June 13 is not a public holiday in Ukraine, but this date has special significance in modern history — it was on this day in 2014 that Ukrainian military liberated Mariupol from Russian militants. The operation lasted several hours and ended with the raising of the Ukrainian flag over the city council.
Among the Ukrainians born on June 13 are UPA soldier Ivan Vovchuk, writers Mark Cheremshyna and Artem Chekh, priest Myroslav Rypetskyi, and Hero of Ukraine Serhiy Sova.
Today, the world commemorates the invention of the sewing machine, a technology that changed the accessibility of clothing for millions. Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia mark a day of remembrance for victims of communist repression. Hungary honors inventors, Argentina honors writers, and Panama honors physicists.
The Orthodox Church commemorates the martyrs Aquilina and Antonina, as well as the Monk John and his mother Anna. In folk tradition, the date is known as Aquilina Grechishnytsia. On this day, buckwheat was sown and porridge was prepared from last year's grain, but heavy work and grazing of livestock were avoided due to the danger of insect bites.
Our ancestors believed that you shouldn't drink milk on June 13th, as it could be spoiled by the influence of ghedzi. It was also not recommended to work in the garden, do construction work, or complain about troubles.
Folk omens say: if you hear the sound of a zozula, the weather will be clear, evening dew promises a hot day, and the appearance of a rainbow after rain indicates a dry period.
It is a day of memories, traditions, and warnings — without formal celebration, but with deep meaning.
