Today is January 21: discover the significance of the holiday and historical events that occurred on this day.

On January 21, 2001, Paul McCartney was recognized as the world's first rock star billionaire. In 1990, around 3 million Ukrainians joined hands, connecting Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, and Kyiv. In 1978, Ukrainian dissident Oleksa Hirnyk committed self-immolation. In 1959, the European Court of Human Rights was established. In 1934, the Kharkiv Turbine Generator Plant (“Turboatom”) was put into operation. In 1796, a method for vaccinating against smallpox was introduced. In 1793, King Louis XVI was executed in France. In 1506, the Vatican army was established.

Holidays and Remembrance Dates on January 21

January 21 is celebrated worldwide as International Hug Day.

Also today: International Sweatpants Day, National Hug Your Puppy Day, and National Granola Bar Day.

January 21 in History

On January 21, 1506, the Vatican army – the Swiss Guard – was established. Learn more.

On January 21, 1793, French revolutionaries executed King Louis XVI. Learn more.

On January 21, 1796, a method for vaccinating against smallpox was introduced. Thanks to vaccination, this deadly virus was completely eradicated. Learn more.

On January 21, 1934, one of Kharkiv's most powerful and well-known industrial giants, the Kharkiv Turbine Generator Plant (“Turboatom”), was put into operation. Learn more.

On January 21, 1959, the European Court of Human Rights was established. Learn more.

On January 21, 1978, Ukrainian dissident and political prisoner Oleksa Hirnyk committed self-immolation in Kaniv – at the grave of Taras Shevchenko. He protested against the Russification of Ukraine. Learn more.

On January 21, 1990, about three million Ukrainians joined hands, connecting Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, and Kyiv on the eve of Ukraine's Unity Day.

On January 21, 1992, Ukraine established diplomatic relations with Mongolia.

On January 21, 2001, Paul McCartney was recognized as the world's first rock star billionaire. This was reported by the London publication “The Sunday Times,” which traditionally compiles the annual ranking of the richest musicians. Journalists and experts estimated the former member of The Beatles' net worth at £713 million (approximately $1.06 billion at that time). However, Sir Paul topped the rich list for tragic reasons – in 2000, he inherited £138 million (after the death of his wife Linda in 1998). Overall, in 2000, McCartney increased his wealth by £163 million – partly due to the sales of the album “Beatles 1,” which sold 12 million copies, and the publication of a book about The Beatles.

“McCartney manages his money quite skillfully; he doesn't spend excessively,” commented Ian Coxon, the editor of The Sunday Times rich list.

In 2024, McCartney once again confirmed his billionaire status, but this time in significantly more valuable pounds sterling, not U.S. dollars. In the annual list of the richest people, Paul McCartney became the first British musician with a fortune of £1 billion ($1.27 billion).

“The annual rich list by The Sunday Times calculated that the wealth of the 81-year-old musician and his wife Nancy Shevell increased by £50 million from the previous year, thanks to McCartney's ‘Got Back’ tour in 2023, the rise in value of his previous catalog, and Beyoncé's cover of The Beatles' song ‘Blackbird’ in her album ‘Cowboy Carter.’ The last Beatles song ‘Now and Then’ was also released in November and topped the music charts in the USA, UK, and other countries. Living members of the band, McCartney and Ringo Starr, completed a demo track recorded in 1977 by the late John Lennon, adding guitar sound from the late George Harrison, who passed away in 2001,” commented AP on McCartney's activities and financial successes.

In the list of the richest people in the UK compiled by The Sunday Times in 2024, McCartney ranked 165th out of 350. Among musicians, he is the wealthiest, and among cultural figures, he surpasses even “Harry Potter's mom,” author J.K. Rowling (who has £945 million).

However, Sir Paul is not the richest musician in the world. He is “outpaced” by his American counterparts. According to “Forbes,” as of 2024, the highest net worth in the world belongs to American rapper Jay-Z, whose net worth is estimated at $2.5 billion. In second place is Taylor Swift with $1.6 billion, and third is Rihanna (in 2024, her net worth was estimated at $1.4 billion, peaking at $1.7 billion).

Church Holiday on January 21

On January 21, the memory of Saint Maximus the Confessor is honored. Learn more.

Folk Omens

If the weather is clear, spring will be good.

If the sky is clear during the day, expect frosts.

What Not to Do on January 21

Do not wish harm to anyone.

Do not borrow money.

Do not engage in heavy physical labor.

Do not go outside before dawn.