Today one should not look at shooting stars; it was believed that this could bring misfortune. A thaw on this day means a good grain harvest.
What happened on this day:
Today the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the holy apostles from 70 Arkhip, Philemon and the martyr Apphia. They were disciples and associates of the Apostle Paul.
Also, February 19 is the Day of the State Emblem of Ukraine.
What not to do on February 19:
- start new things;
- look at shooting stars;
- use foul language, speak loudly;
- take something out of the house;
- look into a broken mirror.
Folk signs and beliefs:
- snow drifts on this day promise late grass;
- If you meet a white hare in the forest today, it means more snow will certainly fall;
- thaw – to a good grain harvest.
Born today:
1678 – Antonio Vivaldi (d. 1741), Italian composer, violinist, conductor;
1870 – Evgeny Paton (d. 1953), Soviet mechanical scientist, engineer, founder of the Institute of Electric Welding, author of the Paton Bridge in Kyiv;
1949 – Vladimir Ivasyuk (killed in 1979), Ukrainian poet and composer, Hero of Ukraine (2009);
1963 – Jason Newsted, American rock musician, bass guitarist for Metallica.
Angel Day is celebrated:
Apphia, Archippus, Asklipiodota, Bogdan, Dmitry, Dositheus, Eugene, Hesychius, Conon, Macarius, Maxim, Nikita, Ravula, Timofey, Fedot, Feodor, Philemon, Philothea.
Born today:
1960 – Prince Andrew, British prince, Duke of York, vice admiral, second son of Queen Elizabeth II.
And also on this day:
800 – General Napoleon I Bonaparte becomes consul of France;
1855 – French mathematician Le Verrier compiles the first weather map;
1992 – the trident is approved as the small coat of arms of Ukraine, this decision is made by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine;
2008 – Cuban leader Fidel Castro announces his retirement from big politics due to serious health conditions.