February 28 is the last day of the calendar winter, which combines several international, professional, and church holidays. This date traditionally has special significance in both the secular and religious calendars.
Today is International Rare Disease Day. Its main goal is to draw attention to people with rare diagnoses, who often face difficulties in accessing treatment, support and medical care. The initiative is aimed at developing research and raising public awareness about such diseases.
In addition, February 28 is unofficially celebrated around the world as Tooth Fairy Day, Tailors' Day, Tongue-Treading Competition Day, and Sword Swallower Day.
In Ukraine, representatives of two important professions are honored on this day. In particular, the Day of Patrol and Security Service Employees is celebrated, who ensure public order, respond to calls, and work to prevent crime in cities and communities.
Also, February 28 marks the Day of the Aviation Navigation Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is the navigators who are responsible for the navigation of military flights, route calculation, and the accuracy of combat missions, which directly affects the safety of crews and the effectiveness of aviation operations.
According to the new Julian church calendar, on this day Orthodox believers honor the confessor Basil and the monk Kasian of Kiev-Pechersk. According to the Julian calendar, they commemorate the seventy-one apostle Onesimus, who was traditionally considered the patron saint of livestock.
In folk traditions, the end of February was associated with the approach of spring. It was believed that the rapid melting of snow promised abundant grass in May, clear skies promised warm March, and the appearance of migratory birds signaled the final retreat of winter. Our ancestors believed that the air on this day had special power, so they tried to spend more time outdoors.
At the same time, the people considered February 28 to be a day when it was not worth starting new business or entering into conflicts, because any disputes could drag on for a long time.
