February 20 is a special date for Ukraine. On this day, the country honors the memory of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred - people who gave their lives during the Revolution of Dignity for the democratic and European future of the state. At the same time, the world celebrates the Day of Social Justice, and the church calendar commemorates prominent Christian figures.
The international calendar designates February 20 as the World Day of Social Justice. It is celebrated annually by UN member states to draw attention to the problems of inequality, discrimination and poverty. The idea of the holiday is to create equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of social status or origin. Also, unofficial events are celebrated on this day - Pipe Smoking Day, Day of People Who Overcame Alcoholism, Hoodie Day and Cinematographer Day.
In Ukraine, February 20 is officially established as the Day of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred. The memorable date is dedicated to more than a hundred Euromaidan activists who died in February 2014 in the center of Kyiv. It was on February 20 that the most tragic events of the Revolution of Dignity took place. In total, 107 people gave their lives for freedom and the European choice of Ukraine. On this day, memorial events, exhibitions, laying flowers at monuments, church memorial services and minutes of silence are held in various cities of the country.
In the church calendar according to the new style, Bishop Leo of Katansky and the holy prince Yaroslav the Wise are honored, during whose reign Kyivan Rus achieved political and cultural prosperity. According to the old style, the venerable Luke of Greece is commemorated.
In folk tradition, weather signs are associated with February 20. It was believed that if the sky turns red in the evening, the summer will be windy. High white clouds portend warming, the crackling of ice on rivers - early spring, and wet snow - spring floods. In ancient times, on this day, young people organized winter parties, rode sleds and played snowballs, and housewives baked round kalachi as a symbol of the sun and the imminent arrival of spring.
There were also certain warnings. According to popular beliefs, on February 20th you should not swear, abuse alcohol, be lazy, or make rash promises, because it will be difficult to carry out your plans.
Thus, February 20 combines state memory, church traditions, and the international theme of social justice, reminding us of the value of freedom, equality, and responsibility to society.
