On February 14, the world celebrates International Book Giving Day, World Sound Healing Day, International Winter Bike to Work Day, World Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Day, Valentine’s Day and International Loneliness Day.
This day was also remembered in history as the date of important political, scientific and social events that influenced world development.
International Book Donation Day
This holiday was born in 2012 in the USA thanks to the initiative of Emma Broadmoor, who sought to encourage children and adults to share books with others. The idea is simple: giving a book as a gift means giving knowledge, inspiration and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of fantasy. On this day, people all over the world donate books to their friends, children, libraries or those who have limited access to literature. This initiative is especially important for low-income families, orphanages and school libraries, where books become a real window into new worlds.
Thanks to the support of writers, publishers and volunteers, this tradition has spread to many countries. Schools, libraries, bookstores and cultural institutions actively participate, organizing charity events, bookcrossing and other initiatives that contribute to the popularization of reading.
This day reminds of the importance of books in the life of every person, because reading itself develops imagination, thinking and shapes the worldview. Therefore, February 14 is a great opportunity not only to express your love for the book, but also to share it with others!
Interesting facts
The founder of the holiday, Emmy Broadmoor, was inspired by her son’s question: “Why isn’t there a day when people give books to each other?”.
One popular way to celebrate is bookcrossing – leaving a book in a public place for someone else to find and read.
Anyone can take part in the celebration: it is worth just giving a book to a friend, neighbor, school or library.
This day is celebrated in more than 40 countries of the world, including Great Britain, Canada, Australia, India and many European countries.
Some famous writers support the initiative, urging people not only to read, but also to share books.
World Sound Healing Day
This holiday unites people in the pursuit of harmony, health and inner balance through the power of sound. It was started thanks to the research of the American musician, researcher and therapist Jonathan Goldman. He proved that sound vibrations can have a positive effect on a person’s emotional and physical state. His initiative aims to unite people around the world in a single meditative practice of sound healing.
On this day, practitioners of sound therapy, musicians, healers and just sound lovers conduct meditations, singing practices, playing Tibetan singing bowls, gongs and other instruments that create special vibrations. It is believed that certain frequencies can have a positive effect on the body, relieve stress, improve heart function and even harmonize the environment.
The main tradition of this day is the collective creation of harmonious sound vibrations, which contribute to the health of not only an individual person, but also the planet as a whole. In different countries, musical events, concerts and open master classes are held, which help people to feel the power of sound influence.
This day reminds us of the importance of sound in our lives, because it can not only entertain, but also heal, change mood and even improve well-being.
Interesting facts
The main practice of the day is to create the sound “AH” with the intention of healing for the whole world. This vibration is believed to have a powerful harmonizing effect.
Sound therapy has existed since ancient times – even in ancient Egyptian temples, chanting was used for spiritual cleansing.
Musical instruments for healing include Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, bells, crystal bowls, flutes and even the human voice.
Scientific studies confirm that certain frequencies help reduce stress levels, improve circulation, and even promote wound healing.
This day is celebrated in different countries of the world, uniting people in a global sound meditation for peace and harmony.
International Winter Day “Bike to Work”
This holiday popularizes cycling even in the cold season. It was started by cycling and eco-transport enthusiasts who want to prove that cycling is not only a summer means of transport, but also a great way to maintain an active lifestyle in winter. The main goal is to encourage people not to be afraid of the cold and to continue to use the bike for their daily commute, helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and free cities from cars.
On this day, cyclists from different countries join the flash mob, sharing their routes, photos and impressions on social networks. In many cities, thematic events are organized: joint races, warming stations with hot drinks for cyclists, competitions and educational lectures about winter cycling equipment.
This day shows that the cold is not an obstacle for active and ecological transport, if properly prepared. Cycling in winter is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity to maintain physical fitness, reduce stress levels and contribute to the improvement of the city’s ecology.
Interesting facts
This initiative is supported in many countries, in particular in Canada, Finland, the Netherlands, the USA and Sweden, where bicycle transport is especially popular in winter.
The flash mob of this day involves registration on the official website of the event, where every cyclist can mark his city on the map and become part of the global movement.
The Nordic countries are actively developing winter cycling culture: in Finland, about 12% of people regularly ride a bicycle even in winter.
The most adapted cities for winter cycling are Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Montreal, where bike paths are cleared of snow as carefully as highways.
Winter cycling gear is key: studded tires, thermal clothing and reflective elements help make winter rides comfortable and safe.
Cycling in winter helps to save time and money, because in traffic jams, transport uses more fuel, and the costs of gasoline and public transport increase.
World Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Day
This day draws attention to heart diseases that children are born with. Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common developmental defects diagnosed in newborns. They can range from minor abnormalities that do not require intervention to complex conditions that require surgical treatment. On this day, medical institutions, charities and activists around the world spread knowledge about the causes, diagnosis and treatment options for BVS.
The main goal of this date is to increase public awareness of the importance of early detection of the disease and the need to support patients and their families. Many children with congenital heart defects require complex operations, long-term treatment and regular medical monitoring.
On this day, thematic events are organized: charity events, lectures for parents and doctors, information campaigns in social networks. The symbol of support is a red heart, representing struggle, hope and care for those living with this pathology.
This date reminds of the importance of prevention, availability of quality medical care and support for families facing this problem.
Interesting facts
Every year, more than 1 million children worldwide are born with congenital heart defects, making them the most common congenital disease.
Modern medicine makes it possible to successfully treat most VVS, and more than 85% of children with serious disabilities survive to adulthood.
The reasons for the development of BVS can be different, including genetic factors, exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy, viral infections in the mother, and other factors.
Most congenital heart defects can be diagnosed before birth thanks to modern ultrasound methods and fetal cardiology examinations.
Public support and research funding help develop new treatments and improve the quality of life for patients.
Different countries are holding “Wear Red” campaigns to show solidarity with those living with BBC and to draw attention to the importance of early diagnosis.
Valentine’s Day
This holiday symbolizes love, tenderness and romantic feelings. February 14 is one of the most popular dates when people express their feelings, give gifts, flowers, Valentine cards and spend time with loved ones.
The history of the holiday dates back to the times of the Roman Empire. According to legend, Saint Valentine was a priest who secretly married lovers when Emperor Claudius II banned marriages for young soldiers. For this he was executed on February 14, 269. Later, he was declared the patron saint of lovers, and the day of his death turned into a holiday of love.
In the modern world, this day is celebrated in different forms: someone confesses their love, someone makes a proposal of hand and heart, and for someone it is just an excuse to spend time with dear people. In many countries, it has become a tradition to exchange valentines, romantic gifts, flowers, especially red roses, which symbolize love.
This holiday reminds us that love is different – romantic, friendly, family, and it should be appreciated not only one day a year, but every day.
Interesting facts
The first valentines appeared as early as the 15th century, when Duke Charles of Orleans wrote a love letter to his wife from prison.
The most popular gift on this day is chocolate, because it is believed that it improves mood and causes feelings of happiness.
Red roses became a symbol of the holiday, because according to legend, these flowers were the most loved by the goddess of love, Aphrodite.
In Japan, the tradition is slightly different – on February 14, women give chocolate to men, and in return they receive gifts on March 14, on “White Day”.
The most valentines in the world are not received by a couple in love, but by teachers, because students often give them cards to express their gratitude.
February 14 is a popular date for weddings and engagements, because many lovers want to make this day even more special.
International Loneliness Day
On February 14, when the world celebrates Valentine’s Day, there is another special event – International Loneliness Day. This holiday became a kind of alternative to the traditional Valentine’s Day, promoting the idea that happiness does not depend on romantic relationships, and loneliness can be a conscious and harmonious choice.
The initiator of this day is the American writer and journalist Sasha Kagan, who in 2003 popularized the concept of “quirkyalone” – people who value solitude, independence and do not agree to a relationship just to “be with someone”. Instead of mourning the loss of a partner, this day suggests celebrating personal freedom, uniqueness and self-love.
International Singles Day is not about isolation or despair, but about being able to enjoy life regardless of your relationship status. It is celebrated with parties for friends, independent trips, creative activities or just pleasant moments alone. In many cities, events dedicated to self-development, meditation, art and the search for harmony are held.
This day reminds us that self-love is as important as any other feelings, and a harmonious life is possible without necessarily having a romantic relationship.
Interesting facts
The holiday is not anti-romantic, it does not deny love, but only emphasizes that personal happiness should not depend on the presence of a couple.
On this day, people arrange “dates with themselves” – visit cafes, theaters, galleries or simply spend time as they like.
In some cities, creative activities are held where people can try new hobbies, write a letter to their future self or draw a picture about their uniqueness.
This holiday is popular not only among single people, but also among those who are in a relationship, but strive to maintain independence and self-sufficiency.
The hashtag #quirkyalone has been trending on social media every year, with people sharing their ways to celebrate the day without romantic clichés.
Historical events on this day
842 year a significant event for the history of European languages took place. On this day, Louis II of Germany and Charles II the Bald took the Strasbourg Oaths, which were written in the Romance (Old French) language. This moment is considered the symbolic birthday of the French language.
1014 year Pope Benedict VIII officially recognized Saint Henry II as Holy Roman Emperor, cementing his power and influence in Europe.
1556 year Akbar the Great, one of India’s greatest rulers, was crowned Padishah of the Mughal Empire. His reign was marked by a significant expansion of territories and reforms in state administration.
1663 year France officially declared Canada a royal province, strengthening French influence in North America.
1779 famous British navigator and explorer James Cook tragically died during a clash with the native population of the Hawaiian Islands. His expeditions played an important role in the exploration of the Pacific Ocean.
1797 in the Battle of Cape St. Vincent, the British squadron won a victory over the Spanish fleet, which was of strategic importance for the control of Gibraltar. For this success, the British admiral Horatio Nelson received the rank of rear admiral.
1849 year US President James Knox Polk became the first sitting American head of state to be photographed. This moment marked the beginning of the era of the use of photography in political life.
1859 Oregon officially joined the United States, becoming the 33rd state.
1876 American inventor Alexander Bell filed a patent application for the telephone, which became one of the most important technical breakthroughs of the 19th century.
1912 year Another state – Arizona – became part of the USA, becoming the 48th American state.
1919 the Polish-Soviet war began, which became an important stage in the struggle for territories between the newly created Second Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Bolshevik Russia.
1933 year In Paris, the world’s first automatic real-time telephone service was launched, which became an important achievement in the field of telecommunications.
2005 year Lebanon was shaken by a powerful terrorist attack: former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was killed. His death had a significant political resonance, sparking mass protests and international pressure on Syria, which was accused of complicity in the murder.
2005 year YouTube video hosting was created, which later became one of the largest platforms for sharing video content in the world.
of 2017 17 people were killed in a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. This tragedy caused a powerful wave of protests in the United States to strengthen the control of firearms.
