On January 21, the world celebrates International Hug Day and International Children’s Day.
January 21, 81 BC. is considered one of the possible dates of birth of Lucius Cornelius Sulla, whose political methods and decisions often resemble contemporary events.
On January 21, 1903, the outstanding scientist and inventor Ihor Kurchatov was born – a man whose name gained world fame in the 20th century, and whose achievements opened new horizons for humanity.
On January 21, 1934, a decision was made to move the capital of the Ukrainian Republic from Kharkiv to Kyiv.
International Hug Day
This holiday reminds us of a simple, but at the same time incredibly important thing in the life of every person – the warmth of human communication. This holiday originated in 1986 in the USA, and later became popular all over the world. His idea is to hug friends, loved ones, and sometimes even strangers without any implication or formality. Hugs are not only a manifestation of friendliness, but also a way to improve mood and strengthen psychological health.
On this day, people strive to show each other that support and care are always nearby. It is believed that hugs can help overcome loneliness, strengthen relationships and even reduce stress levels. Scientists confirm that during hugs, the hormone oxytocin is released, which is responsible for feelings of trust, peace and satisfaction. So this gesture not only brings joy, but also has a positive effect on our body and soul.
Interesting facts
Psychologists claim that a person needs at least eight hugs a day to maintain emotional balance.
According to statistics, hugs can lower blood pressure and improve heart function.
There are hug cafes in Japan where visitors can get free hugs to relieve stress.
In 2010, Australia set a record for the longest hug lasting more than 24 hours.
International Children’s Day
This day is dedicated to active games of children with friends, it encourages the little ones to put down their gadgets and spend time in the fresh air, enjoying lively communication, active games and fun adventures. The event is designed to remind about the importance of physical activity and social interaction in children’s development.
Outdoor games and live communication contribute to the development of communication skills, creativity and creativity, the formation of trust and the ability to work in a team. In addition, such meetings help children master social roles, learn to resolve conflicts and build friendships.
The celebration of this day has not only an entertaining nature, but also an educational purpose aimed at popularizing a healthy lifestyle among children and reminding adults about the importance of creating conditions for a harmonious childhood.
Interesting facts
Research shows that active outdoor games promote motor development and improve coordination of movements.
Children who play in the company of peers have a higher level of empathy and the ability to better understand the emotions of others.
Scientists have found that active games reduce the level of anxiety and stress in children.
In many countries, open play spaces are organized on this day, where children can participate in various activities and competitions for free.
Historical events on this day
January 21 became the date of a number of important historical events that left a mark in world history.
1506 – by order of Pope Julius II, the Swiss Guard was created in the Vatican, which became an elite unit for the protection of the pontiff and serves this purpose to this day.
1542 – the English Parliament accused Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of King Henry VIII, of treason, which became part of the stormy history of the Tudor dynasty.
1793 – in Paris, French revolutionaries executed Louis XVI, ending the reign of the monarchy in France and opening the way to a new republican era.
1796 – Edward Jenner, an English physician, made a discovery that became a breakthrough in medicine: he invented a smallpox vaccine, starting the practice of immunization.
1911 – the first car rally took place in Monte Carlo, which later became a traditional part of the history of motor sports.
1919 – the revolutionary parliament proclaimed the independence of Ireland, which became a significant stage in the struggle for the country’s freedom.
1925 – Japan officially recognized the Soviet Union and withdrew its troops from the Russian Far East, ending one of the conflicts between these states.
1934 – the Kharkiv Turbogenerator Plant, which played an important role in the country’s industrial development, was put into operation in Ukraine.
1954 – the first submarine with a nuclear reactor, which received its name, was launched in the USA Nautilus. It was a breakthrough in naval technology. In 1959, the European Court of Human Rights was established, which became an important institution in the protection of citizens’ rights.
1976 – the supersonic Concorde made its first commercial flight from London to Bahrain, marking a new era in aviation.
1977 – in Italy, abortion was allowed for the first time, which was an important step in the field of women’s rights.
1978 – Ukrainian dissident Oleksa Hirnyk committed self-immolation near the grave of Taras Shevchenko as a protest against Russification.
2003 – a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 occurred in Mexico, killing 29 people and leaving thousands homeless.
2019 – a plane crashed in the English Channel Piper PA-46 Malibu, on board which was the Argentine football player Emiliano Sala.
2023 – a mass shooting occurred in Monterey Park (California, USA), which resulted in the death of 11 people.
January 21, 81 BC. is considered one of the possible dates of birth of Lucius Cornelius Sulla, an outstanding ancient Roman statesman, commander and dictator, whom contemporaries called “Felix” – “Happy”. Sulla was one of the most interesting and controversial figures in Roman history, and his political methods and decisions often resemble contemporary events.
He came from a noble family, whose ancestors held high positions in Rome, and his grandfather even had the title of dictator. However, Lucius started his career rather late, choosing the path of the military. Due to his bravery, cunning and strategic talent, he quickly became the favorite of the army. Sulla went down in history as the first Roman to take Rome by force—and he did it twice. His actions paved the way for the future era of emperors.
Sulla introduced proscriptions – lists of persons declared outlaws, which mainly consisted of political opponents and representatives of the nobility participating in the struggle for power. These lists became a symbol of terror: those whose names appeared on them were sentenced to death, and their property was confiscated. Those who hid such people were also sentenced to death. A reward of two talents was promised for every scribe killed, even if it was a brother, son, or slave who killed his master. Proscriptions instilled fear in Roman society, but Sulla succeeded in bringing “order and stability” to the state.
The most surprising thing is that after implementing his program of reforms, Sulla suddenly renounced power and declared himself a simple citizen of Rome. He was left unguarded, attended public meetings, and even offered to account for his actions, but no senator dared to ask him questions.
Sulla’s death was painful: he died of a serious illness. His legionnaires, who deeply respected the commander, carried the body across the country and buried it with royal honors, burning it on a huge funeral pyre. The inscription on his tombstone was composed by Sulla himself: “Here lies a man who, more than any other mortal, has done good to his friends and evil to his enemies.” Roman women mourned Sulla for a whole year.
Cicero, commenting on Sulla, mentioned the famous phrase: “Sulla is half lion and half fox, and the fox in him is much more dangerous than the lion.”
Sulla was one of the greatest generals of antiquity who never lost. He won about thirty victories, captured dozens of cities and conducted a number of brilliant military campaigns. His words remain relevant even today:
“If you are led by providence, follow it. If not, grab him by the hair and lead him yourself.”
January 21, 1903 the outstanding scientist and inventor Ihor Vasiliovych Kurchatov was born – a man whose name gained world fame in the 20th century, and whose achievements opened new horizons for humanity. His contribution to the development of science and technology became the basis for numerous breakthroughs in nuclear physics and energy.
Among the most significant achievements of Igor Kurchatov are a number of breakthrough events that left a significant mark in the history of science and technology. In 1937, the first cyclotron in Europe was created, which marked the beginning of the development of modern nuclear physics on the continent. In 1946, the first nuclear reactor in Europe was launched, which laid the foundation for nuclear energy. Already in 1949, the first Soviet atomic bomb was developed, and in 1953, the world’s first hydrogen bomb was tested, which demonstrated a new level of military-technical capabilities.
The year 1954 became an important milestone for the energy industry: the world’s first nuclear power plant was put into operation. In the period from 1954 to 1961, the development of the most powerful explosive device was completed – “Tsar-bomb”, which was launched after the death of Kurchatov. In 1958, the scientist managed to create the first nuclear reactor for submarines and icebreakers, which became a revolutionary breakthrough in shipbuilding. All these achievements of Kurchatov turned him into one of the key figures in the development of nuclear technologies, which had both peaceful and defensive significance.
In addition, with the participation of Kurchatov, nuclear research centers were founded in Tashkent, Tbilisi, Kyiv, Alma-Ata, Minsk and Riga. He also worked in Kharkiv, where he participated in the design and construction of high-voltage installations at the Kharkiv Physical and Technical Institute.
Igor Kurchatov always supported the idea of peaceful use of atomic energy, stressing: “The atom must be a worker, not a soldier.”
For his exceptional services, he was awarded the title of Hero of Socialist Labor three times, was a laureate of the Lenin and State Prizes, and was awarded numerous state awards, including orders and medals for his contribution to the defense of the Motherland during the Great Patriotic War.
His wise words remain relevant even today: “Do only the most important things in work and life. Otherwise, the secondary, although unnecessary, will easily fill your life, take all your strength, and you will not get to the main thing. Explore what will lead you to your goal.”
January 21, 1934 At the 12th Congress of the Communist Party of Ukraine, a decision was made to move the capital of the Ukrainian SSR from Kharkiv to Kyiv. The main motivation for this step was that Kyiv was considered the geographical center of the republic, one of the oldest and most important cities, and that the change in the status of the capital had significant economic, political and international significance.
The ceremonial move of the higher authorities to Kyiv took place on June 24, 1934. The final consolidation of the new status of the capital took place in January 1935 during the Thirteenth All-Ukrainian Congress of Soviets, where the following amendments were made to Article 82 of the Constitution: “The capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic is the city of Kyiv.”
However, despite the change of the capital, Kharkiv remained in memory as the “First Capital” of Ukraine. This title is a reminder of the city’s role in history, although it is rarely mentioned today.
