennium.
December 31st Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays
Elizabeth Arden – 1878
Born Florence Nightingale Graham, the entrepreneur opened her first cosmetics salon in 1910 on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Anthony Hopkins – 1937
The award-winning actor is best-known for his unforgettable role as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs. Other memorable performances include Remains of the Day, Legends of the Fall, and Nixon.
Rosalind Cash – 1938
Throughout the actress’s more than 30 year career she appeared in many popular television series including Barney Miller, Kojak, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, American Playhouse, Hill Street Blues, The Cosby Show, L.A. Law, The Golden Girls, Family Ties, China Beach, A Different World, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and General Hospital. She also starred in several movies, including The Omega Man in 1971.
John Denver – 1943
The folk music singer-songwriter rose to fame during the 1970s with hit songs “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Thank God I’m a Country Boy,” and “Rocky Mountain High.”
