Today, December 19, several important holidays are celebrated, including the Day of the Legal Profession in Ukraine and the memory of the venerable Ilya Muromets of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. This day is also marked by significant historical events and folk traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Orthodox Holidays
The Orthodox Church of Ukraine honors today the memory of Saint Martyr Boniface and the venerable Ilya Muromets, a legendary hero of Ukrainian folklore. According to legends, Ilya Muromets was born in Chernihiv and, despite youthful illnesses, became a monk at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The relics of the saint are kept in the Near Caves of the Lavra, considered one of Ukraine's greatest spiritual treasures. Believers turn to Ilya for protection and endurance in trials.
Other Festive Dates
On December 19, Ukraine also celebrates the Day of the Legal Profession, established by the decree of President Leonid Kuchma in 2002 in honor of the adoption of the Law "On the Legal Profession" in 1992. The International Day of Assistance to the Poor also falls on this date, adding importance to the social aspect of this day.
Historical Events
On this day in 1154, Henry II was crowned as the first king of the Plantagenet dynasty in England, thereby strengthening his power after a prolonged civil war. Also, on this very day in 1863, linoleum was patented by Englishman Frederick Walton.
On December 19, 1941, Adolf Hitler took command of the German troops during World War II, which became a pivotal event of that period. In 1991, Sweden recognized the independence of Ukraine.
This day is not only rich in historical events but also filled with folk traditions. People pay attention to the weather, as they believe it predicts the coming seasons. Notably, a clear frosty morning indicates a dry and long winter.
