On 9 November, Ukraine celebrates the All-Ukrainian Day of Cultural Workers and Folk Art Lovers, while the world celebrates the International Day against Fascism, Racism and Anti-Semitism, World Freedom Day and World Leasing Day.
All-Ukrainian Day of Cultural Workers and Folk Art Lovers
This holiday was established to honour those who work to preserve, develop and promote the cultural heritage of Ukraine, as well as amateurs who enrich Ukrainian art and preserve national traditions through their own creativity.
Interesting facts
This day brings together representatives of various areas of culture – musicians, artists, museum workers, librarians, craftsmen, folklore and folk art lovers. Their work is of particular importance in preserving cultural heritage, which is an important part of Ukrainian identity.
Cultural workers and amateur artists play an important role in passing on traditions from generation to generation. They organise festivals, exhibitions, and concerts that introduce people to the rich heritage of folk art and help preserve their culture.
Thanks to the efforts of Ukrainian artists and cultural workers, Ukrainian arts and crafts are gaining recognition around the world. For example, in 2013, Ukrainian petrykivka (traditional ornamental painting) was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
In difficult times, such as war or crisis, cultural figures continue to work to support people and remind them of unity and hope. They organise events to support soldiers and hold artistic events that strengthen the spirit of the nation.
Amateur folk art allows everyone to feel part of the culture of their country. Embroidery, Easter egg making, pottery and other types of folk art have become symbols of Ukrainian authenticity, which people are proud of and pass on from generation to generation.
One of the tasks of cultural workers is to attract the younger generation to traditional art. Folklore clubs, folk craft workshops, and festivals for young people all contribute to keeping Ukrainian culture alive and dynamic.
International Day against Fascism, Racism and Anti-Semitism
The purpose of this holiday is to remind us of the importance of combating hatred, discrimination and violence against people based on their origin, religion, skin colour or nationality. This day was not chosen by chance: it marks the anniversary of the tragic events of the so-called Kristallnacht, which became a symbol of the beginning of the brutal persecution of the Jewish population by the Nazi regime in Germany.
‘Kristallnacht, which took place from 9 to 10 November 1938, became one of the most horrific pages in the history of anti-Semitism. In one night, about 1,400 synagogues were destroyed in Nazi Germany, thousands of Jewish shops and homes were looted, and more than 30,000 Jews were arrested and sent to concentration camps. The broken shop windows that covered the streets with shards of glass gave this event its symbolic name.
Interesting facts
This day is not only a reminder of the terrible consequences of fascism and racism, but also a commemoration of the victims of these crimes. Memorial events, exhibitions and educational lectures are held around the world to raise awareness of the tragedies of the past.
Unfortunately, anti-Semitism, racism and extremism have not disappeared in the modern world. Many international organisations, including the United Nations and the European Union, run special programmes to combat these phenomena, with a particular focus on education and preventing youth radicalisation.
Every year, on the International Day against Fascism, Racism and Anti-Semitism, events are held in schools and educational venues to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of xenophobia, discrimination and radicalism. Particular attention is paid to history lessons that tell about the Holocaust and other crimes against humanity.
Many countries have introduced laws to combat racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism. The International Day Against Fascism helps to support public policy efforts by creating initiatives to prevent discrimination.
The day highlights the unity of the international community in the fight against violence and discrimination. Civil society organisations, human rights activists, cultural figures and ordinary people come together to show that fascism, racism and anti-Semitism have no place in the civilised world.
On this day, many people around the world use the hashtag #SayNoToHate on social media to draw attention to the problem of hatred and discrimination. This initiative helps unite people in the fight for equality, peace and justice.
World Freedom Day
This is an important date that aims to remind us of the value of freedom and democracy in the modern world. This holiday was established in 2001 by US President George W. Bush and commemorates the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, which became a symbol of the end of the Cold War and the unity of Eastern and Western Europe. Therefore, this day is inextricably linked to the struggle for human rights, freedom of speech and democratic principles.
Interesting facts
9 November was a landmark date when the Berlin Wall, which had separated East and West Germany for almost 30 years, began to fall. This was one of the first steps towards German reunification and symbolised the end of the Cold War.
World Freedom Day emphasises the importance of freedom in all its manifestations – from freedom of expression to political freedom. Today, it is a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic norms and the rights of every individual.
Around the world, this day is celebrated with various events – from marches to lectures and themed exhibitions. In Germany, for example, large-scale celebrations are held to commemorate the country’s reunification.
A small part of the Berlin Wall has been preserved as a memorial, and fragments of the wall can be found in various cities around the world as a symbol of the struggle for freedom and unity.
World Freedom Day reminds us that freedom is the basis for innovation, cultural enrichment and social progress. It calls for the unification of nations in the fight against oppression and violence.
World Leasing Day
This day aims to draw attention to the important role of leasing companies in the economy. Leasing is a financing tool that allows businesses, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises, to obtain the assets they need – vehicles, equipment and even real estate – without incurring a significant financial burden. This day emphasises the importance of leasing solutions that contribute to economic development and business support.
Interesting facts
Leasing is especially important for businesses that cannot afford large one-off asset purchases. It allows companies to use modern equipment without having to buy it, which helps them focus on developing their core business.
Leasing relationships existed as far back as ancient Babylon. The first written evidence of leasing dates back to 2000 BC, when land and equipment were leased in Babylon.
As the economy developed, leasing began to cover more and more areas. Today, leasing is used not only for transport and equipment, but also for the latest technologies, from IT equipment to software.
By leasing, companies can maintain liquidity, avoid high depreciation costs and reduce risks. This is especially useful in a fast-paced technological environment where equipment is rapidly becoming obsolete.
There are two main types of leasing: financial and operating. Financial leasing usually implies that the user can buy the asset at the end of the contract. Operating leasing involves a shorter term and the return of the asset to the lessor.
Leasing also helps to reduce the environmental burden by promoting green technologies. For example, leasing has made electric vehicles and energy-efficient equipment more affordable for small businesses.
Historical events on this day
1799 – coup d’état in France: this coup brought Napoleon Bonaparte to power in the French Republic, which marked the beginning of his brilliant career as a political and military leader. He would later declare himself emperor and significantly change the political landscape of Europe.
1867 – Return of power to the Emperor of Japan: Tokugawa Shogun Yoshinobu voluntarily returned state power to the Japanese Emperor. This event marked the end of the shogunate era and the beginning of the Meiji reforms, which significantly influenced Japan’s modernisation and industrialisation.
1906 – Peter Stolypin’s Land Reform: The Russian Empire launched an agrarian reform initiated by Prime Minister Peter Stolypin. Its goal was to create a stable peasantry, which would reduce social unrest and increase agricultural efficiency.
1907 – The largest diamond in the world: King Edward VII of Great Britain received the largest diamond in the world, known as the Cullinan, as a gift. It weighed 3,106 carats and was later cut into several gems, one of which adorned the British crown.
1923 – Beer Putsch in Munich: In Germany, the National Socialist Party led by Adolf Hitler attempted to seize power, but the coup was quickly suppressed. This was an important moment in the formation of the Nazi movement, which would later lead to catastrophic consequences for the world.
1956 – a ban on returning to the western regions of the Ukrainian SSR: The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR passed a decree banning former leaders and active members of the Ukrainian nationalist underground from returning to the western regions of Ukraine. This was one of the Soviet authorities’ methods of controlling the nationalist movement in the country.
1956 – Jean-Paul Sartre against the Soviet invasion of Hungary: French philosopher and writer Jean-Paul Sartre resigned from the French Communist Party in protest against the Soviet invasion of Hungary. His gesture was one of many protests by the intellectual elite of the West against the actions of the USSR.
1961 – renaming of Stalino to Donetsk: the city of Stalino, which was named after Stalin, was renamed Donetsk. This decision symbolised the beginning of the de-Stalinisation process in the Soviet Union.
1962 – renaming of Stanislav to Ivano-Frankivsk: the city of Stanislav was renamed Ivano-Frankivsk in honour of Ukrainian writer Ivan Franko, and the Stanislav region became Ivano-Frankivsk. This was part of the process of strengthening Ukrainian cultural identity within the Ukrainian SSR.
1976 – The Ukrainian Public Group for the Implementation of the Helsinki Accords was established: a group aimed at promoting human rights in the USSR was founded in Kyiv. It became one of the most active organisations in the human rights movement, drawing the world’s attention to human rights violations in Ukraine.
1977 – Manifesto of the Ukrainian Human Rights Movement: The Ukrainian Helsinki Group published its ‘Manifesto’, where it declared its rights and called for the observance of the Helsinki Accords. It was one of the first documents to openly call for human rights in the USSR.
1989 – the destruction of the Berlin Wall: the symbolic fall of the Berlin Wall separating East and West Berlin began. This was a turning point in the end of the Cold War, the reunification of Germany and the spread of democratic freedoms in Eastern Europe.
1995 – Macedonia and Ukraine join the Council of Europe: Macedonia and Ukraine officially became members of the Council of Europe, symbolising their commitment to European democratic values and human rights.
