December 22 is celebrated in Ukraine as the Day of Diplomatic Service Employees and Energy Day, and in the world – the Day of the Short Person.
Day of employees of the diplomatic service of Ukraine
This professional holiday is established to honor the role of Ukrainian diplomats in ensuring international relations, protecting national interests and increasing the authority of Ukraine on the world stage.
The date was chosen because it was on this day in 1917 that the General Secretariat of International Affairs was established – the first foreign policy body of Ukraine. This step marked the beginning of the formation of Ukrainian diplomacy, which today plays a key role in ensuring political, economic and cultural cooperation with other states. The Day of Diplomatic Service Employees was officially approved in 2005 by a decree of the President of Ukraine.
Diplomats represent Ukraine in the international arena, participate in solving global issues, protect the rights of citizens abroad and promote the development of friendly relations with partners. They also actively work on concluding international agreements, organizing official visits and maintaining relations with Ukrainian communities abroad.
Interesting facts
Today, Ukraine has more than 100 diplomatic missions around the world, including embassies, consulates and representative offices at international organizations.
The diplomatic service has deep historical roots, because Ukrainian diplomacy existed back in the days of Kyivan Rus and the Cossack state.
Ukrainian diplomats actively work in various fields, in particular within the UN, EU, NATO and other international organizations, promoting the country’s interests.
The work of a diplomat requires not only professional knowledge, but also a high level of communication skills, the ability to negotiate and find compromises.
One of the key tasks of diplomats is to help Ukrainians abroad, especially in crisis situations, such as evacuations during conflicts or natural disasters.
Ukrainian diplomatic missions actively popularize national culture, language and traditions through holding international exhibitions, festivals and cultural events.
Energy Day in Ukraine
On December 22, Ukraine annually celebrates Energy Day – a professional holiday for energy industry workers. This date was not chosen by chance: it coincides with the winter solstice, which symbolizes the shortest day of the year, but at the same time – the beginning of the increase in daylight hours. This holiday is a sign of respect for those who provide the country with electricity, heat and light, playing an important role in the life of every citizen and the functioning of the economy.
Energy Day is not only a holiday of industry specialists, but also an opportunity to emphasize the importance of energy independence and sustainable development of Ukraine. Energy is one of the key areas on which stability and comfort in society depend. In modern conditions, the development of renewable energy sources, the modernization of power grids, and the introduction of innovative technologies are becoming important tasks for the country’s energy engineers.
Interesting facts
Energy Day was officially established in 1966. After the independence of Ukraine, it was continued to be celebrated, preserving the tradition.
Nuclear, thermal, hydroelectric and solar power plants operate in Ukraine, which provide electricity to the entire country.
Ukraine is one of the largest producers of electricity in Europe. Nuclear power plants, in particular Zaporizhzhya NPP, are key in electricity production.
The work of power engineers often involves extreme conditions, including the restoration of networks during accidents or bad weather.
Over the last decade, solar and wind power plants have been actively developing in Ukraine, which is an important step in the direction of energy independence.
One of the symbols of the work of energy workers is a light bulb, which represents light, warmth and progress.
Short person’s day
This is an unofficial but extremely warm holiday dedicated to short people. This day is designed to emphasize the uniqueness of each individual, regardless of their physical characteristics. He reminds us that height is only one of many characteristics of a person that does not determine his talents, achievements or value in society.
The holiday also contributes to raising the self-esteem of short people and creating a positive attitude towards their body. On this day, it is customary to express support and respect, as well as to approach the topic of growth with humor, turning it into an occasion for joy and fun.
Interesting facts
This day falls on one of the shortest days of the year – the winter solstice, which perfectly matches the theme of the holiday.
Short people often have faster metabolisms, live longer (according to some studies), and find more space in crowded traffic or other confined spaces.
Short stature is not an obstacle to achievement. History knows many examples of outstanding people of short stature, including Napoleon Bonaparte (167 cm), Charlie Chaplin (165 cm) and Lionel Messi (170 cm).
On this day, short people often exchange jokes about height, emphasizing their positive attitude towards this feature.
Short Person Day helps create a more accepting environment where everyone feels comfortable, regardless of their physical characteristics.
In different countries, ideas about “short stature” vary. For example, in the US, women are considered to be under 160 cm tall, and men up to 170 cm tall, while in Japan these standards may be higher.
On this day, hashtags like #NationalShortPersonDay are popular where people share their stories, photos and positive experiences.
Historical events on this day
1917 year – The head of the government of the Ukrainian People’s Republic, Volodymyr Vynnychenko, signed an order on the establishment of the General Secretariat for International Affairs. It was the first body of foreign policy activity of independent Ukraine. It was headed by Oleksandr Shulgin, one of the most active figures of the Ukrainian national movement. The General Secretariat was engaged in establishing international relations, concluding diplomatic agreements and representing the interests of the Ukrainian People’s Republic abroad.
1917 year – The Small Council of the Ukrainian People’s Republic adopted important laws on the creation of the Main Treasury and the State Bank of Ukraine. These institutions became the basis for the organization of the financial system of the young Ukrainian state. The main treasury was responsible for recording income and expenses, and the State Bank began to function as a credit and financial institution that contributed to economic stability.
1917 year – In Kharkov, there was an uprising against the Ukrainian People’s Republic, which was organized by the Bolsheviks. As a result, they proclaimed the establishment of Soviet power in these territories and convened the III emergency congress of the councils of the puppet Donetsk-Kryvorizka Republic. This became part of the Bolsheviks’ plan to extend control over Ukrainian lands.
1917 year – The US Congress decided to introduce a “dry law”. This law prohibited the production, sale and transportation of alcoholic beverages. It entered into force in 1920 and operated until 1933. The “Dry Law” was intended to reduce the level of alcoholism, but at the same time it promoted the development of illegal business, in particular bootlegging.
1918 year – In Kyiv, the commander of the Siege Corps of Sich riflemen, Yevhen Konovalets, issued an order banning anti-state agitation. This document was aimed at combating propaganda that undermined the stability of the Ukrainian state and strengthening discipline in the Ukrainian army.
1938 year – Off the coast of South Africa, the first Latimeria was caught – the oldest of modern fish, which was considered extinct millions of years ago. This discovery became a real sensation for science, because Latimeria is a “living fossil” that has a unique body structure and represents an intermediate stage of evolution between fish and amphibians.
1941 year – British Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrived in Washington for talks with US President Franklin Roosevelt. The result of these negotiations was the agreement of the Anglo-American strategy in the Second World War and the creation of the “United Nations” alliance, which united the countries of the anti-Hitler coalition.
1947 year – The Constituent Assembly of Italy adopted the first republican constitution, which entered into force on January 1, 1948. This document laid the foundations for the democratic development of Italy after the fall of the fascist regime.
1971 year – The UN General Assembly decided to appoint Austrian diplomat Kurt Waldheim as UN Secretary General. Waldheim served two terms and actively worked to reduce tensions during the Cold War.
1972 year – In the city of Bila Tserkva, the first products were produced at the tire and rubber products factory. This event became an important milestone in the development of the region’s industry.
1988 year – The Republic of South Africa signed an agreement with the United Nations, which provided for the independence of Namibia. Namibia became the last colony in Africa to gain independence.
1989 year – In Romania, the people’s revolution won, which put an end to the totalitarian regime of Nicolae Ceausescu. The National Salvation Front came to power, and Romania began the path to democracy.
1989 year – In Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate was opened for the free passage of citizens after the construction of the “Berlin Wall”. It became a symbol of the reunification of West and East Germany.
1993 year – The Parliament of South Africa adopted a temporary constitution, which laid the foundation for overcoming apartheid and creating a new democratic system.
1999 year – Viktor Yushchenko, the former head of the National Bank of Ukraine, was approved as prime minister. His work as prime minister became an important stage in the implementation of economic reforms in Ukraine.
