What is celebrated on August 8 in Ukraine and around the world
Kyiv • UNN
August 8 marks International Cat Day and Mountaineers' Day. This day also celebrates Dollar Day and commemorates Saint Emiliano.
On August 8, Orthodox believers following the new church calendar commemorate Saint Emilian the Wonderworker. Around the world, this day also marks one of the warmest unofficial holidays—the International Cat Day, UNN writes.
World Cat Day
A popular unofficial holiday established in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare. Its purpose is to honor these domestic pets, remind people of the importance of treating them humanely, and support shelters for homeless animals.
International Mountain Climbing Day (Mountaineer's Day)
A holiday for everyone who conquers mountain peaks, established in honor of the first successful ascent of the highest point in the Alps—the Mont Blanc mountain—in 1786 by Swiss mountaineers Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard.
Pumpkin Pie Day (National Zucchini Day / National Sneak Some Zucchini into Your Neighbor's Porch Day)
In the United States and some other countries, this amusing unofficial holiday is dedicated to zucchini and pumpkins. There is even a humorous tradition of leaving excess zucchini harvest on neighbors' porches under cover of night.
National Dollar Day
A popular holiday in the United States commemorating the issuance of the first American paper banknote in 1794, highlighting the history and significance of money in society.
The Feast Day of Saint Emilian (Yemelyan) the Confessor
According to the new calendar, August 8 commemorates the memory of Emilian, Bishop of Cyzicus, who suffered for the Christian faith in the 9th century. Among the people, this day was called "Omelyan's Day" or "Zinoviy."
Traditionally, the harvest ended on this day: before beginning work, farmers thanked the fields for the harvest, and after completing the grain harvest, they placed the sickles in sheaves as a keepsake. On this day, people also traditionally took steam baths with bundles of leafy branches and tried to set a lavish table.
For those who follow the old calendar: August 8 commemorates the holy confessors Hermogenes, Hermas, and Evgraf. Among the people, it was called "Yermolay's Day." Peasants began the early harvesting of early varieties of apples and pears and also actively gathered medicinal herbs.