Today, 26 September, is the Day of the Human Resources Specialist, World Maritime Day, International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, World Environment Day, and European Day of Languages. Believers honour the memory of the holy apostle and evangelist John the Theologian, Komersant ukrainskyi
reports
International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
According to the decision of the United Nations General Assembly of 5 December 2013, the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons was established. It is celebrated on 26 September. The purpose of the holiday is to draw public attention to the problems caused by weapons of mass destruction and to ensure safety around the world.
The total elimination of nuclear weapons is one of the oldest goals of the United Nations. It was the subject of the first General Assembly resolution in 1946. Also, starting from 1959, it was included in the agenda of the General Assembly along with general and complete disarmament.
It has been the main topic of the review conferences held at the UN since 1975 by the states parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. It was identified as one of the priority tasks of the first special session of the General Assembly on disarmament in 1978, which paid special attention to the issue of nuclear disarmament. It has also been supported by each of the United Nations Secretaries-General.
World Environment Day
26 September is officially World Environmental Health Day. It was launched in 2011 in Indonesia. During the first celebration, students performed the holiday’s anthem, with music and lyrics written by themselves.
A year later, this event was celebrated in many countries in Europe and Africa. It was a positive celebration of environmental cleanliness. People themselves came out to clean parks, squares and streets. Since 2013, the USA, Canada, Australia, Asia and the UK have joined the celebration.
The aim of this event is to address environmental pollution problems and make appropriate decisions.
European Day of Languages
The European Day of Languages is a mass event dedicated to expanding intercultural understanding and learning foreign languages, including rare ones. It is traditionally celebrated on 26 September each year in 45 countries of the continent. For example, there are 24 official languages in Europe.
The holiday was proclaimed with the support of the official bodies of the European Union on 6 December 2001 during the European Year of Languages. It calls for diversification of the available range of languages in order to achieve maximum agreement between states and citizens.
World Maritime Day
World Maritime Day draws public attention to the ecology of the marine environment, the protection of biological resources, and the safety of ship and boat traffic. The date of the event depends on the year and country, but is usually held on the last Thursday of September.
The purpose of World Maritime Day is to draw international attention to the irreparable damage to seas and oceans caused by overfishing, water pollution and global warming. Two of the most important tasks are to improve maritime safety and prevent pollution of the marine environment, in particular oil.
HR Specialist Day
Celebrated annually on 26 September, Human Resources Day is a day dedicated to recognising the important work that human resources professionals do around the world.
HR professionals are responsible for recruitment, talent management, employee relations, workplace culture and much more.
World Contraception Day
Since 2007, the World Contraception Day has been celebrated on the initiative of ten international organisations that are somehow related to family planning issues. The annual event is held on 26 September.
The purpose of the holiday is to expand public awareness of contraception.
What kind of church holiday is today
26 September in the church calendar is the day of remembrance of the holy apostle and evangelist John the Theologian. He was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the author of several books of the New Testament, including the Gospel of John, the three epistles, and the Revelation of John the Theologian.
Born in Bethsaida, Galilee, John was the son of Zebedee and Salome. Together with his brother James, he was a fisherman before Jesus called them to become His disciples. John was one of Jesus’ closest disciples and is often referred to as “the disciple Jesus loved”.
He is also called the “apostle of love”. It was to him that Jesus entrusted the care of his mother when he was dying.
The Apostle John, one of the few apostles, died a natural death, living to a ripe old age. All his life he taught his disciples Christianity. He died at the age of over 100, having been the only witness to the events that happened to Jesus Christ.
John the Theologian is often depicted in paintings and icons with an eagle, this bird is considered his symbol and protector.
What not to do on 26 September
It is believed that on 26 September, it is forbidden to organise noisy celebrations and drink alcohol.
You should also not pick up sharp objects on this day, as there is a risk of serious injury.
People also believe that it is forbidden to work in the afternoon on St John the Divine, otherwise you can bring 40 misfortunes upon yourself.
What to do on St John the Divine
On the day of honouring John the Theologian, you should go to church and pray to the saint. You should also take communion and confess. If someone is unable to go to church, they can pray at home.
People used to bake pies for a long time. But these pies were not eaten, they were taken out of the village and treated to passing travellers. John the Theologian was a traveller himself and is considered the patron saint of travellers.
Folk signs and traditions
Our ancestors had many interesting signs for this day:
- they would look at what day it was: the air temperature practically did not change during the day – it would be the same in the coming days;
- the rooks have already flown away – the first snow is coming;
- snow and rain – expect three big thaws in January;
- a strong wind blows after a long calm – expect rain or snow.
Our ancestors called this day “the day of remembrance”. There was a ban on drinking alcohol. They would go to church and pray to St John the Divine, asking for a strong family and health.