What is the holiday on 4 October: what not to do today, traditions of the day

4 October 2024 02:48

4 October marks World Smile Day, World Animal Day and the beginning of World Space Week. The Orthodox Church commemorates the holy martyr Hierotheus, Bishop of Athens. Read about the holidays, signs of this day and who has a name day on 4 October in the article "Komersant Ukrainian"

World Animal Day

This day was first organised on 24 March 1925 in Berlin by Heinrich Zimmermann, a well-known writer and animal rights activist at the time. Four years later, the celebration was set for 4 October. Zimmermann worked on this matter and succeeded – 2 years later, the holiday was approved at an international congress of like-minded people from the animal rights movement in Florence.

The date was chosen in honour of Francis of Assisi, a Catholic priest and patron saint of animals who died on 4 October.

The purpose of this day is to draw attention to animal rights and welfare.

Various events are held on this day to raise awareness of the importance of animal welfare, including educational programmes, events and campaigns to support animal shelters. It is also a great opportunity for people to unite in caring for the animal kingdom and promote biodiversity conservation.

World Smile Day

It is celebrated annually on the first Friday of October. The idea of this day belongs to the artist Harvey Ball, who created the famous yellow smiley face in 1963.

The aim of World Smile Day is to spread kindness and positivity through the simple act of smiling. On this day, people are encouraged to do good deeds and bring smiles to others.

World Space Week

This international holiday was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2000. The purpose of this week is to raise awareness of space exploration and its contribution to improving life on Earth.

During World Space Week, various events are held, such as lectures, exhibitions, educational programmes and other activities aimed at promoting science and technology among young people. It is also a great opportunity for scientists and researchers to share their achievements and plans for the future.

What is the church holiday on 4 October?

In 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine switched to a new calendar style, and all Orthodox holidays with a fixed date moved 13 days earlier.

4 October according to the new church calendar (17 October according to the old one) is the day of remembrance of the holy martyr Hierotheos, Bishop of Athens.

Saint Hierotheos was one of the first bishops of Athens and a member of the Areopagus, the supreme court of that city. He was converted to Christianity by the Apostle Paul, who ordained him a bishop.

Hierotheus was persecuted and executed for his faith in Jesus Christ, because he openly preached Christianity at that time.

Folk signs for 4 October

If the first snow falls, real winter will come in 40 days.
The weather on this day will be the same throughout October.
If the sky is red at sunset, windy weather is expected.
If it’s cool during the day and warms up in the evening, bad weather is coming soon.

What not to do today

Don’t get into arguments or conflicts.
Don’t go into the woods – you could get lost or come across something dangerous.
Do not start important things – it can bring bad luck.
Do not accept gifts from strangers – they may have bad energy.