December 8: Rhatsu in Japan; Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Day in Ethiopia Metallica1504 Ahmad ibn Abi Jum'ah wrote his Oran fatwa, arguing for the relaxation of Islamic law for forcibly converted Muslims in Spain.1854 Pope PiusIX promulgated the apostolic constitution Ineffabilis Deus, proclaiming the dogmatic definition of the Immaculate Conception, which holds that the Virgin Mary was conceived free of original sin.1980 English musician John Lennon was murdered at the entrance of the Dakota, where he resided in New York City.1998 The Australian Cricket Board's cover-up of Shane Warne and Mark Waugh's involvement with bookmakers was revealed.2013 Metallica (pictured) played a concert in Antarctica, becoming the first band to perform on all seven continents.John Peckham (d.1292)John Pym (d.1643)Jean Sibelius (b.1865)John Banville (b.1945)More anniversaries: December 7December 8December 9ArchiveBy emailList of days of the yearAbout