January 22 is celebrated the Day of the Assembly of Ukraine, as well as the Day of Celebration of Life.
Day of the National Assembly of Ukraine
This is an important national holiday that symbolizes the unity and indivisibility of Ukrainian lands and is an important reminder of the common history, struggle and desire for freedom. This date was chosen in honor of the historic Act of Unification, which was promulgated in 1919. Then the Ukrainian People’s Republic (UNR) and the Western Ukrainian People’s Republic (ZUNR) united into a single state, demonstrating the unity of the Ukrainian people.
The Act of Unification became a landmark event for the national movement, although the practical unification could not be fully realized at the time due to the difficult political situation. Despite this, the idea of sobrality remained an important reference point for Ukrainians in the struggle for independence.
In modern Ukraine, Sobornosty Day is celebrated as a day of national unity. Traditionally, solemn events, flower-laying ceremonies at monuments to prominent figures who fought for freedom, and living chains of unity take place on this day. These symbolic actions are reminiscent of the events of 1990, when hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians joined hands and formed a “living chain” from Kyiv to Lviv.
Interesting facts
The idea of the Act of Zluka was announced back in December 1918, when representatives of the UNR and ZUNR signed a preliminary unification agreement.
On January 21, 1990, one of the largest actions in the history of Ukraine took place – the “living chain”, in which about three million people took part.
The holiday was officially restored in 1999 by the Decree of the President of Ukraine, although in Soviet times such events were hushed up.
Flash mobs are held in many cities of Ukraine on this day, where people dress up in national costumes, raise state flags and form symbolic chains.
Day of celebration of Life
This symbolic day is dedicated to honoring the very phenomenon of life in all its manifestations. Its purpose is a reminder of the value of every moment, the importance of harmony with nature, as well as the need for a conscious attitude towards oneself and the surrounding world. Such a day encourages people to pay attention to their own existence, to give thanks for the opportunity to live, love, create and share happiness with others.
On this day, people traditionally spend time with loved ones, do their favorite things, or practice meditation and awareness of the present moment. Many prefer walks in nature as a symbol of life, which is always continuing and renewing itself.
Each person is unique, his presence on earth is an important part of the great mosaic of existence. Celebration of Life Day reminds us that each of us has a unique role to play in contributing to the common good of humanity. Awareness of this fact encourages us to value ourselves and others, cultivating respect for diversity.
Another important aspect of this day is recognizing the beauty of the world around us. Life manifests itself in everything — from the blossoming of nature to deep human emotions. This day inspires gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful world and teaches us to notice and appreciate even its smallest details.
Harmony and mutual understanding is another important component of the Day of Celebration of Life. In today’s world, where there are so many challenges and contradictions, this day reminds us of the importance of kindness, mutual respect and compassion. He calls for building a life based on peace, tolerance and love for others.
Interesting facts
Life arose about 3.5–4 billion years ago. The first organisms were microscopic and existed in the form of unicellular bacteria.
Each person’s genetic code is 99.9% identical to others, but it is the remaining 0.1% that makes each of us unique.
The heart works constantly, in an average adult it beats about 100 thousand times a day, pumping about 7.5 thousand liters of blood.
Although the brain makes up only 2% of the body’s weight, it consumes about 20% of the body’s energy.
Most of the cells in the human body are replaced by new ones: for example, skin cells are renewed every 27 days.
The total length of human blood vessels is about 100 thousand kilometers.
Although scientists are looking for signs of life beyond our planet, so far the Earth is a unique home for millions of species of living creatures.
The human body is tuned to day and night rhythms governed by circadian clocks linked to light.
In one second, more than 37 trillion chemical reactions take place in the human body.
Historical events on this day
1506 year – The first Swiss Guards arrived in Rome to become Pope Julius II’s bodyguards. This tradition has survived to this day: the Swiss Guard is the oldest army in the world that is still active.
1648 year – The beginning of the Khmelnytskyi – People’s Liberation War led by Bohdan Khmelnytskyi, which became a key event in the history of the Ukrainian people.
1861 year – French traveler Henri Mouot discovered the majestic Angkor Wat temple complex in the jungles of Cambodia, which is now one of the largest religious monuments in the world.
1863 year – In Poland, Lithuania and Belarus, the January Uprising broke out against the rule of the Russian Empire. It became a symbol of the struggle for national independence.
1905 year – “Bloody Sunday” happened in St. Petersburg. The mass shooting of a peaceful demonstration of workers demanding reforms was a turning point in the revolutionary movement in Russia.
1918 year – The Ukrainian Central Rada announced the IV Universal, by which the Ukrainian People’s Republic became an independent state. This was an important step towards establishing the sovereignty of Ukraine.
1919 year – The Act of Unification of the UNR and ZUNR was promulgated. The Western Ukrainian People’s Republic became the Western Regions of the Ukrainian People’s Republic, symbolizing the unification of Ukrainian lands.
1942 year – The first train with workers recruited to work in Germany left Kyiv. Subsequently, these deportations became forced, and thousands of Ukrainians became ostarbeiters.
1963 year – The Franco-German Treaty of Friendship (Elysée Treaty) was signed in Paris, which became the basis for reconciliation and cooperation between France and Germany after the Second World War.
1969 year – Soldier Viktor Ilyin made an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU Leonid Brezhnev, accidentally firing at a car with cosmonauts.
1970 year – The first regular flight of the passenger plane “Boeing 747” took place. The flight lasted 6.5 hours and marked the beginning of a new era in air transportation.
1987 year – American presenter Phil Donaghue hosted the first television talk show in the USSR, paving the way for a more open dialogue between the two countries.
1992 year – The Philippines officially recognized the independence of Ukraine. On the same day, the First World Congress of Ukrainians took place, uniting the diaspora in the struggle for Ukrainian national interests.
2006 year – In Bolivia, Evo Morales, the first representative of the indigenous population (Aymara), who headed the state, took the presidential oath.
2010 year – President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko signed the Decree awarding Stepan Bandera the title of Hero of Ukraine.
2014 year – This day became a tragic page of the Revolution of Dignity. The first protesters were killed on the Maidan in Kyiv, which became the point of no return in the struggle for the rights and freedoms of Ukrainians.
Swiss Guard: symbol of devotion and protection of the Vatican
On January 22, 1506, Pope Julius II, one of the most militaristic pontiffs in history, blessed the first 150 Swiss soldiers who arrived in Rome, led by Captain Caspar von Zillenen. This event marked the beginning of the history of the oldest active army in the world – the Swiss Guard, which is still the hallmark of the Vatican. The official name of this elite unit is the Infantry Cohort of the Swiss of the Holy Guard of the Pope.
At the beginning of the 16th century, Swiss mercenaries were considered the best soldiers in Europe. They were valued for bravery, courage and, most importantly, for absolute loyalty to their patrons. Therefore, Julius II appealed to the residents of the Swiss canton of Uri with a request to send soldiers to protect the pontiff.
Today, the Swiss Guard has 110 members, and the requirements for recruits remain unchanged. Applicants must be Swiss citizens, Catholic, single, aged between 19 and 30, at least 174 cm tall, and have military service experience. After being accepted into the ranks of the Guard, they undergo mandatory training, including learning the Italian language, and serve for at least two years. Marriage is allowed only with special permission and on the condition of attaining the rank of corporal.
The uniform of the Guards is often attributed to the genius of Michelangelo, but its modern form was designed by the tailor Jules Rapon in 1914 at the request of Pope Benedict XV. The Guard has two versions of formal dress: “gala” and “grand gala”, the latter being used during particularly solemn ceremonies. It consists of 154 pieces, including a cuirass and helmet with red plumes, and weighs over 8 pounds.
Traditional weapons are halberds and swords, although the guardsmen have modern firearms in their arsenal, which are used when necessary. The security of the Papal Palace, however, usually uses traditional melee weapons.
The Swiss Guard distinguished themselves with exceptional devotion during the attack on Rome in 1527. In the battle with the forces of Emperor Charles V, 147 of the 189 guards died, but they saved Pope Clement VII by ensuring his escape through a secret tunnel. In honor of this event, every year on May 6, recruits take an oath.
Another moment of devotion came during World War II, when the Swiss Guards took up the defensive, declaring that they were ready to defend the Vatican to the last drop of blood.
The Swiss Guards receive not only prestige, but also a decent financial reward. Their salary is about 1,300 euros, tax-free. In addition, the first year of service is provided with free housing, food and uniform. After 20 years of service, they are granted a pension in the amount of their last salary.
