Babinden(Belarus,Russia)
Babinden is a traditional Slavic folk festival celebrated in Belarus and Russia on January 8, honoring midwives and grandmother figures.
Babinden, also known as 'Day of the Midwife,' is a folk celebration observed on January 8 in rural communities of Belarus and Russia. The festival honors midwives and elder women for their vital role in childbirth and community care. Participants perform cleansing rituals, including washing a symbolic bathhouse with herbs and ice to bring health and prosperity. Young girls knead dough and prepare festive meals to show gratitude to the honored midwives. The event blends pre-Christian customs with local folklore, featuring song, dance, and colorful costumes. Today, Babinden remains a vibrant expression of cultural heritage and communal respect for women's life-giving work.
Babinden
Belarus
Russia
Christianfeast day:
Abo of Tiflis, Apollinaris Claudius, BlessedEurosia Fabris, Gauchito Gil(Folk Catholicism), Gudula, Harriet Bedell(Episcopal Church (USA)), Lawrence Giustiniani, Lucian of Beauvais, Maximus of Pavia, Our Lady of Prompt Succor(Roman Catholic Church), Pega(AnglicanandRoman Catholicchurches), Severinus of Noricum, Thorfinn of Hamar, January 8 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A set of Christian feast days observed on January 8 commemorates various saints across different traditions.
January 8 in many Christian denominations marks the feast day of notable figures such as Abo of Tiflis, Apollinaris Claudius, and Saint Gudula. These commemorations highlight the contributions and sacrifices of early Christian missionaries, bishops, and martyrs. In Roman Catholic and Orthodox liturgies, special prayers and masses are offered in honor of these saints. Folk Catholic devotion also recognizes figures like Gauchito Gil in popular piety contexts. Anglican and Episcopal churches celebrate Pega and Harriet Bedell, emphasizing spiritual service and compassion. These feast days bring communities together in worship, reflection, and celebration of enduring faith traditions. Through hymns, readings, and communal gatherings, January 8 becomes a mosaic of Christian heritage spanning centuries and cultures.
feast day
Abo of Tiflis
Apollinaris Claudius
Blessed
Eurosia Fabris
Gauchito Gil
Folk Catholicism
Gudula
Harriet Bedell
Episcopal Church (USA)
Lawrence Giustiniani
Lucian of Beauvais
Maximus of Pavia
Our Lady of Prompt Succor
Roman Catholic Church
Pega
Anglican
Roman Catholic
Severinus of Noricum
Thorfinn of Hamar
January 8 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Commonwealth Day (Northern Mariana Islands)
Commonwealth Day in the Northern Mariana Islands is celebrated on January 8 to mark the islands' political union with the United States.
January 8 marks Commonwealth Day in the Northern Mariana Islands, commemorating the islands' covenant agreement and political status as a Commonwealth in association with the United States. Established in 1978, the day honors local culture, self-governance, and the unique legal and political relationship with the U.S. government. Festivities include official ceremonies, cultural performances showcasing indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian heritage, and public speeches by government leaders. Schools and communities hold parades, traditional dances, and exhibitions of local crafts and cuisine. Commonwealth Day reinforces the islands' identity and celebrates progress in education, infrastructure, and economic development. It offers residents and visitors alike insight into the rich history and aspirations of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Northern Mariana Islands
Earliest day on whichChildren's Daycan fall, while January 14 is the latest; celebrated on the second Saturday in January. (Thailand)
Thailand's Children's Day falls on the second Saturday in January, with the earliest possible date being January 8, celebrating youth across the nation.
In Thailand, Children's Day is observed annually on the second Saturday of January, honoring the youngest members of society. When this day falls on January 8, it serves as an early kickoff to nationwide celebrations. Government agencies, schools, and public institutions open their doors for children, offering special activities, exhibitions, and performances. Families often spend the day visiting parks, zoos, and museums, with free admission or discounts available for children. The day emphasizes the importance of nurturing, education, and well-being, with leaders urging young people to pursue their dreams. Radio and television programs feature children's voices and talents, fostering a sense of community and encouragement. Children's Day in Thailand highlights hope for the future and the vital role of children in society.
Children's Day
Thailand
Typing Day(International observance)
Typing Day, observed internationally on January 8, celebrates the skill and impact of typing in the digital age.
Typing Day, held on January 8 each year, recognizes the importance of typing proficiency in communication, education, and business. The observance encourages individuals and organizations to promote proper typing techniques, ergonomic practices, and digital literacy. Schools and training centers may host typing competitions, workshops, and awareness campaigns highlighting speed and accuracy. Celebrations also focus on the evolution of keyboards, from mechanical typewriters to virtual touchscreen interfaces. The day serves as a reminder of how typing skills empower global connectivity and productivity. By spotlighting this everyday technology, Typing Day inspires both seasoned typists and newcomers to refine their skills and embrace the digital tools shaping our world.
Typing Day
International observance
Abo of Tiflis
Abo of Tiflis was a Christian martyr and missionary honored in Georgian tradition, commemorated on January 8.
Abo of Tiflis was an eighth-century Christian martyr who played a pivotal role in spreading Christianity in the region of Tbilisi, Georgia. Originally a Muslim cook, he converted to Christianity and began preaching, ultimately facing persecution for his faith. On January 8, the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates his courage, sacrifice, and devotion. Liturgical services include readings of his life story, prayers, and hymns celebrating his steadfast witness. Pilgrims visit historic churches associated with his memory, seeking inspiration from his unwavering commitment. Abo's feast day serves as a testament to interfaith encounters and the enduring power of personal conviction.
Abo of Tiflis
Apollinaris Claudius
Saint Apollinaris Claudius, remembered on January 8, was an early Christian bishop and martyr revered for his faith.
Apollinaris Claudius served as the second bishop of Ravenna in the first century and is venerated as a martyr by the Catholic Church. Tradition holds that he was a disciple of Saint Peter, spreading the Gospel and establishing Christian communities in Italy. His feast day on January 8 honors his leadership, pastoral care, and ultimate sacrifice for his beliefs. Churches dedicated to St. Apollinaris feature mosaics and relics that celebrate his legacy. The day is observed with special Masses, prayers, and reflections on missionary zeal and service. Through centuries, Apollinaris Claudius has inspired countless believers to uphold the teachings of Christ amid adversity.
Apollinaris Claudius
BlessedEurosia Fabris
Blessed Eurosia Fabris, beatified Italian laywoman known for her kindness and family devotion, is commemorated on January 8.
Blessed Eurosia Fabris (1866–1932), affectionately known as 'Mamma Rosa', was an Italian mother and homemaker recognized for her deep faith and charitable spirit. She devoted her life to nurturing her family and serving the poor, embodying Christian virtues in daily life. The Catholic Church beatified her in 2005, acknowledging her extraordinary witness of faith within the domestic sphere. January 8 marks her feast day, when devotees reflect on her example of compassion, patience, and unwavering trust in God. Pilgrims visit her burial site and participate in prayers and Masses dedicated to her memory. Blessed Eurosia's story resonates with those seeking holiness in ordinary circumstances. Her life invites reflection on the sanctity of family life and the power of simple acts of love.
Blessed
Eurosia Fabris
Gauchito Gil(Folk Catholicism)
Gauchito Gil, a popular folk saint in Argentina, is venerated on January 8 for his legendary compassion and miracles.
Gauchito Gil, born Antonio Mamerto Gil Núñez in 1847, is a revered folk figure in Argentina whose legend blends outlaw tales with accounts of miraculous healings. According to tradition, he aided the poor and travelers, eventually becoming a symbol of justice and protection. After his death, devotees began visiting roadside shrines adorned with red flags on January 8, his feast day. Pilgrims pray for favors, healing, and safe journeys, leaving offerings such as ribbons and bottles of alcohol. Though not officially canonized by the Catholic Church, Gauchito Gil has a vast popular following and is often invoked alongside the Virgin Mary. His veneration highlights the intersection of folk devotion and official religious practice in Latin America. January 8 celebrations range from mass gatherings at his main shrine in Mercedes to local community ceremonies honoring his legacy.
Gauchito Gil
Folk Catholicism
Gudula
Saint Gudula, a seventh-century Belgian hermitess and patron saint of Brussels, is honored on January 8.
Saint Gudula lived as a hermit in the seventh century near Brussels, dedicating her life to prayer, hospitality, and care for the poor. Renowned for her piety and charitable works, she became the patroness of the Belgian capital, where the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula stands in her honor. Her feast day on January 8 is marked by religious services, processions, and cultural celebrations in Brussels and surrounding regions. The day offers an opportunity to explore medieval Christian heritage and the stories of early female monastic life. Pilgrims and tourists alike visit her shrine to seek blessings and reflect on her legacy. Saint Gudula's remembrance underscores the enduring influence of faith and compassion across centuries.
Gudula
Harriet Bedell(Episcopal Church (USA))
Commemoration of Harriet Mabel Bedell, an Episcopal Church deaconess and missionary among the Seminole people of Florida.
Harriet Mabel Bedell (1875–1969), known as the 'Holy Woman of the Seminoles', served as a deaconess and missionary with the Episcopal Church. She immersed herself in Seminole culture, learning the language and respecting indigenous traditions. Bedell worked as a teacher and nurse, advocating for the preservation of Seminole heritage. Her compassionate ministry in Florida's Big Cypress Swamp fostered community development and intercultural understanding. The Episcopal Church honors her legacy with a feast day on January 8th each year.
Harriet Bedell
Episcopal Church (USA)
Lawrence Giustiniani
Feast day of Saint Lawrence Giustiniani, the first Patriarch of Venice and founder of the Canons Regular of St. George.
Lawrence Giustiniani (1381–1456) was a Venetian noble who joined the Dominican Order and dedicated his life to prayer, reform, and service. He became the first Patriarch of Venice, guiding the city through political upheaval and fostering spiritual renewal. Giustiniani co-founded the Congregation of the Canons Regular of St. George, emphasizing communal life and care for the poor. Renowned for his humility and theological insights, he influenced both clergy and laity. The Catholic Church commemorates his enduring impact on January 8th each year.
Lawrence Giustiniani