February 25 in Ukraine combines several memorable dates at once - a professional military holiday, a celebration of a prominent poet, an international initiative against bullying, and a church day of remembrance of a saint. In addition, this date has its own signs and warnings in the folk calendar.
In Ukraine, the Day of the Engineering and Aviation Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is celebrated every year on February 25. This is a professional holiday of military engineers who provide maintenance, repair and serviceability of aviation equipment. It is thanks to their work that airplanes, helicopters and fighter jets can perform combat missions and protect the Ukrainian sky.
On this same day, the prominent Ukrainian poetess Lesya Ukrainka was born. On the anniversary of her birth, society has repeatedly voiced proposals to introduce Ukrainian Women's Day. A corresponding bill appeared in the Verkhovna Rada, but currently this holiday does not have official status and is celebrated informally.
Pink Shirt Day is celebrated worldwide on February 25th, an international campaign in support of victims of bullying. It was started by students at a Canadian school after a classmate was bullied because of his clothing. Since then, the color pink has become a symbol of solidarity with those who have suffered from bullying and a reminder that aggression is unacceptable.
Other international dates include Selfless Helping Others Day, Cochlear Implant Day, Chocolate-Dipped Nuts Day, and even Revolver Day.
According to the church calendar, Saint Tarasius, Patriarch of Constantinople, is honored on February 25. Believers also celebrate Taras's name day on this day. Traditionally, the saint is prayed for support for orphans and widows, healing from serious illnesses, and deliverance from sorrow.
In the folk calendar, this day was considered favorable for medical procedures and treatment. It was believed that the recovery started on February 25 would be especially effective. At the end of winter, peasants prepared for the sowing season - they checked their inventory, planted seedlings, hardened seeds in the cold. Fishermen considered the date auspicious for catching fish.
There are also signs related to the weather. A thaw portends a rich catch of fish, a starry sky promises a cool March, and a sunny day promises a warm start to spring. If the snow begins to melt actively and the ice breaks up, floods are possible in April.
At the same time, folk beliefs warn against greed and stinginess - it is believed that refusing to help another can result in your own difficulties. They also advise against making large purchases: according to signs, things purchased on this day will not last long. It is also undesirable to sleep during the day to avoid headaches.
Thus, February 25 combines military, cultural, international, and spiritual events, remaining an important date for both the state and society.
