December 21: What Holiday is Today, Traditions and Prohibitions.

Today, December 21, marks the Day of the Winter Solstice. This day is also the memory of Saint Martyr Juliana. There are 10 days left until the New Year.

December 21, 2024, falls on a Saturday and it is the 1032nd day of the war in Ukraine.

Day of the State Employment Service

On December 21, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the State Employment Service. This professional holiday honors the workers who assist citizens in employment and adaptation to professional activities. This holiday was established in honor of the creation of the State Employment Service of Ukraine in 1990.

Day of the Winter Solstice

This astronomical phenomenon occurs every year on December 21 or 22 when the Sun reaches its lowest point above the horizon. This leads to the shortest daylight and the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the day of the Summer Solstice with the longest day and shortest night. This phenomenon symbolizes the transition from darkness to light.

World Basketball Day

This holiday commemorates the first basketball game that took place on December 21, 1891. Basketball was created by Canadian physical education teacher James Naismith. This day is celebrated to honor and popularize this sport.

World Orgasm Day

This holiday was created to support world peace and to remind of the importance of harmony and unity among people. The idea for this day was proposed by Donald and Dedra Argent from the USA.

World Snowboarding Day

This holiday is intended to promote snowboarding as a sport and culture among winter sports enthusiasts. This day is celebrated on the third or fourth Saturday of December.

Birthday of the Crossword

On December 21, 1913, the first crossword puzzle was published, which became a popular intellectual game. The author of the first crossword was Arthur Wynne, a British journalist.

What Church Holiday is Today

December 21 marks the day of Saint Martyr Juliana, who lived in the 3rd century and became a Christian against her father's will.

What Not to Do on December 21

• It is undesirable to wish happiness and health, as it is believed that everything will be the opposite.
• One should not spy or eavesdrop.
• It is forbidden to pick up things that are accidentally found on the ground.

Folk Signs

• If dawn is red, a snowstorm is expected.
• If the weather is good today, it will be the same in September.
• If a lot of snow falls, there will be a large harvest next year.
• If there is little or no snow but there is frost, a dry summer is expected.

Memorable Dates of December 21

• 1846 - Anesthesia was first used during surgery in Europe.
• 1898 - Discovery of radium by Pierre and Marie Curie.
• 1913 - The first crossword in history was published in a New York newspaper.
• 1937 - The premiere of the film 'Gold Diggers' took place in Hollywood.