Today is February 22: a significant day in history.
On February 22, 1797, the Fishguard invasion force landed on the shores of Great Britain – the last foreign troops to ever invade the island. In 1857, the founder of the scouting movement, Robert Baden-Powell, was born, and in 1889, on the same day, his wife and companion, Olave, was born as well. In 1946, American diplomat George Kennan sent the "Long Telegram" to the State Department from Moscow, which encapsulated the essence of both the USSR and modern Russia. In 2014, the Revolution of Dignity concluded in Ukraine as the Verkhovna Rada decided to remove Yanukovych from the presidency. In 2015, a terrorist attack occurred in Kharkiv at the Palace of Sports during the March of Unity.
Holidays and Observances on February 22
February 22 is the International Day of Support for Victims of Crimes.
Also today: World Encephalitis Day, Single Tasking Day, World Scout Day, World Day of Reflection, Day of Humility, and World Sword Swallowers Day (celebrated on the last Saturday of February).
February 22 in History
On February 22, 1630, English colonists first tried popcorn – a dish that Native Americans had prepared for thousands of years. They were treated to it by Chief Quadequina of the Native American tribe. Read more.
On February 22, 1797, the Fishguard invasion force (French army) landed on the shores of Great Britain. This event became historic as it marked the last invasion of the island by a foreign army.
These events occurred at the end of the War of the First Coalition, which lasted from 1792 to 1797, and began in the context of the French Revolution. At that time, the European monarchs neighboring France concluded that the revolution could spread and pose a threat to their rule. Therefore, they decided to support King Louis XVI through military intervention in his country. Initially, the alliance against the revolutionaries was formed by Emperor The Holy Roman Empire Leopold II and King of Prussia Frederick William II. On February 7, 1792, they signed the corresponding alliance treaty. The French revolutionaries then decided it was better to initiate military actions themselves. They failed to convince Louis XVI to declare war on his allies, so the decision was confirmed by the Legislative Assembly of France. On April 20, they declared war on Leopold II, and his ally was supposed to join. Subsequently, the First Coalition expanded to include Italian kingdoms, German states, and Spain, and after the execution of Louis XVI, Russia and Great Britain joined. It was during the War of the First Coalition that the "star" of Napoleon Bonaparte rose, as he was the commander conducting successful offensives in Italy.
Regarding the invasion force in Great Britain, the operation's plan was developed by French General Lazare Hoche. The plan called for an attack from three sides: two detachments were to conduct a diversionary maneuver and land at two locations on the British coast, while the third would land in Ireland. However, due to unfavorable weather, two of the three detachments (one "British" and one "Irish") were unable to land. The third reached the coast of Wales and disembarked near Fishguard. This invasion force consisted of 1,400 troops (in addition to the French, there were many Irish, as France was "officially" helping Ireland gain freedom). The hastily assembled British troops and local residents "vividly" welcomed the invaders – so much so that just two days later, on February 24, the commander of the invasion forces, Colonel William Tate, surrendered. All who survived to that moment were taken prisoner. Both Tate and the remnants of his troops returned to France in 1798 as part of a prisoner exchange. Despite the lost battle in Britain, France emerged victorious from the War of the First Coalition. On October 17, 1797, the Archduke of Austria (as the principal state of the Holy Roman Empire) signed a peace treaty in Campo Formio, ceding Belgium to France and recognizing French control over the Rhineland and most of Italy. The Venetian Republic was divided among the countries. Meanwhile, Great Britain and France remained at war.
On February 22, 1848, another French revolution began in Paris. As a result, King Louis-Philippe, who had ruled France since 1830 (after the July Revolution), abdicated. Read more.
On February 22, 1857, Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the scouting movement, was born, and on the same day in 1889, his wife and companion Olave was born. Thus, this day is celebrated as International Scout Day. Read more.
On February 22, 1946, American diplomat George Kennan sent a message to the State Department from Moscow, which became known as the "Long Telegram." Read more.
On February 22, 1997, Scottish scientists first reported the successful cloning of the sheep Dolly. Read more.
On February 22, 2014, the Revolution of Dignity concluded in Ukraine. Read more.
On February 22, 2015, a terrorist attack occurred at the Palace of Sports in Kharkiv during the March of Unity. Read more.
On February 22, 2022, Putin announced that Russia recognized the "independence" of the so-called "LNR" and "DNR" within their "constitutional borders" (i.e., across the entire territory of the regions) and rejected the Minsk agreements. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree calling up reservists during a special period.
Church Holiday on February 22
February 22 is the Universal Parent (Meat-Fare) Saturday – one of the main memorial days. It honors the discovery of the relics of the martyrs in Eugenia and also commemorates the martyrs Mauritius and 70 soldiers. Saint Mauritius was a military leader who suffered from the persecutions against Christians during the reign of Emperor Maximian – in 305 AD. Alongside Mauritius, his son Photinus and his subordinate soldiers suffered (the names of two of them are known – Theodore and Philip). Pagan priests reported to Emperor Maximian that Mauritius was preaching the Christian faith. He, his son, and the soldiers were brought to trial, where they steadfastly defended their faith – not reacting either to the emperor's promises or threats. The martyrs were beaten, burned, and tortured with iron hooks. Photinus had his head cut off in front of his father. Afterward, Mauritius and his soldiers were taken to a marshy area and tied to trees, their bodies smeared with honey – swarms of insects devoured the martyrs alive. This lasted for ten days, during which Mauritius and his soldiers prayed, and God ended their suffering. They were beheaded, and their bodies were left unburied. However, at night, local Christians secretly buried the saints.
Folk Omens
If the day is snowy and cold, then the frosts will last a long time, and spring will be late.
If there is a thaw on this day, then spring will be early.
What Not to Do on February 22
It is forbidden to speak ill of the deceased.
It is not allowed to hold loud feasts and consume alcohol.
One should not despair or grieve.