On March 9, Taras Shevchenko’s birthday is celebrated in Ukraine, and the world celebrates International DJ Day, Barbie Day and Overcoming Day. Interesting and significant historical events took place on this day in different years.
Birthday of Taras Shevchenko
Every year on March 9, Ukrainians honor the memory of Taras Hryhorovych Shevchenko – a great poet, artist and thinker, whose creative legacy became a symbol of the struggle for independence and national identity. Born in 1814 in the village of Moryntsi in Cherkasy region, Shevchenko suffered the hard fate of a serf from childhood. However, his talent and desire for knowledge helped him get an education and leave a significant mark in Ukrainian literature and art.
His most famous poetry collection “Kobzar” became a real bible of the Ukrainian people, filled with the spirit of freedom, justice and love for the native land. Shevchenko not only wrote, but also painted, leaving more than a thousand works of art. He could not remain silent about the oppression of his people, because of which he was persecuted and exiled, but even in the most difficult times he remained faithful to his ideals.
Shevchenko’s birthday is traditionally celebrated with a reading of his poetry, exhibitions, scientific conferences and artistic events. In many cities, flowers are laid at monuments to Kobzarev, and his works are heard in educational institutions, theaters, and even in modern music.
Shevchenko is not only a part of history, but also a living figure who inspires Ukrainians to fight for truth, freedom and cultural identity.
Interesting facts
Shevchenko’s talent was revealed thanks to the fact that his friends bought him out of serfdom for a huge sum at that time – 2,500 rubles.
He was one of the first Ukrainians who deliberately used the word “Ukraine” in his works, emphasizing its separation from the Russian Empire.
He had a great flair for painting and graphics, and his artistic heritage is represented in many museums around the world.
His works were forbidden to be printed, and Shevchenko’s name remained under censorship in the Russian Empire for a long time.
Even during his exile in Kazakhstan, he did not stop creating, keeping faith in returning to Ukraine.
Shevchenko was fond of photography and could have become an outstanding photographer of his time.
Monuments to Shevchenko were unveiled in different parts of the world – from Canada to Kazakhstan.
International DJ Day
Every year on March 9, the world celebrates a young, energetic and musical holiday – International DJ Day. This is not just a professional celebration of electronic music artists, but also a day that unites charity and art. Founded in 2002, it has become a platform for charity events aimed at supporting children in need.
DJs are modern musical magicians who create a unique atmosphere at parties, festivals and radio stations. Their role in the entertainment industry is important not only as performers, but also as creators of new musical directions and trends. This day highlights the contribution of DJs to music culture and their influence on shaping music preferences around the world.
Thematic events, concerts and charity gatherings are held on International DJ Day. Clubs, radio stations and festivals in different countries unite for a good cause, transferring part of their income to support children in difficult life circumstances.
Celebrating this day shows that music can not only entertain, but also be a tool for change and help those in need.
Interesting facts
The holiday was initiated by the international organization World DJ Fund in cooperation with Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy – a charitable foundation that uses music for the therapy of children.
On this day, famous DJs often perform for free, and the proceeds from their sets go to charity.
DJs have become an influential part of the music industry, shaping global music trends and popularizing electronic music.
One of the most popular DJs in the world is David Guetta, whose music regularly tops the world charts.
Throughout its history, DJing has evolved from classic vinyl records to digital platforms and streaming services.
DJs not only mix music, but also create their own tracks that become hits and set the rhythm on the world’s dance floors.
In many countries, the biggest music marathons and electronic music online broadcasts are held on this day.
barbie day
Every year on March 9, Barbie Day is celebrated – the date that marked the beginning of a new era in the toy industry. It was on this day in 1959 that the American businesswoman Ruth Gendler presented the Barbie doll to the world, whose full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. Its creation was revolutionary, because before that only dolls depicting babies were popular. Barbie became the first adult doll that gave children the opportunity to imagine the future, try on different professions and lifestyles.
Since her appearance, Barbie has changed many times, reflecting fashion trends and social changes. She was not only a model, but also a doctor, an astronaut, a president, an athlete and a representative of dozens of other professions, inspiring children around the world to dream without limits.
Barbie Day is celebrated with the presentation of new doll collections, themed events and exhibitions. Barbie fans around the world collect collectibles, and Mattel releases special dolls each year dedicated to famous women to inspire new generations.
Barbie is not just a toy, but a cultural phenomenon that changes the perception of the possibilities and diversity of the world.
Interesting facts
The first Barbie sold for $3, and now the original dolls from 1959 cost tens of thousands of dollars.
The most expensive Barbie, encrusted with diamonds by designer Stefano Canturi, was sold for $302,500.
In 1965, Barbie became an astronaut, which preceded the landing of a man on the moon by four years.
More than 58 million Barbies are sold every year in more than 150 countries around the world.
The doll has had more than 200 careers, including roles as a doctor, a soldier, a scientist, and even a US presidential candidate.
In 2016, Mattel began releasing Barbies with different body types, skin tones, and hairstyles to reflect the real diversity of the world.
Barbie has a fictional biography that states she was born in Willows, Wisconsin.
Day of overcoming
Overcoming Day is a symbolic holiday that reminds us of the strength of human will, determination and ability to overcome difficulties. On this day, people celebrate victories over life’s challenges, remember their own achievements and inspire others not to give up in the face of difficulties. This holiday does not have a specific official date, but its meaning is universal – it is about victory over oneself, about overcoming fears, insecurities and any barriers in life.
Overcoming Day can refer to various aspects of life: from personal achievements and overcoming inner fears to fighting diseases, social stereotypes or even historical shifts when societies overcame difficult periods. This day reminds that even the most difficult obstacles can be overcome if you believe in yourself and move forward.
People celebrate this day in different ways – some analyze their journey and remember the moments when they managed to cope with difficulties, some share success stories, and some motivate others with their support and inspiration. The main idea is to realize that every small victory makes us stronger.
Interesting facts
Psychologists believe that the most effective way to overcome difficulties is to break a big problem into smaller tasks and solve them gradually.
Famous historical figures such as Thomas Edison, Steve Jobs and Oprah Winfrey faced numerous failures before achieving success.
Exercise and meditation can help reduce stress and promote mental resilience during difficult times.
In Japan, there is a philosophy of “ganbaru”, which means “never give up, even if it seems that there are no chances.”
Neurobiologists have proven that the human brain adapts to difficulties by producing new neural connections that help find solutions in difficult situations.
Research has shown that those who keep a gratitude journal are more likely to see challenges as opportunities for growth.
The famous writer Stephen King received 30 rejections from publishers before his book “Carrie” became a bestseller.
Historical events on this day
1009 – Lithuania is mentioned for the first time in historical sources. This happened in the Quedlinburg Annals, a medieval chronicle kept in the Quedlinburg monastery in Germany. This date is considered a symbolic moment of Lithuania’s entry into European history.
1309 – Pope Clement V left Rome and settled in Avignon, which was then part of the Holy Roman Empire. This resettlement was caused by political instability in Italy and marked the beginning of the Avignon Captivity of the Popes (1309–1377), when Roman pontiffs lived not in the Vatican, but in France.
1497 – The great Polish-German astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus began his first astronomical observations in the Italian city of Bologna, where he studied at the university. His research laid the foundation for the heliocentric theory, which later overturned mankind’s understanding of the universe.
1796 – Napoleon Bonaparte married Josephine Beauharnais in Paris. Marriage with the charming and influential Josephine contributed to the growth of the authority of the young general, but due to the lack of an heir, the couple divorced in 1809, which allowed Napoleon to enter into a dynastic alliance with the Austrian princess Marie-Louise.
1822 – American inventor Charles Graham received a patent for artificial teeth. This development became an important step in the development of dentistry, because it allowed to significantly improve the quality of life of people with missing teeth.
1918 – The Belarusian People’s Republic (BPR) was proclaimed in Minsk. This was the first attempt to create an independent Belarusian state, which, however, did not last long – already in 1919 it was supplanted by the Soviet government. Despite this, the idea of the BNR became an important stage in the struggle of Belarusians for sovereignty.
1930 – In Kharkiv, a high-profile trial against members of the Union for the Liberation of Ukraine (SWU) began. The Soviet authorities fabricated a case against Ukrainian intellectuals, accusing them of counter-revolutionary activities. This was one of the demonstrative processes that preceded the mass repressions of the 1930s.
1932 – In Manchuria occupied by Japanese troops, the creation of the state of Manchukuo was announced. This puppet state existed under the control of Japan until 1945, when its territory was liberated by the Red Army.
1933 – In the USA, the Emergency Banking Act was adopted, which contributed to the country’s exit from the Great Depression. The law provided for the closure of banks to test their financial stability, which helped restore public confidence in the banking system.
1934 – “Veselka” publishing house was founded in Kyiv. It specializes in publishing children’s literature and has become one of the key publishing centers of Ukraine, publishing thousands of books for young readers.
1945 – American aviation carried out one of the largest bombing raids on Tokyo during the Second World War. As a result of the massive strike, a large part of the city was destroyed, tens of thousands of civilians were killed, and Tokyo suffered huge losses.
1957 – US President Dwight Eisenhower made a statement about supporting the countries of the Middle East in the event of a threat from communist regimes. This doctrine became the basis of American foreign policy in the region, influencing the geopolitical situation for decades.
1959 – In New York, the Barbie doll was shown for the first time at a trade fair. Its creation became a revolution in the toy industry. Already in the first year, sales reached 350 thousand units, and later Barbie became a cult symbol of several generations.
2001 – In Kyiv, a skirmish took place between the participants of the “Ukraine without Kuchma” action and a special police force near the building of the Presidential Administration. This became a turning point for the protest movement, after which the activity of the action began to fade. This event became one of the significant moments in the political life of Ukraine in the early 2000s.
