December 21 has a special significance both in the church calendar and in secular life. On this day, believers honor the memory of the holy martyr Juliana, and in the world and in Ukraine, several important dates are celebrated at once - from astronomical events to professional and international holidays.
The holy martyr Juliana lived in the 3rd–4th centuries and was born into a noble family. Despite the possibility of a wealthy and carefree life, she consciously chose the path of the Christian faith. Juliana refused marriage, devoting herself to serving God, which caused persecution from the pagan authorities. She was tortured, but did not renounce her faith and accepted a martyr's death. In the Christian tradition, Saint Juliana is a symbol of spiritual fortitude, inner freedom and loyalty to her beliefs.
In addition to church observances, December 21 is celebrated as World Meditation Day. This holiday is designed to remind people of the importance of inner balance, mindfulness, and psychological health. Meditation is seen as a tool for self-discovery, stress relief, and emotional harmony.
This day is also celebrated as World Basketball Day, established by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). The holiday emphasizes the role of sport in building team spirit, mutual respect and a healthy lifestyle, as well as its ability to unite people across countries.
In Ukraine, December 21 is a professional holiday — State Employment Service Day. It is celebrated by specialists who help citizens find jobs, organize retraining programs, and promote stability in the labor market, especially in difficult economic times.
This date also has a special significance from an astronomical point of view. December 21 is the day of the winter solstice, when the shortest day and the longest night of the year occur. From this moment on, the daylight hours begin to gradually increase. In various cultures, the winter solstice has long symbolized the end of the period of darkness, renewal, rebirth, and hope for the future.
