On July 7, Ukraine celebrates the World Conservation Worker’s Day, as well as celebrating Ivan Kupala, and in Japan – the Tabanatu festival.
Day of the Nature Conservation Worker
On July 7, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the Nature Conservation Worker, honoring those who work to preserve biological diversity and fight environmental disasters. This day was established by a presidential decree on August 18, 2009, supporting the initiative of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine.
In Ukraine, there are 5 biosphere reserves, 19 nature reserves, 49 national nature parks, 3258 nature reserves, 3492 natural monuments, 83 regional landscape parks, 815 protected tracts, 28 botanical gardens, 13 zoos, 58 arboretums and 576 horticultural monuments. park art. These natural objects are an important component of the protection of the environment and natural resources of the country.
Ivan Kupala
Ivan Kupala, or Kupaila, is one of the oldest holidays, symbolizing the sun, the ripeness of summer and green pokis. Traditions of the celebration include decorating oneself with wreaths of flowers, weaving bandages, singing songs and leading dances. A special place is occupied by the ritual of lighting a “live fire” by rubbing dry sticks and making a bonfire with a burning wheel on a pole symbolizing the sun. The holiday falls on the night from July 6 to 7. Some European countries celebrate St. John’s Day or St. John’s Day, which is similar to Ivan Kupala, on the summer solstice.
Interesting facts about the holiday of Ivan Kupala
- Magic plants. It is believed that on the night of Ivan Kupala, plants acquire magical properties. In particular, the fern, according to legend, blooms only on this night, and whoever finds its flower will be happy and find treasures.
- Kupala night. Water is considered sacred and healing on the night of Ivan Kupala. People often bathe in rivers and lakes, believing that it will bring health and remove all troubles.
- Jumping over a bonfire. One of the popular traditions is jumping over bonfires. It is believed that jumping over fire cleanses evil spirits and brings good luck. Couples in love who jump together and keep their hands together will be happy together.
- Wreaths on the water. The girls weave wreaths of wildflowers and release them into the water, watching their movement. If the wreath floats far, it means that the girl will get married soon. If the wreath sinks, it is considered a bad sign.
- Collection of herbs. Herbs collected on this night are considered particularly healing. They are used to prepare medicinal decoctions and infusions that help against various diseases.
- They are looking for treasures. According to legends, on the night of Ivan Kupala, the earth reveals its secrets, and you can find hidden treasures. Many people go in search of wealth, guided by signs and beliefs.
- Divination. Ivan Kupala is a time for various fortune-telling. Girls do fortune-telling for love, trying to find out the name of their future husband or get answers to important questions.
The holiday of Ivan Kupala is a time of magic, romance and folk traditions passed down from generation to generation. On this night, nature reveals its secrets, and people find unity with it, believing in miracles and magic.
Tanabata Festival in Japan
On July 7, Japan celebrates the Tanabata Festival. On this day, the emperor appears on the upper veranda of the Omima Palace to write elegant waka poems on the leaves of the kaji paper tree and dedicate them to the two stars: Prince Altair and Princess Vege. According to legend, these stars in love can meet only once a year, crossing the Milky Way.
Other events on July 7:
- 1940 – the Literary and Memorial Museum of Ivan Franko was opened in Lviv.
- 1967 – The Beatles released their hit “All You Need Is Love” in Great Britain.
- 1987 – a trial began in Chornobyl against three managers of the Chornobyl NPP, who were accused of the explosion at the station.
- 1989 – a newspaper in the Crimean Tatar language began to be published in Simferopol.
- 1990 – three world-famous tenors performed together for the first time in Rome: Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo and José Carreras. The concert was for charity, and the record sold out in record numbers.
- 2005 – a series of bomb explosions in the London Underground and city buses.
- 2009 – they buried the “king of pop music” Michael Jackson.
- 1881 – Carlo Collodi’s fairy tale “Pinocchio” was printed for the first time in Rome.
- 1891 – the American Express courier service patented the first traveler’s check in history.
- 1957 – the first Pagvo conference was held, which marked the beginning of the international campaign for nuclear disarmament.
Interesting Facts
- 1946 – the first commercial production of synthetic diamond took place in the USA at the New York Chemical Plant.
- 1962 – the first human heart transplant operation took place in Great Britain.
- 1978 – the first computer mouse was patented in the USA.
