Really, there’s only one way to celebrate Hot Air Balloon Day properly. But if you can’t catch a ride in a basket under a giant balloon today, know that the idea dates back at least to 3rd-century China, where paper lanterns were used as military signals. Fast forward to 18th-century France, where two paper-making brothers, the Montgolfiers, launched unmanned hot air balloons. Then, to great fanfare, they tried sending up a sheep, duck, and chicken, and finally, Étienne Montgolfier took a ride. Designs have improved since then, resulting in the standard hot air balloon seen here.
Up, up, and away for Hot Air Balloon Day
Today in History
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Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia
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A place fit for the gods
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We did not invent this, honest
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International Day of the Tropics
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Mitsumata blossoms
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The lights of Paris
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Nazar amulets, Goreme National Park, Cappadocia, Turkey
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They’re grrrape!
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In memory of those lost
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A winter’s holiday ends
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El Valle de la Luna, Chile
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Christmas Eve
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National Public Lands Day
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Gray days ahead in Monterey
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A Portuguese fort takes a star turn
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Honoring the first American woman in space
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A universe underground
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Indian Independence Day
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These laurels are hardy
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Turning darkness into light
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Cecil Brewer Staircase, London
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Gateway to America
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You re feeling sleepy
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Mute swan
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Earthrise on Moon Day
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Tolkien Reading Day
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Jane’s Carousel delights
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Art Basel Miami Beach
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Composite of photographs from the Apollo 15 mission
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Monarch butterflies in Angangueo, Mexico