September 21 is celebrated worldwide as the International Day of Peace, in Ukraine – the Day of the Pharmaceutical Worker of Ukraine, the Day of the Surgeon and the Day of the Inventor and Rationalizer.
On September 21, 1781, Empress Catherine II officially approved the coat of arms of the Kharkiv Viceroyalty.
Peace Day
The International Day of Peace was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981. It is a special day when people all over the planet pause to reflect on the importance of peace and emphasize the need to end all conflicts. The official theme of this year’s Peace Day is “Engaging Everyone in Peacekeeping: Transforming the World through Joint Efforts.”
Interesting facts
Initially, this day was dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace between peoples and nations. However, in 2001, the UN General Assembly designated September 21 as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, calling on countries to cease hostilities for at least one day.
One of the main symbols of Peace Day is a white dove carrying an olive branch in its beak. This image, inspired by ancient mythology, became famous thanks to the artist Pablo Picasso, who in 1949 created a poster with the image of a dove for the World Congress of Defenders of Peace.
Every year on this day in Ukraine, the “Peace Bell” ceremony is held. Participants of the action gather at a special bell in Kyiv and other cities of the country to honor the memory of the victims of the war and call for peace on the whole planet. The bell, donated by Japan in 2002, is a symbol of unity and the common desire of mankind for harmony.
Ukrainian schools traditionally hold flash mobs, peace lessons, paper dove-making events, and themed exhibitions. Pupils together with teachers discuss the importance of peace, human rights and tolerance in order to form an understanding of the value of peaceful coexistence among the younger generation.
In many countries, in particular in Great Britain, the United States and Japan, there are mass events dedicated to the Day of Peace. One of the largest is the “Peace Walk” parade in New York, which takes place in Central Park and gathers thousands of participants who together express their desire to live in a world without violence.
The United Nations actively uses this day to draw attention to the most pressing conflicts and crisis situations in the world. Numerous meetings and forums are held to discuss ways to resolve conflicts and opportunities for humanitarian aid.
The celebration of Peace Day is often accompanied by musical performances. World-famous musicians and orchestras organize concerts, the funds from which are directed to support humanitarian projects and help victims of military conflicts.
Every year, the UN holds an international children’s drawing competition on the theme of peace. Children from different countries of the world participate, expressing their vision of a peaceful future. Similar contests are also traditionally held in Ukraine, where children draw their dreams of a life without war.
Day of the pharmaceutical worker
The Day of the Pharmaceutical Worker of Ukraine is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of September, and in 2024 this date falls on September 21. This professional holiday was established in 1999 by the decree of the President of Ukraine to honor the work of pharmacists, pharmacists and all those related to the production, sale and quality control of medicinal products.
Interesting facts
There are unique pharmacies in Ukraine that have their own museums. For example, in Kharkiv, the “Under the Crane” pharmacy has preserved its historical interior from the 19th century, and in Odesa, there is a museum of the “Gayer” pharmacy, where you can see old pharmacy equipment, recipes and even samples of medicinal plants. There is a museum pharmacy in Lviv, which is one of the oldest in Europe. It was founded in 1735 and works to this day. Here you can see unique exhibits that tell about the development of pharmacy in Ukraine and the world.
With the outbreak of the war, many pharmacists volunteered, helping not only to supply medicine, but also to conduct first aid training. Some pharmacists even work on the front lines, saving lives on the front lines.
During the war, Ukrainian pharmacists not only provide the population with medicines, but also actively help the military by delivering drugs and medical supplies to the front. Pharmaceutical workers often organize charity events and fundraisers to help wounded defenders. Ukrainian pharmacists are working on creating medicines that are in short supply due to supply problems. Thus, in 2022, the first Ukrainian analogue of “Plaquenil” was developed – a drug used to treat COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases.
Ukrainian pharmaceutical companies are actively developing new directions, such as biotechnology and the development of innovative drugs. For example, in 2021, the first domestic vaccine against the coronavirus was developed, which is currently undergoing testing.
Day of the surgeon
Surgeon’s Day in Ukraine is not yet an official holiday, but it is celebrated on September 21 in medical circles to honor the work of specialists who save people’s lives every day. This holiday is designed to emphasize the importance of this profession and draw attention to the achievements and challenges faced by Ukrainian surgeons.
Interesting facts
Mykola Pirogov, one of the most famous Ukrainian surgeons, was the first to use anesthesia in the field. During the Crimean War, he first used a plaster bandage to treat the wounded, which significantly increased the survival of soldiers.
In 2021, 21-year-old Ivan Martyniuk became the youngest practicing surgeon in Ukraine. While still a student, he performed his first operation to remove appendicitis under the supervision of a teacher and since then has been successfully performing complex operations.
Robotic surgeons are actively being introduced in Ukraine to perform complex operations. For example, the “Da Vinci” robot works in Kyiv, which allows operations to be performed with high precision, minimizing tissue damage and speeding up the recovery of patients.
In 2018, surgeons from Vinnytsia removed more than 18,000 stones from a patient’s gall bladder, which became one of the world records for the number of stones removed in one operation.
In 1933, Ukrainian surgeon Yuriy Voronyi performed the world’s first successful kidney transplant. This operation became a landmark in world medicine and opened up new opportunities for the development of transplantology.
During the war, Ukrainian surgeons show true dedication to their work, saving the lives of the wounded at the front. They work in extremely difficult conditions, providing emergency care and providing highly qualified treatment even in field hospitals.
In Ukraine, the latest methods of surgical intervention, such as laparoscopic and robotic operations, are actively developing, which allow to reduce trauma and speed up the rehabilitation of patients.
Day of the inventor and rationalizer
This holiday, which is celebrated in Ukraine every year on the third Saturday of September, celebrates creative and technically gifted people who contribute to scientific and technological progress with their work. In 2024, Inventor and Innovator Day will also fall on September 21. The holiday was started in 1994 by a decree of the President of Ukraine to honor those who create innovative solutions for the development of the national economy.
Interesting facts
Ukrainians made many discoveries that changed the world. So, Boris Paton, an outstanding scientist, invented the method of electric welding of living tissues, which is used in surgery to seal wounds without the use of threads. This allows you to significantly reduce the time of operations and reduce the risk of complications.
Volodymyr Filatov, a famous ophthalmologist, developed a corneal transplant method that saved the sight of millions of people.
Inventor Mykyt Vatuly from Kyiv developed a device for people with hearing impairment while still at school, which helps them perceive the sounds of the surrounding world through vibration. His invention won an award at the international exhibition “Genius Olympiad” in the USA.
Ukrainian scientists made an important contribution to the development of space technologies. Serhii Korolev, originally from Zhytomyr, became the “father of Soviet cosmonautics”. It was he who developed the first artificial satellites and launched the first astronaut into space.
Ukrainian scientists have made many unique discoveries that are known all over the world. For example,
Ihor Sikorsky, a Ukrainian by birth, is considered one of the fathers of modern aviation and helicopter construction. His designs revolutionized aviation, and helicopters based on his ideas are still in use around the world.
Scientific startups that create innovative products and technologies are actively developing in Ukraine. For example, the Ukrainian startup “PassivDom” has developed autonomous houses that can function independently of external energy sources.
The Ukrainian company “Reface” has created an application that allows you to change the face in photos and videos. A few months after its launch, it became the most popular in the world, even surpassing TikTok and Instagram in terms of downloads.
Historical events on this day
1922 — The USA supports the idea of creating a Jewish state
US President Warren Harding supported the idea of creating a Jewish state in Palestine. The decision was an important political statement that reaffirmed the United States’ support for the Balfour Declaration of 1917, in which the British government announced its intention to establish a national home for the Jewish people in what was then Palestine. This event was one of the first steps in the international arena to recognize the Jewish right to self-determination, which later led to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.
1933 – Trial in Leipzig
The trial of communists accused of setting fire to the Reichstag began in Leipzig. The arson on February 27, 1933 was a key event that helped the Nazis seize power in Germany. Several communists were declared guilty of the crime, including the Bulgarian politician Georgiy Dimitrov. The trial was intended to discredit the communist movement and strengthen the position of the Nazis, but due to the lack of evidence, many defendants were acquitted, which caused a loud international outcry.
1940 — The London Underground as a bomb shelter
During the Second World War, when Germany began intensive bombing of London, the British government decided to use underground stations as bomb shelters. Londoners descended en masse into the underground to protect themselves from air raids. The subway became a real salvation for thousands of people who hid underground with their families during the attacks, bringing with them the necessities for the night. This period was called the “London Blitz” and became a symbol of British resilience in the fight against the Nazi threat.
1943 — Liberation of Chernigov
On September 21, 1943, during the Second World War, Soviet troops liberated the city of Chernihiv from the German-fascist invaders. The operation became part of a large-scale offensive aimed at liberating Ukraine from the Nazis. The liberation of Chernigov was of great strategic importance, as the city was an important transport hub and an outpost on the way to Kyiv.
1940 — Opening of the Lviv Opera and Ballet Theater
On September 21, 1940, the solemn opening of the Lviv Opera and Ballet Theater named after Solomia Krushelnytska took place in Lviv. This event became significant for the cultural life of the city, because the theater is one of the oldest and most prestigious in Ukraine. The architectural beauty and technical perfection of the building make it one of the hallmarks of Lviv, and the theater’s repertoire has always featured masterpieces of world opera and ballet.
1991 — Referendum on independence in Armenia
At the referendum in Armenia, 99% of citizens voted for independence from the USSR. It was a decisive step in Armenia’s independence, which officially took place on September 23, 1991. Armenia became one of the first republics to break away from the Soviet Union, and this referendum opened a new chapter in the country’s history, providing it with the opportunity to independently determine its political and economic future.
1998 — Questioning of Bill Clinton in the case of Monica Lewinsky
A recording of the interrogation of US President Bill Clinton in the case of his relationship with Monica Lewinsky was shown on American television. This was the first time a sitting president was questioned under oath as part of a criminal investigation. The scandal had a huge public resonance and led to Clinton’s impeachment proceedings in 1998. Despite the scandal, Clinton retained his position, but his image suffered significant losses.
2004 — Beginning of construction of Burj Khalifa
In Dubai, the construction of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, which later became the tallest building in the world, began. 828 meters high, it is a symbol of architectural progress and engineering thought. Burj Khalifa has become not only a tourist attraction, but also an important center of business and housing for many international companies and citizens.
2022 — The first mobilization in the modern Russian Federation
During the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the President of the Russian Federation announced the first mobilization in the modern history of Russia. This was a consequence of the failures of the Russian troops at the front and an attempt to mobilize additional forces to continue the aggression against Ukraine. The decision sparked widespread protests within the country and forced many Russians to leave the country to avoid conscription. The mobilization further complicated the already tense domestic political situation in the Russian Federation.
Coat of arms of the Kharkiv Governorate
On September 21, 1781, the empress of the Russian Empire, Catherine II, officially approved the coat of arms of the Kharkiv Governorate, which later, in 1796, was renamed again to the Slobid-Ukrainian province, and from 1835 to the Kharkiv province. This coat of arms was approved simultaneously with the coats of arms of 15 county towns and the provincial center of the Kharkiv viceroyalty, as well as the neighboring Voronezh viceroyalty.
The coat of arms of Kharkiv consisted of a cornucopia filled with fruits and flowers, and the staff of the Caduceus (Mercury’s staff), which were arranged in the form of a cross on a green background. The cornucopia symbolized the natural wealth that the surrounding villages and towns were famous for, as well as the abundance brought by local fairs. The Caduceus wand alluded to the developed trade that actively flourished in Kharkiv. This symbol, created in 1775 by heraldmaster Prince Mykhailo Shcherbatov, first appeared as an emblem on the flag of the Kharkiv regiment.
It is interesting that historians claim that the idea of a cornucopia comes from the family emblem of a local oligarch, Colonel Matvyi Kulikovsky. In the original, the horn was directed downwards, symbolizing the outpouring of wealth, but for the coat of arms it was turned upwards to emphasize the idea of inexhaustible abundance.
The cornucopia, as a symbol of well-being and prosperity, has long been known in heraldry and is often used to denote fertility and economic stability. Kharkiv has long been known as a trade center, as Father Fedir, the character of “Twelve Chairs” humorously mentioned, calling it a merchant city.
The Caduceus also has a deep symbolic meaning. According to Greek mythology, Apollo, the god of light and the arts, gave this rod to his brother Hermes (the god of trade) as a sign of reconciliation. Hermes, in order to test the strength of the staff, placed it between two snakes that were fighting, and they, wrapping themselves around the staff, immediately stopped the dispute. This mythical image symbolizes peace and reconciliation, which is very reminiscent of the struggle for mutual understanding between different peoples. In those days, the Caduceus was also considered a symbol of secret knowledge and a key to the unity of the “Three Russias”, which meant the unity of the Ukrainian, Belarusian and Russian peoples.
The first coat of arms of Kharkiv, which was used from the 1660s to the beginning of the 18th century, was a stretched bow with an arrow on a golden background. This symbol was intended to emphasize the military power of the city as a regimental center and defender against Tatar raids. According to legend, Khan Sharukan had his capital Harukan on the site of modern Kharkiv, and it is from it that the name of the city comes. Some sources even claim that this coat of arms was the coat of arms of the Cossack chieftain Ivan Sirk.
Over time, the coat of arms changed several times. For example, in the 18th century there was a version of the coat of arms, which depicted a severed black horse’s head with red eyes and a tongue on a silver shield. This emblem symbolized the developed horse breeding in the region. At the top of the shield was a six-pointed gold star (Star of David) between two gold Byzantine coins, indicating the presence of a university in the city and the importance of trade.
During the Soviet Union, the coat of arms of Kharkiv also changed. It depicted a golden ear on a white background, symbolizing the wealth and productivity of the fields of Slobozhanshchyna, and on its background were depicted electron orbits, which reminded of the city’s achievements in science and technology, because it was in Kharkiv that the atomic nucleus was split for the first time. The red and blue flag of the Ukrainian SSR was placed in the upper part of the coat of arms, on top of which there was an image of a gear wheel — a symbol of the city’s industrial development.
On September 14, 1995, the Kharkiv City Council for the third time in two centuries approved the coat of arms with the image of the cornucopia and Caduceus as the most traditional in the history of the city. It has become the official symbol of Kharkiv, embodying the wealth, trade and peaceful coexistence that have been important aspects of the city’s life for centuries.
