Today is January 8: a day to celebrate and reflect on historical events.
On January 8, 1297, Francesco Grimaldi, the founder of the princely dynasty of Monaco, captured a fortress using cunning tactics, marking the beginning of this state's history. In 1558, the French finally expelled the English from the continent by taking Calais. In 1918, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson delivered his "Fourteen Points." In 1935, Ukrainian poet Vasyl Symonenko was born. In 2020, Iranian military forces shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, MAU – Boeing 737.
Holidays and Significant Dates on January 8
In Ukraine, January 8 is celebrated as the folk holiday of Babyi Kashi. This tradition dates back to the times of Kievan Rus and is dedicated to pregnant women, mothers, and midwives (sometimes referred to as Midwives' Day).
Globally, it is World Typing Day.
Other observances include: Stair Walking Day (celebrated on the second Wednesday of January), Infectious Laughter Day, Earth Rotation Day, Help Your Skin in Winter Day, and Cuddle a Chicken Day.
January 8 in History
On January 8, 1297, Francesco Grimaldi captured the fortress of Monaco (Monoikos). This day is considered the beginning of the over 700-year existence of this principality.
The capture of Monaco occurred during a prolonged conflict in medieval Italy between the Guelphs and Ghibellines (these were political factions in Italian city-states and German territories that supported, respectively: the Guelphs – the Pope, and the Ghibellines – the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire). The rivalry between these two forces often involved not only political but also military confrontations.
The Grimaldi family was one of the most influential in the city-state of Genoa. They supported the Pope and were opposed to the Ghibellines. However, the Guelph forces, led by Francesco, suffered defeat and were forced to leave Genoa in 1295, hiding in Provence. It was then that they resorted to a clever ruse that marked the beginning of one of the world's smallest countries – the principality of Monaco. On January 8, 1297, Grimaldi and a small group of his warriors disguised themselves as Franciscan monks. In this guise, they approached the gates of the fortress of Monaco, which was controlled by their enemies – the Ghibellines. When the guards allowed the "monks" to enter, they drew swords from under their robes, killed the guards, and seized the fortress. For this, Francesco Grimaldi earned the nickname "The Cunning." He became the founder of the dynasty that still rules the principality of Monaco (the first prince was his stepson and cousin, Rainier I). The clever capture of the fortress is depicted on the coat of arms of Monaco – the shield is held by two monks with swords. The motto of the principality also refers to Francesco's deed – "Deo Juvante" (translated as "With God's Help").
On January 8, 1558, the French captured the last English possession on the continent – the city of Calais. Read more.
On January 8, 1656, the first issue of the newspaper "Weeckelijcke Courante van Europa" was published in Haarlem (Netherlands), which now continues as "Haarlem's Herald" and is one of the oldest periodicals still in existence.
On January 8, 1828, this date is considered the founding date of the Democratic Party of the United States. Read more.
On January 8, 1918, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson delivered his famous "Fourteen Points" speech before Congress. Read more.
On January 8, 1935, the poet Vasyl Symonenko was born. Read more.
On January 8, 2020, near Tehran, Iranian military forces shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, MAU – "Boeing 737," shortly after it took off, headed for the Tehran – Kyiv route. Read more.
Church Holiday on January 8
January 8 honors the memory of Saints George the Chozebite and Emilianos the Confessor.
Saint George the Chozebite was born on the island of Cyprus. After his parents' death, he traveled to Palestine, where he joined the Chozebite monastic community and later became its abbot. He died peacefully at an old age.
Saint Emilianos, Bishop of Kyzikos, lived during the reign of the iconoclast Emperor Leo the Armenian. He was summoned to the palace along with other bishops, where the emperor demanded that they renounce the veneration of icons. Emilianos stated that this matter could only be resolved by the Church, not the emperor. Consequently, Emilianos was exiled, where he died, becoming a confessor.
Popular Signs
If it frosts on January 8, warming will not come soon.
If birds are singing, the weather will soon improve.
A northern wind on this day indicates frost, a western wind predicts snowfall, and a southern wind suggests warm weather.
What Not to Do on January 8
Do not get angry or engage in conflicts.
Do not borrow or lend money.