On March 14, Ukrainian Volunteer Day is celebrated in our country.
International Mathematics Day, International Pi Day, Genius Day and International Question Day are celebrated around the world. Therefore, March 14 combines a number of important holidays that honor human curiosity, the desire for knowledge and discovery. This day reminds us that science and the desire to understand the world are the basis of human progress.
International Day Against Dams and World Sleep Day are also celebrated around the world. Interesting and significant historical events took place on this day in different years.
Day of the Ukrainian volunteer
This is a relatively young but significant holiday, dedicated to honoring the courage and dedication of those who, following the call of their hearts, stood up for the defense of the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. This day symbolizes strength of spirit, patriotism and willingness to sacrifice oneself for the future of one’s country.
The history of the holiday begins with the events in the East of Ukraine in 2014, when thousands of volunteers united to protect the country. On March 14, 2014, the first 500 volunteers from Maidan Self-Defense arrived at the “Novi Petrivtsi” training ground to form the first volunteer battalion. This step was the beginning of a great movement that played an important role in the struggle for Ukraine’s independence.
Officially, the Day of the Ukrainian Volunteer was established in 2017 with the aim of honoring the feat of defenders and popularizing heroism, which became an example for future generations.
Interesting facts
Ukrainian volunteers became a symbol of the indomitability of the Ukrainian people, proving that love for the Motherland is stronger than any trials.
An important element of this movement was the unification of people from different professions and social strata who were united in their desire to protect Ukraine.
Commemoration of volunteers takes place throughout the country, in particular through the laying of flowers, commemorative events, as well as exhibitions and meetings with veterans.
The Day of the Ukrainian Volunteer became not only a tribute, but also a reminder of the value of freedom, which is won at the cost of great sacrifices.
International Day of Mathematics
This day was not chosen by chance, because in the international format of writing dates (3/14) it coincides with the initial digits of the number Pi (3.14), which is one of the most important mathematical constants.
The International Mathematical Union initiated the creation of this holiday, and the official approval took place at the UNESCO conference in November 2019. The purpose of the event is to popularize mathematics as a fundamental science that plays a key role in the development of the modern world, technology and culture.
Interesting facts
Mathematics is a universal language that is understood in any corner of the world. Regardless of culture or language, mathematical laws remain the same.
The famous mathematician Galileo Galilei noted that “the universe is written in the language of mathematics.”
Mathematics was key to the development of such sciences as physics, chemistry, biology and computer science.
Computer algorithms that control modern technologies are created on the basis of mathematical principles.
The oldest known mathematical text is the Egyptian Rhind Papyrus, created around 1650 BC.
Mathematics not only helps in science, but also in art. For example, the concept of “golden section” is used in architecture and painting to create harmonious compositions.
International Pi Day
This day is celebrated in honor of the mathematical constant that represents the ratio of the length of a circle to its diameter. This number starts at 3.14159 and continues indefinitely without repetition. The holiday was started in 1987 by physicist Larry Shaw, who noticed that the American date format (3/14) coincided with the first digits of Pi.
The celebration of this day has gained popularity among mathematical communities, schools and universities around the world. Usually on this day, mathematical competitions, lectures, exhibitions and even themed parties are held, where round “pi-horns” are traditionally baked as a symbol of connection with the circle and the number Pi.
Interesting facts
The number Pi is irrational, that is, its decimal decomposition is infinite and has no periodicity.
The first approximate calculations of Pi were carried out by the ancient Babylonians and Egyptians.
In 2019, mathematician Timothy Mullican set a record by memorizing and correctly reproducing 50,000 signs of the number Pi.
Pi is mentioned in many cultures, including ancient Chinese and Greek texts.
The famous mathematician Archimedes used geometric methods to calculate the approximate value of Pi.
It is interesting that the International Pi Day coincides with the International Day of Mathematics, because it is on March 14 that mathematicians all over the world celebrate this science. Thus, this double celebration not only honors the famous mathematical constant, but also generally popularizes mathematics as a fundamental science that shapes the world’s technologies and discoveries.
Genius Day
This holiday is dedicated to honoring scientific achievements and brilliant minds that changed the course of history. The event was started in honor of the outstanding physicist Albert Einstein, who was born on this day in 1879.
Albert Einstein made a revolutionary contribution to the development of physics, in particular he formulated the theory of relativity, which changed the concept of time, space and gravity. His works became the basis for many scientific discoveries and researches in the future. Genius Day is designed not only to honor the memory of Einstein, but also to draw attention to the importance of science and genius, which contribute to the development of humanity.
Interesting facts
Einstein believed that imagination is more important than knowledge, because it is the source of innovation and discovery.
His famous formula E=mc² became one of the most recognizable in the world, showing the relationship between energy and mass.
Einstein was a great fan of music and often played the violin, considering music to be one of the manifestations of genius.
It is interesting that Einstein’s genius was not only in mathematical formulas, but also in his ability to ask the right questions, which connects this day with the International Question Day.
International Question Day
This is an unofficial holiday, which is designed to remind about the importance of questions in the process of learning, developing critical thinking and searching for the truth. The ability to ask questions is the basis for obtaining new knowledge, solving problems and self-development.
The essence of the holiday is to encourage people to be curious, not to be afraid of doubt and not to stop in search of answers. Questions are a step towards development and improvement, because it is through them that a person is able to expand his horizons and find new ways to solve complex problems.
Interesting facts
One of the most famous philosophical questions is “Who am I?” is the basis for many reflections on the meaning of life.
Scientists estimate that children between the ages of 2 and 5 ask an average of more than 300 questions a day. This is a vivid example of natural human curiosity.
In the scientific method, the question itself plays a key role, because every study begins with a hypothesis formulated through a question.
In ancient Greece, Socrates developed the art of questioning, which was called the “Socratic method” – a technique of searching for the truth by asking leading questions.
The famous physicist Albert Einstein said: “It is important not to stop asking questions. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.
So, March 14 combines a number of important holidays that honor human curiosity, the desire for knowledge and discovery — from International Mathematics Day to Genius Day. This holiday reminds us that science and the desire to understand the world are the basis of human progress.
International Day Against Dams
This day is also known as International Rivers Day. It was launched by the American public organization “International River Network” in March 1997. Its purpose is to draw attention to the problems associated with the construction of dams, the preservation of river ecosystems and the protection of the rights of communities dependent on rivers.
Rivers are a source of life for millions of people, habitat for many species of flora and fauna, and an important element of ecological balance. However, the construction of large dams often leads to an ecological imbalance, changes the natural flow of water, destroys natural environments, and forces people to leave their homes.
This day calls for a responsible attitude to natural resources, the development of environmentally safe technologies and the protection of the rights of local communities.
Interesting facts
According to estimates, the construction of dams in the world displaced about 40-80 million people.
Large dams alter river ecosystems, affecting fish populations and water quality.
Natural, free-flowing rivers provide a wealth of biodiversity, while dams disrupt this balance.
Rivers provide not only drinking water, but also food, energy and transportation for many communities around the world.
There are many successful examples of dam removals that have led to the restoration of natural river flow and improved ecosystems.
World sleep day
This international event was initiated by the International Association of Sleep Medicine to draw attention to the importance of quality sleep for human health.
Sleep plays a key role in physical, mental and emotional well-being. Its deficiency or impairment can lead to serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, depression, decreased immunity, and impaired cognitive function. World Sleep Day is designed to spread information about the importance of healthy sleep and ways to improve its quality.
Interesting facts
A person spends a third of his life in sleep. This is about 25 years for the average person.
Active regeneration of cells, strengthening of memory and restoration of body energy takes place during sleep.
Lack of sleep can affect decision-making in the same way that alcohol intoxication can.
The average duration of sleep for an adult should be 7-9 hours a day.
It is known that animals also have different sleep cycles: for example, dolphins sleep with one hemisphere of the brain, leaving the other active.
Historical events on this day
1489 – Queen of Cyprus Catherine Cornaro was forced to sell her kingdom to the Republic of Venice. This decision put an end to the independence of Cyprus, which became part of the Venetian colonies, which had a significant impact on the political and economic development of the island.
1839 – The famous British astronomer and scientist John Herschel, speaking before his colleagues, first used the term “photo”. This word became the basis for designating a new way of reflecting reality with the help of light, starting the era of development of photographic art.
1900 – US law established gold as the only standard for redeeming paper money. This decision fixed the value of the dollar at 1.5046 grams of pure gold, ensuring the stability of the American financial system.
1914 – Pilot Petro Nesterov and mechanic Rudenko made the first flight from Kyiv to Odesa. This was an important step in the development of aviation on the territory of Ukraine, which demonstrated the possibility of regular air traffic between major cities.
1917 – In Kyiv, the Congress of Cooperators of the Kyiv region began, which lasted for two days. The resolution of the congress declared a course for the autonomy of Ukraine, as well as a call for the organization of village committees to implement the policy of the Ukrainian Central Rada (UCR) in the regions. This became an important stage in the process of national self-determination of Ukraine.
1923 – The Council of Ambassadors of the Entente States adopted the final decision on the accession of Eastern Galicia and Western Volhynia to Poland. This act recognized the annexation of these territories, which significantly affected the further development of the region.
1939 – The First Slovak Republic was proclaimed, which marked the breakup of the common state of Czechs and Slovaks. On the same day, Hungary started a war against Carpathian Ukraine, seeking to establish control over its territory.
1956 – The American company Ampex in Chicago presented the world’s first video recorder VR-1000. Because of its high price of $50,000, the device was used mainly by the largest television stations, where it replaced video recorders. This was a significant step in the development of media technologies and the television industry. 1958 – In the music industry, the first “gold disc” was certified, which symbolized the commercial success of the artist and became a significant milestone in music history.
1990 – In the city of Stryi, Lviv region, the national flag was raised for the first time in Ukraine. It became a symbol of national revival and the desire for independence.
2014 – In Kharkiv on Rymarska Street, the first battle with the use of firearms took place during the Russian-Ukrainian war. This was the beginning of the armed confrontation for the sovereignty of Ukraine.
