April 21st is World Creativity and Innovation Day, International Hemp Day and Watering Monday. In world and Ukrainian history, this day was full of events that changed the course of politics, culture and science.
World Day of Creativity and Innovation
This holiday is designed to draw attention to the importance of creative thinking and innovative solutions in solving global problems. The idea to start such a holiday was born in 2002 in Canada, where activists and enthusiasts of creative industries first suggested celebrating a day dedicated to creativity, innovation, imagination and non-standard thinking.
Since then, the initiative has gained international publicity, and in 2017, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared April 21 the International Day of Creativity and Innovation. Thus, the UN called on member states to promote the development of innovative thinking at all levels of education, economy and culture, emphasizing that creativity is the driver of sustainable development, entrepreneurship, social progress and solving environmental challenges.
In today’s world, where new challenges arise every day — from climate change to digital transformation — the ability to think outside the box is becoming one of the key skills. That is why this day has not only a festive, but also educational and motivational significance.
Interesting facts
This holiday was first proposed by a Canadian specialist in creative development, Marcy Segal. Her motto is: “People who think creatively can change the world.” The holiday arose out of an emotional breakdown. Its author in 2001 was simply tired of hearing how people whine at work because of bureaucracy and lack of new ideas. She literally exclaimed, “We need a day when everyone is allowed to think outside the box!” — and created it.
The first events to mark the day took place in Toronto, Canada, and included creative workshops, public discussions and interactive exhibitions.
According to UNESCO, the creative industries (design, music, film, fashion, media, etc.) are among the most dynamic sectors of the global economy, generating more than $2 trillion annually and creating around 30 million jobs worldwide.
The UN officially recognized the day thanks to the Bolivian delegation. It was Bolivia that submitted a resolution in 2017 declaring that creativity is not a luxury, but a driver for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Countries celebrate in different ways. In the Netherlands, they organize “idea marathons” on canals, in Kenya – start-up fairs just in the villages, in South Korea – hackathons for schoolchildren, in Colombia – theatrical performances just on the streets about the role of innovation in the fight against poverty.
The youngest participant of the official forum, a 6-year-old girl from Florida, presented at the children’s panel the idea of an application that allows visually impaired children to “read” comics through vibrations on a tablet.
In India, one year the celebration took place in the courtroom. More than 100 lawyers and judges considered the “case against creativity” as a theatrical process. The prosecution argued that creativity harms stability, the defense that it saves societies from stagnation. The jury justified creativity unanimously.
In 2020, the holiday was held online for the first time — due to the pandemic. But this is what allowed him to expand to countries where he was not known before: online marathons reached more than 100 thousand people in 50+ countries.
International Hemp Day
It is an annual informal holiday celebrated on April 20 (or 4/20 in the US date format). It is dedicated to popularizing knowledge about cannabis, discussing its medical, industrial and recreational uses, as well as calls for its decriminalization and legalization in various countries around the world.
The holiday arose from the youth subculture of North America, where the number “420” (four-twenty) became a symbol of the use of cannabis. According to one of the most popular versions, this code appeared in the 1970s among schoolchildren in California who gathered every day at 4:20 in the afternoon to smoke cannabis. Subsequently, April 20 became a day of gatherings, rallies and festivals dedicated to cannabis culture, which every year included ever wider circles – from activists and patients to scientists, farmers and politicians.
The purpose of International Hemp Day is not just a celebration, but a reminder of consumer rights, the need for drug policy reforms, the economic potential of the legal market, and the medical benefits of cannabinoids. In many countries, peaceful demonstrations, marches, exhibitions, lectures, drug policy discussions, medical research and human rights are held on this day.
In the 21st century, the topic of hemp is gradually coming out of the shadows: more and more states are changing legislation, allowing the cultivation of industrial hemp, expanding access to medical cannabis, and in some – legalizing its recreational use. In this context, April 20 takes on new meanings — as a day of an informal international movement for freedom of choice, scientific truth, and policy modernization.
Interesting facts
The number “420” has become a code word in the culture of cannabis users, and April 20 is a kind of “holy day” for activists of the legalization movement.
The most massive events on this day take place in Canada, the USA, the Netherlands, Germany, Israel, as well as in South America — in particular, in Uruguay, where cannabis is fully legalized.
In the USA, on this day, demonstrations are traditionally held in front of the Capitol and the White House, as well as large-scale festivals in Denver, San Francisco and Seattle.
In Canada, April 20, 2018 became a symbolic day of the final victory of the activists – it was then that the parliament completed the process of passing the law on the full legalization of cannabis, which came into force in the fall of the same year.
In many cities, activists smoke cannabis at precisely 4:20 in the afternoon as a symbol of protest against repressive legislation.
There is even a term “420-friendly” used on social media and dating sites to show a commitment to the liberal use of cannabis.
In the medical world, cannabinoids are being studied as potential agents for reducing chronic pain, nausea, anxiety disorders, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions.
In 2023, the World Health Organization made a second recommendation to governments to review the status of cannabis as a strictly prohibited substance, calling for a more balanced policy.
Watered Monday
This is a national holiday, which is traditionally celebrated on the second day of Easter, that is, on the Monday after Bright Resurrection. This day opens the first week after Easter, which in folk tradition has a particularly solemn, festive character. In the church calendar, this period is called Bright Week.
Watering Monday has long been associated with cheerful folk rituals, the main one of which is pouring water. This holiday is most common in Western Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and also has its analogues in other Central European countries. In the Ukrainian tradition, Watering Monday has a symbolic meaning of purification, renewal and life-giving power of water. Water in the Easter ritual acts as a sign of spring rebirth, spiritual purification and joy.
In the villages on this day, boys usually poured water on girls — it was considered a kind of compliment, a sign of sympathy, and sometimes a hint of future courtship. The girls, in their turn, treated the drinkers with Easter eggs, eggs or home-made goodies. Often the dousing took on a mass character – with buckets, bowls, bottles, sometimes just on the streets. They showered not only girls, but also friends, neighbors, relatives – in the spirit of joy, fun and without insults.
In the modern urban environment, the tradition has been preserved in a more moderate form: mostly symbolic sprinkling of water is arranged among family or friends, but in some regions of Ukraine – in particular in Galicia – folk festivities still continue on a grand scale, with observance of ancient rites.
Interesting facts
In Polish tradition, this day is called “Śmigus-Dyngus” and it is an official part of the Easter holidays. In Poland, dousing with water is considered a fun ritual with deep pagan roots.
In ancient times in Ukraine, it was believed that anyone who was not sprinkled on Watering Monday would not be lucky in love this year.
For a long time, the Church treated the custom of sprinkling with caution, but later accepted it as an element of folklore that does not conflict with the Christian holiday.
In some villages of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, boys went from house to house in the morning and doused girls, sometimes even twice: first on Monday, and then on Tuesday.
On this day, it was considered a good sign if you were even accidentally hit by a “downpour attack” – it seemed to wash away bad luck and bring health.
The water that was sprinkled on Watering Monday was sometimes considered special: it was poured from the snow, or collected from a spring early in the morning, “before sunrise.”
Modern Ukrainian communities abroad (in Canada, the USA, Germany) preserve this tradition by organizing Easter picnics with dousing.
Historical events on this day
1519 year – The Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés landed on the coast of Mexico, starting one of the most famous conquests in history. His goal was to conquer the mighty Aztec Empire. This expedition marked the beginning of Spain’s colonial rule in Central America and led to the destruction of one of the most advanced civilizations of its time.
1910 year Halley’s Comet has come as close as possible to Earth, and this has caused mass interest, panic and even apocalyptic sentiment in some regions of the world. Scientists assured that there was no danger, but rumors about possible poisoning of the atmosphere gave rise to excitement and speculation, including the sale of pseudo-antidotes.
1913 year – Ocean liner “Aquitania” was launched in Great Britain. This ship went down in history as the only passenger liner that was involved in combat operations during the First and Second World Wars. It was used as a military transport and a hospital, and in peacetime – as an elite cruise liner.
1920 year – General and trade and economic convention between the Republic of Poland and the Ukrainian People’s Republic was concluded in Warsaw. Poland officially recognized the independence of the Ukrainian People’s Republic and promised to provide military assistance in the fight against the Bolsheviks. This union was of great importance for Ukrainian diplomacy and hopes for the restoration of statehood.
1944 year – In France, women were finally given the right to vote. This was the result of the long struggle of suffragettes and a change in public opinion on the role of women in politics, accelerated by the circumstances of the Second World War. For the first time, French women were able to use their new right already the following year, in 1945.
1960 year – Brasilia, a specially built city, became the official administrative center of Brazil. It was created as a symbol of the country’s modernization, architectural revolution and a new state idea. The city was designed in the form of an airplane and featured a futuristic style. Brasilia has since replaced Rio de Janeiro as the capital.
2000 year – A tragic incident occurred in the Ukrainian city of Brovary: a tactical missile of the “Earth-to-Earth” type, launched during military exercises from a training ground, hit a residential building. As a result of the disaster, several civilians died. This event caused a significant public outcry and questions about the safety of military exercises in peacetime.
2019 year – The second round of presidential elections took place in Ukraine. The victory was won by Volodymyr Zelenskyi, who received a record number of votes in the recent history of the country. His election became a symbol of a deep public demand for changes, anti-system politics and a new style of leadership, which influenced the internal and external politics of Ukraine.
The foundation of Rome
April 21, 753 BC — according to legend, Rome was founded on this day, one of the oldest cities in Europe and the capital of a great civilization. This day has long been considered a holiday in Rome itself. According to legends, the city was founded by the legendary twin brothers Romulus and Remus. They were raised by a she-wolf, so, quite naturally, the brothers had a “wolf character”. It was on April 21, on the Palatine Hill, that Romulus killed Remus and became the first king of the new city. After all, someone had to be in charge. They say that even over the name of the city, the brothers quarreled, so Romulus named it after himself.
Later, the “wolf character” appeared in Rome itself as a state – independence, love of freedom, aggressiveness and constant readiness for war became its essence. Rome’s interests were everywhere. Romulus won victories over his neighbors, made wise political decisions, and laid the foundations of the state system. After a long reign, according to the myths, he either ascended to heaven or was killed by the senators—which, after all, are pretty much the same thing.
Yes, scientists admit that the beautiful legend about the origin of the name of the city from the name of its founder is nothing more than a beautiful fiction. In fact, everything was the other way around: first the name of the city appeared, and only then – the image of Romulus. More convincing is the hypothesis that the word Rome comes from Rūmōn — the ancient name of the river Tiber. If so, then the original meaning of the adjective Roman — “he who is connected with the river”, “he who lives on the Tiber”.
Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world, the heart of the Roman Empire. The well-known saying “All roads lead to Rome” is not accidental: at the time of the decline of the Roman Empire, the total length of built roads reached 54 thousand kilometers – and all of them led directly to the capital.
The mighty Ancient Rome was one of the most developed civilizations of its time. Wherever the Roman Empire went, law, order and culture came with it. Rome gave humanity: numbers, sewage, water supply, heating, monumental architecture, concrete, roads that have survived to this day, aqueducts, the first surgical instruments, bound books, the postal system, military strategy and tactics, legal law, the calendar…
The Romans conquered vast spaces – far beyond the Mediterranean Sea, but even their great empire eventually fell. However, Rome remained. Because he is eternal. Italians say: “For someone who hasn’t seen Ria, it’s hard to imagine how beautiful life can be”.
Rome is the only city in the world on whose territory another sovereign state is located – the Vatican, which has its own Pope.
Kharkiv history with the aroma of spring
April 21, 1805 in Kharkiv went down in history not with the blossoming of gardens, but with the decomposition of manure. It was on this day that Kharkiv Governor Ivan Ivanovich Bakhtin started, as we would say today, an environmental campaign: he decided to fight against the long-standing habit of local residents to remove manure from their yards and simply dump it on the ice of frozen rivers. The habit, it would seem, is “seasonal”, but in April the ice melted, and dirt remained underfoot – literally and figuratively. And all this – just in the center of the city, near the Mykolaiv Church, on the market square, where oxen, people and smells crowded.
Documents of the time state that after the snow melted, the city was left with deep ravines that could not be passed through, and the area around the main church turned into “swamp and mud.” Manure from cattle, horses and oxen has not been removed for years. The stench was such that the governor, in his own words, “had reason to consider it harmful to the health of the townspeople.” Annoyed, Bakhtin ordered the police to clean up everything in a week, or face court. He promised ordinary citizens, in particular officials, “severe punishment” and warned: he would report everything to His Majesty.
It was not just a sanitary order, but a manifestation of the strict but consistent administrative culture that Bakhtin tried to bring to the region. Not with patience for mess, not with love for “traditional” abuse, but with directness, which today sounds especially unusual. All the more so if we recall one more case — on April 22, 1812, when Kharkiv merchants and nobles presented Bakhtin with an official address with a cash gift — 10,000 rubles. The offer was made publicly, with the “highest permission”, so the governor could not refuse. And yet his intransigence to bribery was well known. Presumably, the gift was timed to the 55th birthday of the governor, who repeatedly refused secret gifts and supported openness in public administration.
Bakhtin was not only an official, but also a man of culture. He supported the opening of the Kharkiv University (now Karazin University) in every possible way, for which on June 30, 1809 he was awarded the diploma of an honorary member of the institution. In 1814, he became an external member of the Kharkiv Society of Sciences, and on May 2, 1817, he became an active member. His participation in the cultural life of the city was also manifested in the fact that in 1810 Bakhtin’s drama “Jealous” was staged in the Kharkiv theater. The governor directed the proceeds from the performance to help the poor nobleman N. F. Alfiorov, who studied architecture abroad and was unable to return to his homeland.
Birthday of the Queen of Great Britain
On April 21, 1926, Elizaveta Alexandra Maria Windsor was born – the future queen of Great Britain, who went down in history as the longest-reigning monarch of her country.
From 1952 until her death in 2022, Elizabeth II was not only the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, but also the head of 15 independent states of the Commonwealth of Nations. Among them are Australia, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Belize, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Bahamas, Solomon Islands, Barbados (until the republic is declared in 2021). In addition, she was the formal head of the Church of England, commander-in-chief of the armed forces and Lord of the Isle of Man.
At the age of 21, Elizabeth married Prince Philip, a Greek and Danish prince who happened to be a distant relative of the last Russian emperor, Nicholas II. Her father, King George VI, gave the prince the title of Duke of Edinburgh. Four children were born to the royal couple: Charles (Prince of Wales), Henry (Duke of York), Edward (Earl of Wessex) and Princess Anne.
The coronation of Elizabeth II took place on June 2, 1953 – a year after she ascended the throne after the death of her father. During her reign, 10 US presidents and 10 British prime ministers changed. The Queen made about 300 official visits to 130 countries. Over the years, the board has hosted more than a million people at official audiences and ceremonies.
She was given the most exotic gifts: jaguars, sloths, beavers, maple trees and even shrimp. She was the sole legal owner of all dolphins, porpoises and sturgeons in British territorial waters. During official dinners in Great Britain, a traditional toast was always made: “To the Queen’s health.”
Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022. Her death was reported to Prime Minister Liz Truss with the code phrase “London Bridge has fallen”. The Queen was buried in the family vault in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle alongside her father, mother and sister. She set an absolute record for age and length of stay on the British throne.
Queen Elizabeth II quotes to remember:
“Don’t take yourself too seriously. None of us has a monopoly on wisdom.”
“It was always easy to hate and destroy. It is much more difficult to create and preserve.”
“It is through the prism of history that we must look at the conflicts of today in order to give ourselves hope for tomorrow.”
“And when peace comes, remember that we, today’s children, must make tomorrow’s world a better and happier place.”
Her figure is the personification of stability, dedication, dignity and service. And although “London Bridge” has fallen, its memory remains a strong pillar of British history.
