Russian Commemoration on August 18: Geographer's Day
On August 18th, the world has seen a mix of significant historical events and peaceful reflections.
In the realm of literature, Vladimir Nabokov's famous novel "Lolita" was published in the USA on this day in 1958. Meanwhile, the business and finance world often found August 18th to be a good day for financial activities and legal matters.
The moon phase on this day was a Waning Gibbous, casting a soft, silvery light on the world.
Looking back at history, we find that Saint Eustace, known as Eustace the Ploughman in Russia, was born in Antioch in the middle of the 3rd century. Eustace served in the Roman army under emperors Diocletian, Maximian Herculius, Constantius Chlorus, and Constantine the Great. According to legend, he witnessed a cross made of stars in the sky, which was a sign of victory in all his battles. In his old age, Eustace left the army and returned to his homeland, where he spent his time in prayer, fasting, and visiting churches. On his day, it was customary to bake the first batch of rye bread from the new harvest.
Eustace was executed for his faith during the reign of Julian the Apostate. His memory is honoured on August 18th, along with several other names including Vincent, Darja, Evdokia (Avdotja), Eustathius, Ephyim, Ivan, Christina, Maximilian, Maria, Nonna.
In Russia, August 18th is also marked by the opening of the monument to Peter the Great ("The Bronze Horseman") in St. Petersburg in 1782, and the establishment of the Russian Geographical Society in 1845.
The day is characterised by a sense of passivity, best spent in peace and solitude. It is advised to wrap up ongoing tasks but avoid starting new projects to prevent stress and nervous breakdowns. Be cautious of unexpected encounters.
Health-wise, for the sick, prompt medical help is crucial. Be attentive to loved ones. Consider fasting or other health-boosting procedures.
On the lunar surface, images were captured and transmitted to Earth on August 18th, 1966.
While August 18th does not have widely recognised holidays or cultural traditions tied to this exact date, related dates in August include Ferragosto on August 15, an important Italian holiday with ancient Roman origins, and various national independence days around mid-August.
Historically, August 18th is notable for major events such as the death of Mongol emperor Genghis Khan in 1227, whose empire was the largest land empire in history. In 1590, the Roanoke Colony in America was found completely deserted, with only the word "CROATOAN" carved as a clue. In 1903, German inventor Karl Jatho made an early motorized flight attempt preceding the Wright brothers. The U.S. declared neutrality in World War I on this date in 1914. Critically, in 1920, Tennessee ratified the 19th Amendment, granting American women the right to vote.
In summary, August 18th is historically notable for major events such as Genghis Khan’s death and the ratification of women's suffrage in the U.S., but it does not prominently feature specific holidays or traditions widely celebrated on that exact day based on the current information.
In the realm of home-and-garden, August 18th can be an ideal day to reflect on lifestyle choices, as it is advised to complete ongoing tasks but avoid starting new projects to maintain peace and tranquility. As a nod to history, one might bake the first batch of rye bread from the new harvest on this day, a customary practice celebrating the life of Saint Eustace.
