On January 19, World Snow Day, World Religion Day, and Good Remembrance Day are celebrated. Also on this day, the faithful celebrate Epiphany or Baptism of the Lord according to the Gregorian calendar – one of the biggest Christian holidays.
On January 19, 2022, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressed the citizens with a video message, in which he called for calm amid the growing tension related to the possibility of an attack by Russia. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of avoiding panic and the spread of destructive rumours.
World Snow Day
This holiday is designed to draw attention to the beauty of winter nature, encourage people to active recreation in the fresh air, and spread knowledge about snow as a natural phenomenon. This day is celebrated on the initiative of the International Ski Federation (FIS) and aims to popularize winter sports among children and young people, as well as to raise awareness of the impact of climate change on winter.
Snow is not only an aesthetic decoration of winter, but also an important component of the ecosystem. Its formation begins with tiny ice crystals that merge into snowflakes. Each snowflake is unique in its shape due to the complex physical processes that occur during its formation. Scientists have long noticed that all snowflakes have six rays, because the structure of ice is based on the molecular symmetry of water.
Interesting facts
In fact, snow is not white. Its white appearance is due to the fact that the snowflakes reflect all the light that falls on them. In the mountains or under different lighting, it can look blue or even pink.
Soft snow perfectly absorbs sound, creating a sense of silence in a snowy forest or city.
Snow has low thermal conductivity, so animals can use snow shelters to keep warm. Even people have long built igloos to survive in cold conditions.
Recorded in Montana (USA) in 1887. Its diameter was almost 38 centimeters.
Snow also falls on Mars, but it does not consist of water ice, but of frozen carbon dioxide – “dry ice”.
World Religion Day
This day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday of January. This special holiday was founded in 1950 by Baha’ism, one of the world’s youngest religions, to promote harmony and understanding between different faiths. The main idea of the day is to show the unity of all religions in the pursuit of universal values such as love, peace, compassion and mutual respect.
The holiday is designed to remind people that despite the differences in religious traditions, they all have a common goal – spiritual improvement and the creation of a better world. The celebration promotes dialogue between religious communities, reducing prejudices and overcoming religious conflicts.
On this day, conferences, seminars, interreligious prayers, cultural events and charity events are held in different countries of the world. People come together to discuss important issues of spirituality, interfaith cooperation, and the role of faith in today’s challenges.
Interesting facts
There are more than 4,000 different religions on the planet, from the most common — Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism — to local and tribal beliefs.
Most religions have similar ethical principles: do not kill, do not steal, honor your neighbor. This testifies to the universal values of humanity.
Hinduism is considered one of the oldest religions in the world, its roots go back more than 4000 years.
Bahá’íism, which originated in 19th century Iran, seeks to unite all peoples and religions.
In the modern world, the practice of interreligious meetings, where people of different faiths pray together for peace, is becoming more and more widespread.
Good memory day
This is a special day dedicated to honoring bright memories and preserving important moments that fill our lives with warmth. Although this holiday does not have an official status, its idea resonates in many hearts. The main purpose of this day is to remember good deeds, people who made our lives better, and events that left a mark on our souls.
Remembrance Day reminds us of the importance of appreciating the good things in our past and keeping those moments as a source of strength and inspiration. This holiday has a therapeutic role: memories of pleasant events help maintain emotional balance, heal from losses, and maintain connection with those we love.
On this day, people often arrange family gatherings, tell stories, look at old photos, or even create special memorable corners in the house. Such actions help not only to maintain a connection with the past, but also to form the basis for new pleasant memories.
Interesting facts
Research shows that our brains tend to remember positive moments better than negative ones because it helps us maintain emotional balance.
It is known that sounds or smells can trigger memories even years later because they are strongly associated with emotions.
Positive thoughts and memories help reduce stress and improve well-being.
Keeping a journal helps you structure your thoughts and make your memories clearer and more vivid.
People who often share stories from the past tend to have stronger relationships with loved ones.
Baptism of water or Baptism of the Lord
This is one of the biggest Christian holidays, which is celebrated on January 19 according to the Gregorian calendar. On this day, believers in Ukraine and in many countries of the world remember the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, which, according to biblical tradition, was performed by John the Baptist. This holiday symbolizes purification, spiritual renewal and sanctification of water, which is considered the source of life.
The main rite of Epiphany is the consecration of water in temples or open water bodies. It is believed that the consecrated water acquires healing properties and is able to heal from diseases, protect the home and family from troubles. On this day, people often immerse themselves in ice water, which symbolizes the purification of the soul and body. For many, this is not only a spiritual act, but also a manifestation of willpower and endurance.
In Ukraine, Epiphany is accompanied by many rituals. Solemn services are held in temples, after which priests consecrate water in rivers, lakes or specially prepared troughs, which often have the shape of a cross. People collect holy water at home, keeping it throughout the year as a spiritual shrine.
Interesting facts
The custom of diving into holy water is widespread not only in Ukraine, but also in Russia, Belarus, Greece and other countries. It is believed to help cleanse oneself of sins and strengthen the spirit.
Believers believe that water consecrated on Epiphany can remain clean and transparent for many years.
In many villages and cities, the ancient tradition of organizing ceremonial processions to water bodies, accompanied by prayers and chants, is preserved.
In some regions of Ukraine, priests visit the homes of parishioners with baptismal water, consecrating the home and wishing the family a blessing.
Although this holiday has a Christian character, ancient divination rites are often found in the folk tradition, especially among young people who want to know about the future.
Historical events on this day
1825 – In the USA, the first can for food storage was patented, which became a revolution in the food industry.
1903 – It was announced that the first cycling race “Tour de France” will be held, which has become the most prestigious cycling competition.
1906 – The first issue of the first Ukrainian satirical magazine “Shershen” was published.
1907 – Film reviews appeared for the first time in “Variety” magazine, starting a new direction in film criticism.
1938 – The American company “General Motors” was the first in the world to start serial production of diesel engines.
1946 – The Union of Ukrainians in Great Britain was founded, which became an important association of the Ukrainian diaspora.
1955 – The first ever televised press conference was held in the USA.
1963 – The Beatles performed on television for the first time, which marked the beginning of their legendary popularity.
1966 – Indira Gandhi became the third Prime Minister of India, leaving a significant impact on the country’s political history.
1978 – The last Volkswagen Beetle was produced in Germany, although its production in Mexico continued until 2003.
2012 – The US Federal Bureau of Investigation closed the popular site Megaupload, which caused a wide resonance in the world of digital technologies.
2014 – Armed confrontations against Yanukovych’s regime, known as “Vognekhreshcha”, began in Kyiv on Hrushevsky Street. Barricades on fire became a symbol of the struggle for freedom.
2017 – The National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine was officially registered in Ukraine, which marked the creation of Public Broadcasting.
January 19, 2022 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi turned to to the citizens with a video message in which he called for calm amid the growing tension associated with the possibility of an attack by Russia.
In his speech, he emphasized the importance of avoiding panic and the spread of destructive rumours. This address became one of the key statements of the authorities on the eve of the full-scale invasion of Russia, which took place on February 24, 2022.
“And what, exactly, is the news? Hasn’t this been a reality for 8 years already? Didn’t the invasion begin in 2014? Did the threat of a large-scale war appear only now? These risks have existed for more than a day. And they have not gotten bigger. The hype has gotten bigger around them. And now they are actively attacking your nerves. So that you have a constant feeling of anxiety.
All our citizens, especially the elderly, need to understand this. Exhale calm down Do not run after buckwheat and matches.
What should you do? Only one thing. To keep calm, a cool head, confidence in one’s forces, in one’s armies, in our Ukraine.
Do not screw yourself up, react to everything wisely, not emotionally!
Do not worry and constantly think “What will happen tomorrow, what will happen in the future.” And to know. I will tell
On January 22, we will celebrate the Day of the Assembly of Ukraine.
We will open the Zaporozhye Bridge. In a year, we will build the largest highway in Ukraine from Uzhhorod to Luhansk.
We will build roads, bridges, schools, stadiums, wagons, planes and tanks.
We vaccinate the vast majority of the population.
In April – we will celebrate Easter.
In May, as always, there is sun, weekends, barbecues, and, of course, Victory Day. And then summer. We will take the final exams, enter universities, plan vacations, dig gardens, get married and go to weddings. And then autumn. Where I hope – we will cheer for our national team at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. And then winter.
And we will prepare for the New Year holidays. As always, on December 31, the whole family will gather at the table. And I’m sure that in my New Year’s address I will say: “Dear Ukrainians! Well, did I say? We are well done!
We didn’t panic. They did not give in to provocations. We were calm, strong and welcome the next New Year. No panic. Without fear. I hope – without viruses. And I sincerely believe – without war. Glory to Ukraine!”, – emphasized Zelensky.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSMMlF9vptg
