February 22

Holidays & Observances

Birthday of Scouting and Guiding founderRobert Baden-PowellandOlave Baden-Powell, and its related observance:

Founder's Day or "B.-P. day"(World Organization of the Scout Movement), World Thinking Day(World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts)

Founder's Day celebrates the birthdays of Robert and Olave Baden-Powell, founders of the global Scout and Guide movements.
Observed on February 22, Founder's Day (or "B.-P. Day") marks the birthdays of Lord Robert Baden-Powell and Olave Baden-Powell, who established the World Organization of the Scout Movement and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. The day encourages Scouts and Guides worldwide to reflect on the principles of leadership, service, and friendship. Activities often include community service projects, educational workshops, and ceremonies honoring the values of scouting and guiding. It unites participants across cultures in a shared celebration of heritage, outdoor skills, and mutual respect. Through these traditions, Founder's Day reinforces the movement’s commitment to developing young people into responsible global citizens.
Robert Baden-Powell Olave Baden-Powell Founder's Day or "B.-P. day" World Organization of the Scout Movement World Thinking Day World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts

Christianfeast day:

Baradates, Eric Liddell(Episcopal Church (USA)), Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter(RomanCatholic Church), Margaret of Cortona, February 22 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

A Christian feast day honoring saints and ecclesiastical events across various denominations on February 22.
February 22 holds significance in Christian liturgical calendars with commemorations that span multiple traditions. The Eastern Orthodox Church observes the memory of Saint Baradates, an ascetic monk renowned for his piety. The Episcopal Church (USA) celebrates Eric Liddell, Olympic athlete and missionary, recognizing his faith-driven dedication. The Roman Catholic Church marks the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, symbolizing the authority of the papacy, and honors Saint Margaret of Cortona, noted for her penitence and charity. These observances offer believers an opportunity for reflection on faith, service, and ecclesiastical heritage.
feast day Baradates Eric Liddell Episcopal Church (USA) Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter Catholic Church Margaret of Cortona February 22 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Crime Victims Day(Europe)

Crime Victims Day in Europe honors and supports individuals affected by crime, raising awareness of their rights and needs.
Observed across several European countries, Crime Victims Day draws attention to the challenges faced by survivors of crime and promotes initiatives for their protection and assistance. The day serves as a platform for legal reforms, support services, and community outreach programs aimed at improving victim support systems. Activities often include seminars, public discussions, and fundraising events that highlight the importance of empathy, justice, and rehabilitation. By uniting governments, NGOs, and the public, Crime Victims Day seeks to strengthen solidarity with victims and enhance the effectiveness of criminal justice processes.
Crime Victims Day Europe

Independence Day, celebrates the independence ofSaint Luciafrom the United Kingdom in 1979.

Independence Day in Saint Lucia celebrates the nation’s liberation from British rule on February 22, 1979.
Saint Lucia’s Independence Day commemorates the Caribbean island’s attainment of sovereignty from the United Kingdom on February 22, 1979. Marked by vibrant parades, cultural performances, and official ceremonies, the day reflects the island’s rich heritage, Creole traditions, and fusion of African, French, and British influences. Citizens don national colors, participate in flag-raising rituals, and enjoy music festivals showcasing local talent. Speeches by political leaders and community gatherings underscore the importance of unity, progress, and national identity. Independence Day stands as a proud reminder of Saint Lucia’s journey to self-determination and ongoing development.
Independence Day Saint Lucia

Founding Day (Saudi Arabia)

Founding Day in Saudi Arabia honors the establishment of the first Saudi state in 1727.
Established as a national holiday in 2022, Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day commemorates the founding of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad ibn Saud on February 22, 1727. The observance celebrates the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, traditions, and historic achievements. Across the country, events include traditional performances, heritage exhibitions, and educational programs that explore the origins of Al Saud rule. Citizens enjoy folk music, poetic recitals, and exhibitions of ancient manuscripts and artifacts. Founding Day fosters national pride, cultural awareness, and reflection on the journey that shaped modern Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia

Washington's Birthday, federal holiday in the United States. A holiday on February 22 as well as the third Monday in February.

Washington’s Birthday is a U.S. federal holiday honoring George Washington, the nation’s first president, celebrated on February 22 and observed on the third Monday of February.
Washington’s Birthday, also known as Presidents’ Day in some states, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the birth of George Washington on February 22, 1732. Established to honor the achievements and leadership of the first U.S. president, it has evolved into a celebration of American history and civic values. While the federal observance is fixed on February 22, many states shift the holiday to the third Monday in February as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Traditions include wreath-laying ceremonies at Washington’s tomb, educational activities, and public events that reflect on the nation’s founding principles. The day underscores Washington’s legacy and his role in shaping the democratic institutions of the United States.
Washington's Birthday

National Cat Day(Japan)

National Cat Day in Japan celebrates cats and promotes their welfare and adoption each year on February 22.
Established by the Japan Pet Food Association in 1987, Japan’s National Cat Day leverages a linguistic pun on “2/22” (“nyan nyan nyan”) to honor feline companions. The day encourages cat lovers to appreciate the joy and companionship cats bring to everyday life. Pet stores, animal shelters, and cat cafés host adoption events, awareness campaigns, and special promotions that highlight responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. Social media buzz and community gatherings spread fun facts about feline behavior and health. National Cat Day fosters a cultural celebration of cats as beloved family members and promotes efforts to support stray and rescue cats across Japan.
National Cat Day Japan

Founder's Day or "B.-P. day"(World Organization of the Scout Movement)

Founder's Day celebrates the legacy of Lord Robert Baden-Powell and the spirit of Scouting worldwide.
Celebrated by the World Organization of the Scout Movement, Founder's Day (also called “B.-P. Day”) honors the birthday of Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the global Scouting movement. The observance highlights the values of leadership, community service, and skills development that Baden-Powell instilled in Scouting. Troops and Scout communities organize flag ceremonies, service projects, and educational activities to reflect on their shared heritage and commitment to youth empowerment. The day unites Scouts of all ages and backgrounds in a spirit of fellowship, outdoor adventure, and social responsibility, reinforcing the movement’s enduring impact worldwide.
Founder's Day or "B.-P. day" World Organization of the Scout Movement

World Thinking Day(World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts)

World Thinking Day encourages Girl Guides and Girl Scouts to consider global issues and fundraise for their community and international projects.
Observed annually on February 22 by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), World Thinking Day is dedicated to global awareness and solidarity among young women. The day honors the birthdays of both Lord and Lady Baden-Powell and emphasizes themes such as gender equality, cultural understanding, and community service. Guides and Scouts engage in fundraising events, educational workshops, and virtual gatherings to support international development initiatives. Through activities that foster leadership and empathy, participants strengthen connections across borders and contribute to positive social change. World Thinking Day underscores the role of young women as catalysts for a more inclusive and sustainable world.
World Thinking Day World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts

Baradates

Saint Baradates is commemorated on February 22 in the Eastern Orthodox Church for his ascetic devotion.
Saint Baradates was a 5th-century monk known for his extreme asceticism and dedication to prayer. On February 22, the Eastern Orthodox Church remembers his life of solitude, fasting, and spiritual discipline. Accounts describe how Baradates retreated into the desert to pursue a life of contemplation and penitence, inspiring many to follow his model of monastic virtue. His feast day offers the faithful an opportunity to reflect on the importance of humility, perseverance, and devotion in spiritual life. Liturgical services and hymns recount his legacy and the transformative power of monastic witness.
Baradates

Eric Liddell(Episcopal Church (USA))

Commemorates Eric Liddell, Olympic champion turned missionary, honored by the Episcopal Church USA for his faith and service.
Eric Liddell (1902–1945) was a Scottish Olympic gold medalist immortalized in the film 'Chariots of Fire'. He is celebrated on February 22 by the Episcopal Church USA for his devout Christian witness and unwavering commitment to sportsmanship. After his athletic triumphs at the 1924 Paris Olympics, Liddell dedicated his life to missionary work in China. He taught at a missionary school, served the local community, and cared for refugees displaced by war. Liddell died in a Japanese internment camp in 1945, leaving a legacy of courage and faith. His feast day inspires Christians to pursue excellence while serving others in the spirit of the Gospel.
Eric Liddell Episcopal Church (USA)

Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter(RomanCatholic Church)

Honors the apostolic authority of Saint Peter and the unity of the Catholic Church under his papal successors.
The Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, observed on February 22, celebrates Saint Peter's role as the leader of the apostles and first bishop of Rome. The 'chair' symbolizes the teaching authority and pastoral governance entrusted to Peter by Christ. This liturgical feast dates back to the early centuries of the Church and underscores the continuity of apostolic succession. During Mass, Catholics reflect on the unity of the Church and the importance of maintaining faithfulness to apostolic teaching. Special readings and prayers highlight Peter's leadership and the universal mission of the Church. The celebration reinforces the spiritual bond between the Pope and the worldwide Catholic community.
Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter Catholic Church