Celebration of Russian Libraries Nationwide and Commemoration of Abolition of Slavery
Crossing Globes on May 27th: A Day of Learning, Emancipation, and Rock 'n' Roll
Mark your calendars for May 27th, a day filled with worldwide and regional observations, honoring education, emancipation, and music. Here's what you can expect:
Library Day
Across Russia and Kyrgyzstan, Library Day is a grand celebration. This day is not just a tribute to books and knowledge but also a nod to history. It marks the opening of the first public libraries in both countries: in 1795 for Russia and in 1902 for Kyrgyzstan [1]. This double commemoration makes it a unique occasion that not only praises library workers but also highlights the significant role of libraries in the development of culture, science, and education.
Emancipation Day (Abolition Day)
In Guadeloupe, a French overseas department, Emancipation Day is a national holiday celebrated annually on May 27th. It initially started as a holiday for Guadeloupe alone, but after the overseas collectivity of Saint Martin parted ways in 2007, it continued being commemorated in Saint Martin as well. This day is a poignant reminder of the abolition of slavery, an event that brought unprecedented change to Guadeloupe [2].
Birthday of the "Time Machine" group
Though not a globally recognized holiday, music lovers might want to raise a toast on May 27th to the legendary "Time Machine" group. Born out of a rock band formed by Andrey Makarevich and his classmates in 1968, the group went on to create hits like "Скачки" (Races), "Синяя птица" (Blue Bird), and "Марионетки" (Marionettes) [3]. Their unique style, which incorporates elements of classic rock, rock-n-roll, blues, and bard songs, has made them an enduring presence in the Russian music scene.
Tape Day
Though not a holiday per se, May 27th holds a special place in the history of adhesive tape. On this day in 1930, "Scotch" transparent tape, a type of adhesive tape on a plastic base, successfully passed tests [6]. Richard Drew, an employee of the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (now known as 3M), played a pivotal role in the development of this innovative product.
Be it books, emancipation, music, or adhesive tape, May 27th is a day that touches numerous aspects of human life. So, let's celebrate these moments, big and small, that have shaped our world.
Additional Observances (Regional)
- In certain regions of India, "Savitri Amavasya" is observed, a day dedicated to remembering the wife of the mythical character Satyavan.
- In Nigeria, May 27th is celebrated as Children's Day, acknowledging the worth of children and committing to their well-being and development.
Sources:[1] Calend (n.d.) Library Day. Retrieved from https://calend.org/en/library-day[2] Calend (n.d.) Emancipation Day. Retrieved from https://calend.org/en/emancipation-day[3] Calend (n.d.) Time Machine Group Day. Retrieved from https://calend.org/en/time-machine-group-day[4] Calend (n.d.) Tape Day. Retrieved from https://calend.org/en/tape-day[5] National Day Calendar (n.d.) Sunscreen Day. Retrieved from https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-sunscreen-day-may-27/[6] History (n.d.) The History of Scotch Tape. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/news/adhesive-tape-scotch-richard-drew-3m
- In celebration of Library Day on May 27th, libraries in Kyrgyzstan and Russia honor the opening of their first public libraries in 1902 and 1795, respectively.
- Music lovers pay tribute to the "Time Machine" group, formed by Andrey Makarevich in 1968, on their birthday also falling on May 27th.
- Despite not being a holiday, May 27th is significant in the history of adhesive tape, as "Scotch" transparent tape successfully passed tests on this day in 1930.
- Regional observances on May 27th include Savitri Amavasya in certain Indian regions and Children's Day in Nigeria.
- Embracing the spirit of learning, emancipation, music, and innovation, one can find various aspects of human life intertwined on this global day distinctly marked by May 27th.
