March 12: Pineapple Day, World Day Against Cyber Censorship

Today, on March 12, fruit lovers in many countries of the world can join the celebration of Pineapple Day, UNN reports.

The event was launched in 1970, when breeders developed a new extra-sweet pineapple variety called Den Monte Cold. It is distinguished from others by its unusual flavor and exquisite golden flesh, and it contains several times more vitamin C than ordinary pineapples.

Christopher Columbus first brought pineapples to Europe in the late sixteenth century. After a while, the fruit began to be grown on plantations in India and African colonies.

In European countries, these fruits quickly found their connoisseurs. But there was only one problem: delivery. It was expensive and time-consuming, and half of the fruit had to be thrown away during the journey because it was spoiled.

In the middle of the seventeenth century, the first greenhouse for growing pineapples was created in Great Britain.  

Despite the fact that the fruits were grown in Europe, they did not become cheaper or more affordable. It took at least two years to grow them, and the maintenance of the greenhouse itself was unreasonably expensive. For this reason, pineapples have always been the personification of luxury and great wealth.

In the nineteenth century, people tried to grow pineapples on an industrial scale for export even in modern Ukraine.

Since 2008, on March 12, many countries around the world have held events to mark the World Day Against Cyber Censorship. The event was initiated by the international organizations Reporters Without Borders and Amnesty International.

For modern Ukraine, the event is somewhat controversial. On the one hand, its initiators pursue the noble goal of countering censorship by the government on the Internet. On the other hand, in the context of a full-scale Russian invasion and hybrid information warfare, many information resources have emerged that are openly anti-Ukrainian.

Today, flora lovers can join the Planting Day. The event was launched in the United States but quickly became popular in many countries around the world.

The middle of March means that real spring will soon arrive, so this period will be the most favorable for planting.

Today's event is a great opportunity for florists from many countries to share their experience and have a pleasant conversation with like-minded people.

According to the church calendar, today is the Day of Remembrance of St. Theophanes the Confessor, who lived in the VIII-IX centuries.

Theophan was born into a wealthy family, but from a young age he decided to devote his life to serving the Lord and took monastic vows. Theophan was a preacher and a theologian. He founded several monasteries. He criticized the emperor of Constantinople, who supported the iconoclasts. For this he was sent into exile, where he died.

Feofan, Semen, and Hryhorii celebrate their name days on March 12.