Spring arrives tomorrow!

                              Enjoy your spring mood ))))

 150 th anniversary of Lesia Ukrainka

Today marks 150 years since the birth of Lesia Ukrainka – an outstanding writer, translator, folklorist, public and cultural figure. 

Lesia Ukrainka is one of the most famous figures in the history of Ukrainian literature. She left behind a great literary heritage: poetry and prose, journalistic articles, translations of world classics.

       St Valentine's Day With My Students!

Who was Saint Valentine? When did Valentine’s Day start? And how did hearts, flowers, love letters and chocolate candies get associated with this holiday? Valentine's Day Week in our Gymnasium is always a great opportunity to take a closer look at Saint Valentine, the history of Valentine’s Day and to answer all these questions. 

     Groundhog Day

The lowly groundhog, often called a woodchuck, is the only mammal to have a day named in his honour. The groundhog's day is February 2. Granted, it's not a federal holiday; nobody gets off work. But still, to have a day named after you is quite a feat.

How did the groundhog come by this honour?

It stems from the ancient belief that hibernating creatures were able to predict the arrival of springtime by their emergence.

The German immigrants known as Pennsylvania Dutch brought the tradition to America in the 18th century. They had once regarded the badger as the winter-spring barometer. But the job was reassigned to the groundhog after importing their Candlemas traditions to the U.S. Candlemas commemorates the ritual purification of Mary, 40 days after the birth of Jesus. For a time there was famous postcards available that honoured this.

Candlemas is one of the four "cross-quarters" of the year, occurring half way between the first day of winter and the first day of spring. Traditionally, it was believed that if Candlemas was sunny, the remaining six weeks of winter would be stormy and cold. But if it rained or snowed on Candlemas, the rest of the winter would be mild. If an animal "sees its shadow," it must be sunny. 

Besides, spring always arrives on or near March 21, so whether the groundhog decides to return to his den or remain above ground, the sad fact is spring will always have to wait at least six more.