October 1 is full of holidays – in Ukraine, several important holidays are celebrated at once, which honor people of various professions, vocations and heroic deeds: the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, the Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks, the Day of the Territorial Defense of Ukraine, the Day of the Veteran and the Day of the Sociologist.
Day of Defenders of Ukraine
This is a day of honoring the courage, heroism and devotion of all those who defend Ukraine on the battlefield and in the rear. Previously, this holiday was celebrated on October 14, but in 2023 it was decided to move the celebration to October 1 in order to avoid a coincidence with another important day – the feast of the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God and the Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks, which are traditionally celebrated on October 14. The postponement of the date was also due to the desire to make this holiday a separate, unique day to honor the modern defenders of Ukraine.
The celebration of this day for the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God is symbolic for Ukrainian history, because the Mother of God has long been considered the patroness of the Ukrainian army and Cossacks.
The Day of Defenders of Ukraine acquired a special significance with the beginning of the war, because right now it is more important than ever to celebrate the courage and dedication of those who fight for the freedom and independence of the country. During the full-scale invasion of Russia, this day became not just a holiday, but a symbol of national unity and indomitability of the Ukrainian people.
Defenders are those who are on the front line, risking their lives so that civilians can continue their lives in safety. Their role in preserving the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine is invaluable. Without their courage and resilience, Ukrainian cities and villages could end up under occupation.
One of the symbols of this day is the red poppy – a symbol of memory of fallen soldiers, which has been used in Ukraine since the Second World War. This symbol reflects the connection between the past and the present struggle for independence.
Volunteers and medics working in the combat zone are also an important part of this holiday. They help provide the troops with everything they need and save the lives of the wounded. On this day they are also honored for their invaluable assistance to the army.
Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks
This holiday was also celebrated on October 1 instead of the 14th to honor the historical achievements and cultural heritage of the Ukrainian Cossacks. It was introduced in 1999 as a national holiday, symbolizing the heroic spirit and independence that were characteristic of the Cossack army.
Interesting facts
The Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks is celebrated simultaneously with the feast of the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God, whom the Ukrainian Cossacks considered their patroness. In Cossack times, the Cossacks especially revered the Mother of God on Sich, so prayers for protection were often held on the Intercession.
One of the main places of celebration of the Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks is the island of Khortytsia, where Zaporizhzhya Sich was located. Large-scale festivals, battle reconstructions, exhibitions of folk crafts and Cossack competitions are held here every year. It is interesting that participants come to these events not only from Ukraine, but also from other countries.
In modern Ukraine, there are numerous Cossack organizations that preserve and transmit Cossack customs and culture. They are actively engaged in patriotic education of young people, organize sports and cultural events, such as juries – youth military-patriotic games, where teenagers compete in various disciplines related to Cossack traditions.
Cossacks were considered not only military, but also custodians of folk traditions and freedom fighters. Their image is firmly established in the national consciousness of Ukrainians as a symbol of freedom, courage and self-government. In Ukraine, it is often said that the Cossack spirit still lives on, and its legacy inspires the protection of national interests.
The symbolism and traditions of the Cossacks influence even the modern army of Ukraine. Some military units bear honorary names associated with Cossack units. For example, individual units of the domestic Armed Forces are named after famous Cossack chieftains.
An important symbol of modern Cossacks is the Cossack cross. This cross is used during many solemn events, its image can be found on coats of arms, flags and emblems of various Cossack organizations, as well as on military symbols.
Territorial Defense Day of Ukraine
This holiday was introduced in 2020 to honor volunteers and reservists who participate in the defense of their country at the local level. Territorial defense forces have become a key part of Ukraine’s defense capabilities, especially after a full-scale Russian invasion in 2022.
During the initial phase of the Russian invasion, territorial defense units played a decisive role in the defense of many Ukrainian cities and towns. In particular, territorial defense helped to stop the attack on Kyiv, Kharkiv, Chernihiv and other key cities. Volunteers who had no military experience quickly organized themselves and joined the ranks of the defense.
The main part of the territorial defense forces consists of volunteers who work in various professions in peacetime, but in times of danger stand up to protect their communities. As of 2022, tens of thousands of Ukrainians, ready to defend their homes from the Russian Federation, have joined the territorial defense.
In many cities of Ukraine, in particular, after 2022, they began to conduct regular training for the civilian population on the basics of military training. This allows many Ukrainians to prepare for possible challenges and learn the basic skills of self-defense, first aid and organization of protection at the local level.
Since its creation, territorial defense has become an integral part of the defense system of Ukraine. The volunteer units work in close cooperation with the regular armed forces, performing tasks at the local level, such as guarding critical facilities, patrolling and maintaining order in rear areas.
Veteran’s Day
Veteran’s Day is a tribute to all those who gave their lives in service for the good of Ukraine. This holiday honors both veterans of modern armed conflicts and those who fought in previous wars. It is intended to remind society of the need to support and care for those who risked their lives for the sake of the country.
After the start of the war with Russia in 2014, the number of veterans in Ukraine increased significantly. Today, there are about 400,000 combat veterans in Ukraine. Many of them face problems of adaptation after returning from the front, which makes the support of society and the state critically important.
Various veteran organizations are active in Ukraine, dealing with issues of social, psychological and legal assistance to veterans.
In many countries, including Ukraine, veterans receive specialized help from psychologists, since returning to a peaceful life after hostilities can be extremely difficult. Veterans often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), making providing medical and psychological support a critical task.
On Veteran’s Day, commemorative events, laying of flowers at memorials to fallen soldiers, meetings of veterans and their families are held in many cities of Ukraine. Such events are often accompanied by concerts, performances by volunteers and charity events in support of those who have suffered as a result of hostilities.
Many veterans in Ukraine, having returned from the front, become active participants in public and political life. They create public organizations, engage in volunteering or are members of government bodies. Such an example shows how veterans can be a driving force for change in society.
Ukrainian veterans receive support not only within the country, but also abroad. Numerous international programs provide opportunities for rehabilitation, exchange of experience and training. One example is internship programs for veterans in the US and Europe, where they can learn new skills and adapt to civilian life.
Sociologist’s Day
This day is a professional holiday for everyone who studies social processes, analyzes public opinion and social behavior. Sociologists play an important role in understanding social phenomena and predicting trends in politics, economics, and culture.
Interesting facts
Sociology as a science appeared in Ukraine at the end of the 19th century, but its development significantly increased only after gaining independence in 1991. The first departments of sociology in Ukrainian universities began to appear in the 90s, which became an impetus for the development of this science at the academic level.
During the war with Russia, sociological research in Ukraine gained special importance. Sociologists regularly examine public attitudes toward war, mobilization, the economic situation, and attitudes toward international aid. For example, well-known sociological companies, such as the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) and the Razumkov Center, conduct monthly surveys that often become the basis for political decisions.
Ukrainian sociologists increasingly participate in international projects and research. They cooperate with colleagues from other countries to compare social processes in Ukraine with global trends. In particular, Ukrainian sociological research is often cited in international media and scientific publications.
Sociology in Ukraine studies not only traditional social processes, but also new social phenomena, such as migration, the impact of technology on society, the growth of patriotism in the conditions of war, as well as the attitude to European values. This makes it possible to create forecasts for the future and understand profound changes in the consciousness of Ukrainians.
Sociological surveys are often used during election campaigns in Ukraine. Politicians and parties actively commission research to understand voter sentiment and shape strategy. These polls become one of the key tools for analyzing the popularity of candidates and determining the main public demands.
Scientific conferences and round tables are often held on Sociologist’s Day, where topical issues related to social processes in Ukraine are discussed. These events bring together leading experts who share the results of their research and analyze global trends affecting Ukrainian society.
Historical events on this day
1919 – The end of the Polish-Ukrainian war (1918-1919)
The Polish-Ukrainian war, which had been going on since the end of 1918, ended on October 1, 1919. This conflict began due to the struggle for control over Western Ukraine, particularly Galicia, when after the collapse of Austria-Hungary, both sides claimed this territory. Poland sought to include it in its state, while the Ukrainians tried to create an independent Western Ukrainian People’s Republic (ZUNR). The war ended with the defeat of Ukrainian forces, which led to the occupation of Western Ukraine by Poland. After the war, Western Ukraine was incorporated into Poland, which lasted until the beginning of World War II.
1926 – the Kyiv Opera House received a new name
The Kyiv Opera Theater was officially renamed the Kyiv State Academic Ukrainian Opera. This was an important step in the development of the theater as one of the leading cultural centers of Ukraine. Today this theater is known as the National Opera of Ukraine named after T. G. Shevchenko. It is considered one of the best opera institutions in Eastern Europe and is the center of opera and ballet art in Ukraine.
1929 – Beginning of mass arrests of members of the Union for the Liberation of Ukraine (LSU)
The Soviet authorities began large-scale arrests of Ukrainian intellectuals, who were accused of the fabricated crime of creating and operating the Union for the Liberation of Ukraine (Ukrainian Liberation Union). This organization, as the authorities claimed, allegedly set itself the goal of restoring Ukraine’s independence. These arrests were part of Stalin’s campaign of repression against the Ukrainian intelligentsia, known as the “Shooting Renaissance.” The arrested persons were accused of nationalism and anti-Soviet activities, which became the reason for the destruction of many prominent Ukrainian cultural figures.
1931 – Release of the first tractor at the Kharkiv Tractor Plant
The first tractor was produced at the Kharkiv Tractor Plant, which marked the beginning of large-scale production of agricultural machinery in the Soviet Union. This plant played a key role in the mechanization of agriculture in the USSR, especially during collectivization. Tractors produced at the plant were widely used on collective farms and state farms throughout Ukraine and the Soviet Union.
1938 – Invasion of German troops into Czechoslovakia
What happened: On October 1, 1938, German troops crossed the borders of Czechoslovakia, which became part of the Munich Agreement. Under this agreement, Great Britain, France, Italy and Germany allowed the annexation of the Sudetenland by Germany. This event was one of the first steps to the outbreak of the Second World War. The German invasion of Czechoslovakia strengthened Hitler’s control over Central Europe and showed the weakness of the Western powers in resisting Nazi expansion.
1941 – Signing of a tripartite agreement between the USA, Great Britain and the USSR
The United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union signed an agreement to provide material assistance to the Soviet Union in its fight against Nazi Germany. This was an important event within the Lend-Lease program. Lend-Lease was a key tool for supplying the USSR with essential resources such as weapons, food, and equipment, which greatly strengthened the USSR’s position on the Eastern Front during World War II.
1948 – The start of operation of the Dashava-Kyiv gas pipeline
The 513 km long Dashava-Kyiv gas pipeline, which was one of the first large gas pipelines in Ukraine, began operation. This gas pipeline supplied gas from Western Ukraine to the capital, which made it possible to significantly improve the energy supply of Kyiv and the surrounding regions. The gas pipeline became part of the broader infrastructure program of the Soviet Union for energy development.
1949 – Proclamation of the People’s Republic of China
The establishment of the People’s Republic of China under the leadership of Mao Zedong was officially proclaimed in Beijing, resulting from the victory of the Communists in the Chinese Civil War. This event marked the beginning of a new era in Chinese history and led to the establishment of the communist regime. The People’s Republic of China has become a key player in world politics and one of the leading states of the socialist bloc.
1959 – Creation of the Society for Cultural Relations with Ukrainians Abroad
The Society for Cultural Relations with Ukrainians Abroad was established in Kyiv. This organization aimed to maintain ties between the Ukrainian diaspora and Soviet Ukraine. Thanks to this organization, Ukrainians who lived outside the USSR could maintain contact with their historical homeland, exchange cultural achievements and cooperate in cultural projects.
1960 – Start of production of “Zaporozhets” at the Zaporozhye Automobile Plant
Serial production of the ZAZ-965 model, better known as “Zaporozhets”, began at the Zaporizhzhia Automobile Plant. This compact car became one of the symbols of the Soviet automobile industry and gained popularity among the population. It became an affordable alternative for many families who dreamed of owning their own vehicle. “Zaporozhets” was produced until 1994, and it is remembered as one of the most famous Soviet cars.
