On January 6, Epiphany or the Baptism of the Lord is celebrated in Ukraine, at the same time some believers celebrate Christmas Eve, the World War Orphans Day, Technology Day, Hug Day and Apple Day are celebrated in the world.
Sherlock Holmes was born on January 6, 1854; On January 6, 1943, shoulder straps were introduced in the army, the word “officer” returned to official use; On January 6, 2019, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine received a tomos on autocephaly; On January 6, 2021, a protest rally began near the US Capitol building, the participants of which demanded the annulment of the results of the 2020 presidential election, where Joe Biden won.
Water baptism or the feast of the Baptism of the Lord
This holiday has a deep spiritual meaning for Christians. This day commemorates the event when John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, revealing Him as the Messiah. This is the third and final holiday of the Christmas-New Year cycle, which is also popularly called Jordan.
At the same time, there is a peculiarity in Ukraine related to the calendar reform. A significant part of believers still adheres to the old Julian calendar, which lags behind the Gregorian calendar by 13 days. Because of this, they celebrate Christmas on January 7, and Christmas Eve falls on January 6. The same tradition applies to Epiphany – water in temples is consecrated on January 19 according to the old style.
This dualism in celebration reflects the diversity of traditions and religious preferences of Ukrainians. Regardless of the calendar, Christmas Eve remains a holiday of unity, spirituality and family coziness, which reminds of the highest Christian values: love, faith, peace and mutual understanding.
Interesting facts about Vodokhreshcha:
On this day, water is traditionally consecrated, which is considered healing and able to protect against diseases and evil forces. It is stored throughout the year and is used on special occasions.
Immersion in a well is a popular tradition that symbolizes the purification of the soul and body. However, this practice is not obligatory for Christians and is rather of a folk character.
Believers believe that even ordinary water acquires special properties on this day. This phenomenon is called “sanctification of water by God himself.”
According to an ancient custom, on Epiphany, young people organized parties and “epiphany” parties, which ended the period of festive festivities.
The symbolism of this holiday is closely related to purification and renewal, so many use this day to rethink their lives and spiritual growth.
Interesting facts about Nadvechirya or Christmas Eve
This holiday is a special day in the Christian tradition, which precedes the great holiday of Christmas. This evening is full of deep spiritual meaning and numerous ritual traditions rooted in the centuries-old history of the Ukrainian people. At the same time, in modern Ukraine, many believers continue to celebrate according to the old Julian calendar, which adds a unique character to the celebration.
Christmas Eve on January 6 is the end of the strict Christmas fast. The main event of this day is the Holy Supper, which begins after the appearance of the first star in the sky – the symbol of the Star of Bethlehem, which announced the birth of the Savior. All family members gather at one table, covered with a clean tablecloth, under which hay is usually placed in memory of the manger in which Jesus was born. There should be 12 fasting dishes on the table, among which kutya is mandatory. It is a symbolic dish made from boiled wheat, honey, poppy seeds and nuts, which represents abundance, family unity and spiritual wealth.
The holiday is accompanied by many customs that are passed down from generation to generation. Families decorate the house, install a “grandfather” – a sheaf of wheat or rye, symbolizing a connection with ancestors and a wish for prosperity. Do not quarrel or show dissatisfaction during dinner, because it is believed that this will affect the coming year. After dinner, caroling often begins, an ancient custom in which people sing carols announcing the birth of Christ.
World War Orphans Day
This day is a reminder of the heavy burden of war, which especially hurts the most vulnerable – children. It is a day when the world remembers those who lost not only their parents, but also their normal life, security and the opportunity to have a happy childhood due to military operations.
Wars destroy families, leaving children without the most important thing – the love and support of relatives. War orphans face numerous challenges: lack of care, lack of access to education, medical services and emotional support. Many of them are forced to become adults prematurely, taking responsibility for younger siblings or even their own survival.
This day calls for the awareness of the problems of such children and the activation of the efforts of the world community to support them. Charities, governments and volunteers are working to ensure that war orphans have access to education, psychological support and can find a new family.
Interesting facts
The idea of creating this day belongs to international humanitarian organizations that seek to draw attention to the problems of children affected by military conflicts.
The largest number of war orphans is recorded in regions that have been in the war zone for a long time, such as Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen and Ukraine.
According to UN estimates, every fifth child in the conflict zone needs urgent humanitarian assistance.
War orphans often become victims of human trafficking, labor exploitation or recruitment into armed forces.
In many countries, special events are held to support these children: charity concerts, art exhibitions, information campaigns and fund-raising campaigns.
Technology Day
This day is dedicated to the achievements of humanity in the field of innovation and technology development. This holiday reminds us of the importance of science and technology in our everyday life and their role in shaping the modern world. On this day, inventors, engineers, scientists and everyone who contributes to technological progress, which makes our lives more comfortable, safe and productive, are honored.
Technologies are the basis of many changes that took place in the 20th and 21st centuries. They affected all spheres of activity: from medicine to communications, from education to transport. Technology Day is also an opportunity to highlight the importance of innovation in tackling global challenges such as climate change, fighting epidemics or ensuring access to education and resources for all.
Interesting facts
In different countries, this holiday may have a local theme. For example, in the USA it is often associated with achievements in the field of space research and information technology.
Technological innovations are often born from ideas that at first seemed fantastic. For example, ideas about smartphones or artificial intelligence were just science fiction a few decades ago.
Technology Day encourages youth to participate in science and technology projects and promotes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education.
On this day, exhibitions of new inventions, conferences devoted to technological progress and awards to the best engineers and scientists are often held.
According to research, technology is a key factor in creating “smart” cities that combine environmental friendliness, comfort and efficient resource management.
Hug day
This day is a great opportunity for everyone to remember the power of hugs. This holiday encourages us to spend time with loved ones, hug them and feel the warmth and comfort that these simple, but at the same time extremely important gestures can give. Hugs not only strengthen the bond between people, but also have real health benefits.
Hugs promote the production of the hormone oxytocin, which reduces stress levels, improves mood and can even strengthen the immune system. In today’s world, where stress and tension have become a part of everyday life, hugs remind us of the importance of closeness and emotional support.
This day also emphasizes that even short moments of warmth and care can improve our emotional state and give us a sense of security and comfort.
Interesting facts
Hugs can lower blood pressure and improve heart function, making them a real “treatment” for the body.
In many cultures, a hug symbolizes greeting, gratitude, or even reconciliation.
On average, people need at least four hugs a day for basic emotional well-being, and 12 hugs for true happiness.
Hugging is known to activate the brain’s pleasure center, similar to the one activated during a delicious meal or listening to your favorite music.
Hug Day inspires not only physical intimacy, but also the creation of an emotional connection, which is the basis of healthy and strong relationships.
Apple Day
This day is a holiday that reminds of the importance of this fruit-bearing tree and its useful gifts – apples. The introduction of this day is aimed at popularizing knowledge about the health benefits of apples, their cultural, historical and economic role.
Apples are one of the most common and oldest fruits known to mankind. They were grown in ancient times, and today they are part of the diet of millions of people around the world. Apples are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, which makes them extremely useful for the body. They support heart health, reduce the risk of diabetes, promote normal digestion and are a natural means to strengthen immunity.
This day is also a great opportunity to plant an apple tree, enjoy fresh fruit or try new apple dishes, thereby reminding of the ecological and cultural value of this tree.
Interesting facts
There are more than 7,500 varieties of apples, each of which has its own unique taste and properties.
In folklore, the apple is often a symbol of knowledge, youth and life, for example, in the biblical story of the Garden of Eden.
One medium apple provides the body with approximately 10% of the daily requirement of vitamin C and contains only about 80 calories.
China produces the most apples in the world, followed by the USA and European countries.
Not only juices or pies are made from apples, but also natural cosmetics, vinegar and even ecological fuel.
Historical events on this day
January 6 is a memorable date when important historical events took place in different years that influenced the development of science, culture, politics and society. This day was marked by the following significant events:
1579 year — the signing of the Union of Arras, which was the beginning of the process of unification of the Netherlands, important for the establishment of their independence.
1681 year — the first recorded boxing match in England took place between the Duke of Albemarle’s butler and butler. This description became an important stage in the history of the development of sports.
1709 year — the troops of the Swedish king Charles XII, together with Hetman Ivan Mazepa, began an assault on the Vepryk fortress, which became part of the Northern War and the liberation struggle of Ukraine.
1838 year — Alfred Weil and Samuel Morse in the city of Morristown (USA) demonstrated the first telegraph, which became a revolutionary achievement in the field of communications.
1846 year — in the estate of Andrii Kozachkovsky in Pereyaslav, Taras Shevchenko creates his “Testament”, which became one of the most outstanding works of Ukrainian literature.
1870 year — the grand opening of the Vienna Philharmonic took place, which will later become one of the most famous musical institutions in the world.
1912 year — Alfred Wegener presented his theory of continental drift, which changed the idea of the structure of the Earth.
1928 year — the Thames River overflowed its banks, flooding some areas of London, which led to changes in the city’s water resources control system.
In the same year, for the first time in the history of multinational states, an electoral bloc of national minorities was formed in Poland, which included Ukrainians, Belarusians, Germans and Jews.
1929 year — in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, the dictatorship of Alexander I Karageorgievich was established, which affected the political situation in the region.
1939 year — German scientists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann announced the discovery of the fission of uranium nuclei under the action of neutrons, which became an important step in the development of nuclear physics.
1962 year — the International Glaciological Society was founded, which is engaged in the study of glaciers and climate changes.
1978 year — The United States returned to Hungary the crown of St. Stephen, which had been kept in the United States since World War II.
1992 year — Ukraine restored diplomatic relations with Argentina, which was a step in the expansion of international cooperation.
2015 year — Lithuania stopped broadcasting Russian TV channels that distorted information about events in Ukraine, demonstrating solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
2021 year — in the USA, the Capitol was seized by supporters of Donald Trump, which caused a great resonance in the world and called into question the stability of American democracy.
Sherlock Holmes’s birthday
On January 6, 1854, according to the famous description of Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes was born on the Mycroft estate near Seagerside in North Yorkshire, a legendary character who became a symbol of logic, deduction and intelligence. This fictional detective, created on the basis of real people, won the hearts of millions of readers and became an icon of criminology. Holmes had a height of 183 centimeters, gray eyes, an education as a biochemist, an extraordinary mind and a phenomenal memory. He was a staunch bachelor, indifferent to life and luxury, but had exceptional skills in shooting, fencing, boxing and hand-to-hand combat. Holmes smoked, carried a cane and was distinguished by a sober and logical approach to every case. An important principle for him was to avoid unnecessary information that had no practical use.
To create this image of Arthur Conan Doyle was inspired by his colleague Dr. Joseph Bell, who worked at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh. Bell was impressive in his ability to draw subtle conclusions based on small details. The prototype of Dr. Watson was the real Doctor Watson, who lived on Baker Street and even treated Conan Doyle’s teeth. As for the legendary address of 221b Baker Street, it was invented by the writer, since the house with that number did not exist at the time of writing. Only after the extension of the street in 1934, appropriate houses appeared there, and later the Holmes Museum was opened.
Sherlock Holmes became not only a beloved literary character, but also a source of innovation in forensic science. Arthur Conan Doyle described methods that were ahead of their time, such as the deductive approach, and were later adopted by police around the world. For example, in Egypt, works about Holmes were even included in the training program for investigators. The popularity of the detective was so great that when Conan Doyle decided to “kill” him in a fight with Professor Moriarty, the indignation of the readers forced the writer to bring the hero back to life. Legend has it that even Queen Victoria asked to continue the Holmes story.
For 40 years, from 1887 to 1927, Arthur Conan Doyle wrote about the adventures of Holmes, which were included in the golden fund of world literature. Holmes’ statements such as “There are no trifles for a great mind” or “The worst thing is when an intelligent person commits evil deeds.” became aphorisms that are quoted to this day. Sherlock Holmes remains not only a literary hero, but also a cultural phenomenon that symbolizes intelligence, rationality and the struggle for justice. He was forever etched in history, remaining an eternal example of the power of the mind.
Introduction of epaulettes in the army
On January 6, 1943, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR signed the decree “On the introduction of epaulettes for personnel of the Red Army”, which was announced by the order of the People’s Commissar of Defense No. 24 of January 10, 1943. This decision marked the beginning of a new era in the military uniform of the Red Army. Until that moment, servicemen were distinguished only by their positions, and the insignia they wore on the sleeves and sides of their overcoats consisted of geometric shapes – triangles, squares, rhombuses.
With the transition to the summer uniform in 1943, the uniforms of the Red Army were completely adapted to the new insignia. The idea of introducing shoulder straps matured gradually. In 1935, the rank of “Marshal of the Soviet Union” was introduced in the Red Army, and in 1940, the ranks of general and admiral appeared, which became an important milestone on the way to the creation of a new system of military honors. Even before 1941, samples of a new form and epaulettes were developed. It is worth noting that Soviet epaulettes largely resembled royal epaulettes, although they had certain differences. In May 1942, the introduction of new insignia was approved by the Main Political Department of the RSCH, and on December 10, 1942, the technical conditions were approved, which included a description of the emblems and stars on epaulettes.
The key impetus for implementing these changes was the need to symbolically fix a turning point in the war. The Battle of Stalingrad, which ended with a brilliant victory of the Red Army over the 6th Army of Friedrich Paulus, became the event that made it possible to realize this plan. On October 23, 1942, the Politburo of the Central Committee of the CPSU (b) approved the project, and the new form was officially adopted during the triumph near Stalingrad.
This, at first glance, ordinary administrative change became one of the most significant political actions of the war. The document stated:
“The epaulettes on the shoulders of our commanders and soldiers will always remind people of belonging to the heroic Soviet troops, of the times of the legendary struggle against the German-fascist occupiers. Epaulettes are a symbol of military honor, an honorable official position.”
Of particular importance was the fact that with the adoption of the new form, the word “officer” returned to official use, which had previously been replaced by the term “commander of the Red Army”. This change not only affected the appearance of servicemen, but also emphasized the revival of traditions of military honor and discipline that were important to Soviet society during the Second World War.
The Orthodox Church of Ukraine received a tomos on autocephaly
On January 6, 2019, a historic event for Ukrainian Orthodoxy took place in the Church of St. George, located in the residence of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople, during a solemn liturgy with the participation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epiphany, was presented with the Tomos of Autocephaly, which testified to the independent status of the OCU.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew called on all Orthodox churches of the world to recognize the OCU under the official name “Holy Church of Ukraine”. The document states that the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is canonically autocephalous, independent and self-governing, and its head bears the title “His Beatitude Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine.” Tomos became an important step in restoring the church independence of Ukraine, securing its place among the autocephalous Orthodox churches of the world.
However, as is often the case with such significant events, controversy and debate ensued. Some questioned the content of the Tomos, considering it not clear enough regarding complete independence. Others criticized the leadership of the church, expressing disagreement with the chosen path of development. Opponents of autocephaly tried to undermine its meaning and question the consensus reached.
Despite all the difficulties, receiving the Tomos became a historical milestone for Ukraine, confirming its desire for spiritual independence and self-identification, which is an integral part of the formation of the state. This event not only strengthened the status of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, but also became a symbol of unity and spiritual renewal for many Ukrainians.
Protest rally in the USA
On January 6, 2021, a protest rally began near the US Capitol building, the participants of which demanded the annulment of the results of the 2020 presidential election, where Joe Biden won. At first, the peaceful action turned into violent clashes, and later – into the seizure of the Capitol building. During these events, 4 people died, and the events themselves shook both American society and the whole world.
President Donald Trump, who was still in office at the time, called the protesters “great patriots” and urged them to “go home in peace.” His words drew sharp condemnation from opponents, who characterized the events as “treason”, “rebellion” and “attempted coup d’état”.
Joe Biden spoke the same day, condemning the violence and emphasizing the need to protect democracy. Eventually, after the crisis was over, Congress continued and completed the vote counting, officially confirming Biden’s victory.
A cordon was erected around the Capitol, security officials were fired, and a massive investigation was launched. These events have become one of the biggest challenges to American democracy in recent decades.
A sociological survey conducted after the events showed that:
- 70% of respondents called the protest participants either “criminals” or “fools”;
- 9% considered them “concerned citizens”;
- only 5% recognized the protesters as “patriots”.
Despite the high-profile debates, Donald Trump managed to avoid criminal liability, although his actions sparked serious discussions about impeachment. The day was a stark example of the tensions that divide American society and a reminder of the importance of protecting democratic institutions.
