Today is February 23: a day to celebrate and a significant date in history.
On February 23, 1455, the Gutenberg Bible was published. In 1758, Ukrainian writer Vasyl Kapnist, author of "Ode to Slavery," was born. In 1874, British Major Walter Wingfield patented lawn tennis, and in 1893, German engineer Rudolf Diesel patented the engine he created. In 1918, Russian Bolsheviks received an ultimatum from Germany during World War I and immediately capitulated. In 1954, the third President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, was born. In 2014, Oleksandr Turchynov began performing the duties of President of Ukraine while Yanukovych fled the country through Crimea. In 2022, the Verkhovna Rada declared a state of emergency in Ukraine.
Holidays and Observances on February 23
February 23 is World Understanding and Peace Day.
Also celebrated today: Tennis Day and Diesel Engine Day.
February 23 in History
February 23, 303: Roman Emperor Diocletian ordered the destruction of the Christian church in Nicomedia. This initiated eight years of persecution against Christians, during which hundreds of believers were tortured and executed.
February 23, 1455: The Gutenberg Bible was published — the first multi-page European book created using a printing press (this method had been known and used in Asia centuries earlier). The publication took place in the German city of Mainz. The publisher was Johann Gutenberg, who developed the revolutionary device — the printing press.
This process worked as follows: Individual letters and symbols were cast in metal in a mirrored reflection. These were then arranged into lines of text, inked, and pressed onto paper using a manual press. Both the press and the oil-based ink were invented by Gutenberg himself.
Of course, this printing method was complicated and quite time-consuming compared to how modern printing houses operate. However, for Gutenberg's time, it was an astonishing technological breakthrough. This method of book production allowed for the simultaneous creation of multiple copies. The Bible was not Gutenberg's first publication; he began with much more modest products — calendars and small educational materials. The printed Bible, with over 1000 pages, became a true sensation. The edition included a version of the Old Testament in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek.
"Historians believe that in 1455, Gutenberg printed about 160 to 180 Bibles. To this day, 48 Gutenberg Bibles have survived, either completely or partially. Before the publication of the Gutenberg Bible, all Western manuscripts had to be copied by hand, which could take years and require a lifetime's work. Books were rare and accessible only to very wealthy individuals, churches, monasteries, or universities. Although Gutenberg Bibles were still relatively rare and expensive, this technology initiated what is known as the 'Gutenberg Revolution,' which made books and knowledge accessible to nearly all literate people," writes National Geographic.
February 23, 1758: Vasyl Kapnist, a Ukrainian writer and public figure advocating for the rights of Ukrainians, was born. Read more.
February 23, 1874: British Major Walter Clopton Wingfield patented the game of "sphairistik," now known as "lawn tennis" (or simply tennis). Read more.
February 23, 1893: German engineer Rudolf Diesel received a patent for the engine he created. Read more.
February 23, 1918: The Bolshevik-created Red Army was suffering severe defeats from advancing German forces across the front. The leadership of Soviet Russia received and immediately accepted an ultimatum from the German Empire. Read more.
February 23, 1954: The third President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, was born.
February 23, 2014: The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a resolution assigning the duties of President of Ukraine to the head of the Verkhovna Rada, Oleksandr Turchynov. Meanwhile, Yanukovych was fleeing Ukraine. Read more.
February 23, 2014: Mayor Hennadiy Kernes returned to Kharkiv after a "day-long escape." Read more.
February 23, 2022: On the last day before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Presidents of Poland, Andrzej Duda, and Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, visited Kyiv. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine declared a state of emergency in the country.
Church Holiday on February 23
February 23 is the Sunday of the Last Judgment, or Meatfare Sunday. The memory of the Holy Martyr Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, is honored. Read more.
Folk Omens
If there is no snow on the ground on February 23, there will be no significant snowfall later.
If the night is frosty but it warms up during the day, March will have unstable weather.
If it rains, March will be rainy.
What Not to Do on February 23
Do not count small change.
Do not eat fish and seafood.
Do not go outdoors: avoid forests, fields, and bodies of water.
Do not use profanity.