March 22 marks World Water Day, International Speak Like William Shatner Day, International Biking Day, Taxi Driver Day and Women Artists Day. This day in the history of mankind is marked by a number of significant events that left a mark in politics, science, sports, culture and technological progress.
World Water Day
This day aims to draw the attention of mankind to the most valuable resource of the planet. Water is the basis of life, without which no living being can exist. But it is water that people often treat as something infinite and available, forgetting that the fresh reserves of the Earth are not so great, and the water available for use is even less.
This day was started by the UN General Assembly in 1992. And since 1993, it has been celebrated every year all over the world. The main goal is to remind humanity how limited fresh water reserves are, and to draw attention to the problems of its shortage, pollution, uneven distribution between countries and regions.
Water is not only the source of life. It is directly related to the economy, agriculture, energy, and industry. Access to water means access to food, decent medicine, sanitation and normal living conditions. Lack of water is already the cause of armed conflicts in some regions of the world, and this trend is only increasing.
This day is a reason to think not only at the level of states or international organizations. Everyone should remember: there is no such thing as an infinite resource. Every day we waste thousands of liters of water, often without even thinking about it. The future of not only a single country, but also of all humanity depends on how responsibly each of us will treat water.
Interesting facts
According to the UN, more than two billion people in the world live without access to safe drinking water. About four billion people experience acute water shortages at least one month a year. These numbers are not just impressive, they should make you wonder what the planet will be like in a few decades if the trend of water depletion continues.
Only 3% of all water on the planet is fresh, and only about 1% is available for human consumption. The rest is frozen in glaciers or in inaccessible underground reservoirs.
More than 70% of the world’s fresh water reserves are used for agriculture — to irrigate fields and grow food.
Water is the second most consumed substance after air. A person can live without food for up to 60 days, and without water – no more than three days.
The production of one pair of jeans requires about 10 thousand liters of water, taking into account the cultivation of cotton, processing and dyeing of the fabric.
According to UN estimates, water scarcity will affect more than 5 billion people by 2050 due to population growth, water pollution and climate change.
About 1,000 children die every day in the world due to water pollution. Unfavorable sanitary conditions and lack of access to clean water lead to deadly diseases.
Bottled water is not always safer than tap water. Research shows that microplastics and chemical compounds are often found in bottled water.
Meat production leaves the biggest “water footprints”. For example, raising one cow requires about 3 million liters of water.
Water consumption per person in the world varies greatly: an American uses an average of 300-400 liters per day, while an African uses only 20-30 liters.
In Ukraine, the problem with water resources is also getting worse. According to ecologists, already about 40% of the country’s river basins have a critical level of pollution, and in some regions there is simply not enough water.
International “Speak Like William Shatner” Day
This is one of the most extraordinary and at the same time the most ironic unofficial holidays, which is celebrated every year on March 22. The date is timed to the birthday of the legendary Canadian actor William Shatner – the iconic performer of the role of Captain James T. Kirk in the series “Star Trek”.
The main point of the holiday is to imitate Shatner’s special way of speaking: with long pauses, breaking intonation and dramatic underlining of almost every word. This style has entered pop culture so much that it has become a separate phenomenon and a reason for jokes, parodies and memes. Fans of the Star Trek series jokingly suggested that on this day they should try to speak as their idol did – intermittently, with pathos and hyper-emotional. The idea was quickly picked up by fans of science fiction, movie marathons and just those who love good humor and self-irony.
William Shatner became a true legend not only because of his role in “Star Trek”, but also because of his unique way of presenting the text. His style became recognizable and even “branded”, giving rise to many parodies – from cartoons to stage numbers.
Interesting facts
William Shatner was never offended by parodies of his style of play — on the contrary, he took his status as a “style icon” with humor.
The actor even released music albums in which he recited songs — of course, in the signature “Shatner” manner.
In 2021, Shatner himself became the oldest person to travel in space, making a suborbital flight on a Blue Origin spacecraft.
International Idle Day
This is one of the most interesting unofficial holidays, its idea is simple and at the same time very deep: to forget about business, deadlines, problems for at least one day and allow yourself to just… do nothing.
The holiday first appeared in the United States as a kind of protest against the constant pursuit of efficiency and productivity. The authors of the idea argued that modern society was too enamored with the cult of “successful success” and completely forgot about the human right to rest and ordinary inactivity. Since then, International Biking Day has gained supporters in many countries around the world.
On this day, there is no need to rush, make plans or take on important matters. On the contrary, you should allow yourself to completely relax: lie on the couch, look out the window, dream, flip through your favorite book, or simply do nothing and not feel guilty about it.
Interesting facts
Scientists have proven that idleness is good for the brain. It is in moments of inactivity that new ideas and unexpected solutions are born.
Lazy people often turn out to be the most ingenious, because the desire to avoid unnecessary efforts forces them to find the most unexpected and effective solutions.
The legendary physicist Albert Einstein believed that the best thoughts come when a person is doing nothing.
In many cultures, there is respect for the “art of idleness” – for example, in Japan there is a concept of “beet” – contemplating the clouds and allowing yourself to dream.
Taxi Driver Day
Every year on March 22, many countries around the world celebrate an unofficial professional holiday — Taxi Driver Day. This is a reason to remember the people who every day provide millions of trips in cities and villages, transport passengers at any time of the day and in any weather, and often become listeners, advisers or even saviors for their customers.
The date of the holiday was chosen because precisely on March 22, 1907, a taxi equipped with a meter for recording the cost of the trip left the street for the first time in London. This device was called a “taxometer” – from the French “taxe” (fee) and the Greek “metron” (to measure). This is where the word “taxi” comes from.
However, the French do not agree that the British were the first to launch a taxi in its modern form. Some historians generally claim that an analogue of the taximeter was invented in ancient Rome. According to them, a special vessel was attached to the axis of the Roman chariot, into which a pebble was dropped after overcoming each stage (about 200 meters). Upon arrival at the place, the Roman coachman counted the pebbles and billed the passengers in this way.
The profession of a taxi driver has become an integral part of city life. Today, it is not just a driver, but a person who faces different people, situations and risks every day. The work requires attentiveness, endurance, knowledge of the city and the ability to find a common language with anyone.
Interesting facts
German music teacher Wilhelm Friedrich Nedler received a patent for the first automatic distance counter for horse-drawn carriages back in 1875. He called his device “Taxanom”.
Checkers on a taxi were invented in the USA. American manufacturers of taxi cars placed company symbols on the cars. In particular, Checker Motors Corporation (from the English «Check» — “chess”, a hint of a checkerboard) produced cars with a checker pattern. It was the chessboard that became the emblem of this company.
Checker Taxi’s subsidiary company, which operated first in Chicago, and later in other US cities, became the first company in American history to provide passenger transportation for both “white” and “black” passengers. Since then, black and white “checkers” have become an integral symbol of taxis around the world.
In Ukraine, taxis also have their own history – since the days of Kyivan Rus’ there have been coachmen, and in the Soviet period the profession of a taxi driver was prestigious and regulated by the state. In modern Ukraine, taxis are an important component of the transport system, albeit one of the most chaotic and not always regulated industries.
In the era of digital technologies, the profession has changed — traditional services have been replaced by international services such as Uber, Bolt or Uklon. But the essence remained the same: a person behind the wheel, who takes responsibility for taking the passenger to the destination.
In New York, the average annual mileage of a yellow taxi is about 120,000 kilometers.
In Japan, the doors of most taxis open automatically – the driver controls them from the panel.
The longest taxi trip in history lasted 15 months and cost 80 thousand dollars – two travelers traveled by taxi through 50 countries of the world.
London cab drivers pass one of the most difficult exams in the world – “The Knowledge”, during which they must know thousands of streets and routes by heart.
In Kyiv, taxi meters officially became mandatory in 1928, when the first taxi cars began to operate in the city.
Day of support for women artists
This is a symbolic holiday, which is celebrated to draw attention to the contribution of women to the world of art and culture. This day became a kind of gesture of solidarity with female artists, sculptors, writers, musicians, directors, actresses and all those who create art, overcoming barriers and prejudices.
Over the centuries, women artists often remained “invisible” – their names were erased from the history of art, works were attributed to men, and a career in art was considered indecent for a woman or “unsuitable for serious business”. And only in the 20th century did a real breakthrough begin – artists, poets, directors and other artists began to loudly declare themselves.
Today, the Day of Support for Women Artists is a reminder that art has no gender, and women’s creativity often becomes a catalyst for important social changes, raises taboo topics, and opens new meanings.
Interesting facts
Until the 19th century, women in Europe were not officially admitted to art academies, their maximum was considered “home painting”.
Paintings by female artists were often sold at auctions under male names, thus increasing their value.
Today, the works of female artists are increasingly appearing at the world’s largest exhibitions and art auctions, and the names of artists of the past are returning to the history of art.
According to the art market, only about 10% of works in the museums of the world belong to women. But the situation is gradually changing.
Historical events on this day
1312 year — at the Vienna Cathedral, convened by Pope Clement V, a decision is made to liquidate the powerful monastic-knight order of the Templars. The reason was the persistent demand of the French king Philip IV the Handsome, who sought to take possession of the order’s property and weaken its influence.
1841 year — in the United States of America, the technology of starch production is patented, which becomes an important step for the development of the food and chemical industry.
1848 year — Venice, inspired by the wave of revolutions in Europe, proclaims the restoration of independence from the Austrian Empire, which controlled its territory.
1876 year — in Spain, a new constitution is officially adopted, which lays the foundations of the country’s political system and defines the state rights and freedoms of citizens.
1882 year — The US Congress passes a historic decision on the official prohibition of polygamy on the territory of the United States.
1888 year — in London, representatives of twelve football clubs form the English Football League, the first and oldest football league in the world that started organized football championships.
1894 year – the first game for the Stanley Cup takes place – the main trophy of North American hockey, which will later become the most prestigious award in world hockey.
1895 year — in Paris, the brothers Auguste and Louis Lumière show the first motion picture to a specially invited audience, starting a new era in the history of cinema.
1904 year — the London newspaper “Illustrated Mirror” publishes color photography for the first time in the world, opening a new page in the field of press and photo art.
1907 year — in London, the capital of Great Britain, the first taxis equipped with counters – taximeters appear, which gave a start to the modern industry of urban transportation.
1922 year — Poland officially annexes the Vilnius region, which previously belonged to Lithuania, to its territories, exacerbating political tension between the two countries.
1933 year – the Dachau concentration camp begins to operate near Munich – the first Nazi camp for keeping political prisoners, which will become an ominous symbol of the repressions and crimes of the Third Reich.
1935 year — the first television service Deutscher Fernseh-Rundfunk goes on the air in Germany, starting the era of German television.
1939 year — Under pressure from Germany, Lithuania is forced to hand over Klaipėda (Memel) to the Third Reich, losing an important economic and strategic region.
1941 year — the Ukrainian city of Chornobyl receives the status of a city, which was a landmark event in its history long before it became world-famous due to the tragedy at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
1945 year – in Cairo, five Arab states – Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Transjordan and Lebanon – sign an agreement on the creation of the League of Arab States, which aimed to unite the efforts of the countries of the Middle East.
1957 year — The American Association of Doctors makes a loud statement, officially recognizing the connection between cigarette smoking and the occurrence of cancer, which will be a turning point in the global fight against tobacco addiction.
1989 year — during the test flight of the Ukrainian heavy transport aircraft An-225 “Mriya” set a record 109 world achievements, demonstrating the unique capabilities of this engineering giant.
1993 year — the Intel company officially presents its first processor of the Pentium series, which opened a new era in the world of computer technologies.
1999 year — the first demonstration launch of the Sea Launch international space project, which aimed to launch satellites into orbit directly from a floating platform in the ocean, takes place.
2006 year — Pope Benedict XVI makes a historic decision — he refuses to use the title “Patriarch of the West,” which has been applied to the head of the Catholic Church since the 5th century.
2016 year — The Donetsk City Court of the Rostov Region of the Russian Federation announced the sentence to the Ukrainian pilot, ATO participant and People’s Deputy of Ukraine Nadiya Savchenko. A Russian court found her guilty of alleged involvement in the deaths of Russian journalists in Donbas and illegal border crossing, although Savchenko herself denied her guilt and claimed to have been abducted from Ukrainian territory. The court sentenced her to 22 years of imprisonment in a general regime colony and a fine of 30,000 rubles. This sentence caused a wide resonance in Ukraine and the world and was considered as a politically motivated persecution.
2018 year — Exactly two years after the Russian verdict, the situation around Nadiya Savchenko is changing dramatically already in Ukraine. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine voted to remove her parliamentary immunity, and also authorized her detention and arrest. The prosecutor’s office accused Savchenko of preparing a coup d’état and a terrorist attack in the center of Kyiv, including planning to attack the parliament building. This event became one of the loudest and most controversial moments in Ukrainian politics that year, finally changing the image of Nadiya Savchenko from a heroine of national resistance to a figure in a high-profile criminal case.
Destruction of the village of Khatyn
On March 22, 1943, one of the worst tragedies of the Second World War took place — the destruction of the Belarusian forest village of Khatyn. That day, a squad of German punishers suddenly surrounded a small settlement, condemning its inhabitants to a terrible death.
The day before, on the Logoisk-Pleschenytsia highway, Belarusian partisans attacked a column of the 118th police guard battalion. As a result of the shelling, among others, Captain Hans Wölke, the champion of the Olympic Games in Berlin in 1936 in athletics, who was personally acquainted with Hitler, died. It was this death that became the reason for a cruel punitive action – in response, they decided to punish the civilians of Khatyn.
Punishers committed a terrible massacre. All 149 residents of the village, including 75 children, were driven to the collective farm barn. The doors were locked, the building was doused with fuel and set on fire. Those who tried to escape from the burning trap were shot on the spot. In a matter of hours, only ashes remained from the Hut – all 26 houses along with farm buildings were destroyed by fire.
Only one adult managed to survive – Iosif Iosifovych Kaminsky, who miraculously managed to escape from hell. However, even in rescue, a terrible loss awaited him – he was holding the dead body of his own son in his arms. It was Kaminsky’s image that became a symbol of the tragedy – sculptors immortalized him in the bronze statue “Indomitable Man”, which became the central figure of the “Hats” memorial complex.
The memorial was opened in 1969. In his heart there is eternal pain for the destroyed village and hundreds of Belarusian villages burned together with the Hut. In memory of each village destroyed by the Nazis, there is a symbolic bell that rings every minute. And in the evening, the lamps flash — a silent reminder of every Belarusian village wiped off the face of the earth by fire and blood.
The bells of the Hut remind us of the lessons of history, they call us to remember and to prevent the repetition of something like this. But do those who still sow death and destruction hear them?
