Today is February 19: a day to celebrate and reflect on historical events.

February 19 is the Day of the State Emblem of Ukraine. On this day in 1600, the largest volcanic eruption in South America occurred – Huaynaputina erupted. In 1861, Russian Emperor Alexander II issued a manifesto abolishing serfdom. In 1913, a record was set for the shortest time a person held the position of president of a country. In 1945, U.S. Marines landed on Iwo Jima. In 1954, the Crimean region was transferred to the Ukrainian SSR. In 1992, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved the Trident as the Small Emblem of Ukraine. In 2014, the standoff on Maidan unfolded, and the House of Trade Unions was ablaze.

Holidays and Memorial Dates on February 19

February 19 is the Day of the State Emblem in Ukraine.

Globally, it is the Day of Plagiarism Prevention.

Also today: International Tug of War Day, World Whale Day.

February 19 in History

February 19, 1199 is considered the founding date of the Teutonic Order. Read more.

February 19, 1600 witnessed the largest volcanic eruption ever recorded in South America. The Huaynaputina volcano in southern Peru erupted, and it has not erupted since. February 19 marked just the beginning of catastrophic events, which continued in several series until March. Reports indicate that at least 1,000–1,500 people lost their lives due to the eruption. The area around the fiery mountain was covered with a two-meter layer of volcanic rock. This massive event triggered a volcanic winter on Earth. The ash cloud blocked sunlight for an extended period, leading to a decrease in average annual temperature (mainly in the Northern Hemisphere). Consequently, this resulted in floods, famine, and social upheavals in various countries. Climatologists also cite this volcanic eruption as one of the likely causes of the onset of the "Little Ice Age." After the massive fiery eruption, the mountain has been "asleep" for over four hundred years. Today, about 30,000 people live nearby.

In Ukraine, the South American volcano is popular not for its connection to the "Little Ice Age" or its famous eruption but rather due to its striking name – written in Latin as Huaynaputina.

February 19, 1861 saw Russian Emperor Alexander II issue a manifesto abolishing serfdom in the empire. Read more.

February 19, 1913 set a record for the shortest presidency in the country, held by the extremely temporary president of Mexico, Pedro Lascurain. Read more.

February 19, 1945 marked the landing of U.S. Marines on Iwo Jima, a stronghold that took until March 26 to capture, costing both sides tens of thousands of lives. Read more.

February 19, 1954 the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR approved a decree transferring the Crimean region from the RSFSR to the Ukrainian SSR. Read more.

February 19, 1992 the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved the Trident as the Small Emblem of Ukraine. Its status was later confirmed in Article 20 of the Constitution of Ukraine in 1996.

February 19, 2014 saw the most acute phase of the standoff between participants of the Revolution of Dignity and law enforcement forces on Maidan in Kyiv. From late evening on February 18, the House of Trade Unions was engulfed in flames (41 people were rescued from the fire, but two lost their lives). Read more.

Church Holiday on February 19

On February 19, the memory of the apostles of the 70: Archippus and Philemon and the martyr equal-to-the-apostles Apphia is honored. Read more.

Folk Signs

If there is still a lot of snow on the ground, the harvest will be late.

A sunny and clear day indicates a fruitful year and an early summer.

If the rivers overflow, it will soon get warmer.

What Not to Do on February 19

One should not refuse to help the needy.

It is inadvisable to borrow money, food, or items, as it may lead to being in debt for the entire year.