Today, on the third Saturday of October, all enthusiasts of ancient times can participate in an event dedicated to the science of studying history through material remnants of human activity - International Archaeology Day, reports UNN.
Archaeology holds particular significance for exploring eras when writing did not exist at all, or the history of peoples who lacked writing even in later historical periods. Writing has been around for about a thousand years, and the entire preceding period of human history has become known only thanks to the development of archaeology.
Archaeologists are completely devoted to their profession. One of the most passionate archaeologists can be considered the German entrepreneur Heinrich Schliemann, who set out to find the legendary ancient city of Troy celebrated in Homer’s poem "Iliad."
During excavations from 1871-73, Schliemann established that the remains of Troy are located on the Hisarlik hill in modern-day Turkey. Some archaeologists of that time doubted Schliemann's discovery and even accused him of falsification. However, later research confirmed his correctness.
On October 19, cocktail lovers can celebrate International Gin and Tonic Day.
In the 18th century, Scottish physician George Cleghorn discovered that the component of tonic water, quinine, could treat malaria, which many people suffered from in India, then a British colony.
To mask the bitter taste of quinine, British officers mixed tonic water with gin, lime, and sugar. This is how the world-famous cocktail was born.
International Gin and Tonic Day is also dedicated to the late Mary Edith Keiburn - a well-known enthusiast of this cocktail in many countries, who lived to be 95 years old.
In Ukraine, on the third Saturday of October, workers in the pulp and paper industry celebrate their professional holiday.
It is believed that paper production in modern Ukraine began from rags in the 13th century in the city of Halych. By the early 20th century, there were about 200 paper mills in Ukraine.
On October 19, various events are also held to mark World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day.
The goal of the event is to spread awareness about musculoskeletal disorders in children, take measures to reduce childhood injuries, and prevent obesity and vitamin deficiencies, which are often causes of musculoskeletal diseases.
According to the church calendar, today marks the transfer of the relics of St. John of Rila, who lived in the 9th-10th centuries in Bulgaria.
According to legend, John became an orphan at a young age and became a shepherd from childhood. Once, he lost a cow with her calf. The owner of the herd became very angry with the boy. John began to pray, and the cow and calf were found immediately. Later, the boy took monastic vows and secluded himself in a cave in the forest. Many pilgrims visited John. A monastery appeared near the cave, where John became the abbot. Over time, John decided to seclude himself again and returned to the cave, where he died.
In the 13th century, the relics of the saint were transferred to Tarnovo.
Name days on October 19 are celebrated by Ivan, Dmitry, and Sergey.