January 11 — Thank You Day
11/01/26, 03:00
January 11 is known worldwide as a day devoted to the word "thank you".
Although it is called “Thank You Day,” its meaning today extends beyond a word — toward gratitude as a conscious human practice. The date emerged in the late twentieth century through civic and educational initiatives and, over time, became part of international calendars of commemorative days.
From a psychological perspective, expressing gratitude has a tangible effect on a person. Research shows that moments of gratitude stimulate the release of dopamine and serotonin—hormones linked to inner balance and emotional resilience. This practice helps reduce tension, supports clarity of thought, and encourages awareness of lived experience. Gratitude functions as attentiveness to what gives life meaning.
The Ukrainian word dyakuyu (“thank you”) has European linguistic roots. It entered the language through the Polish dziękować, which is connected to the Old Germanic root dank-—the remembrance of received kindness. From the same root come the English thank and the modern German Dank. This shared linguistic foundation reflects centuries of contact among European peoples and Ukraine’s cultural belonging within the European space.
The Japanese word ありがとう (arigatō) originates from the adjective arigatai, meaning “precious” or “of special value.” Originally, it described help or events deserving deep respect. In contemporary usage, it retains this sense of mindful appreciation for a person and their actions.
On this day, thoughts naturally turn to those who sustain the country: to the Defenders of Ukraine—women and men on the front lines who protect life and freedom, often at the cost of their own strength and peace. To their families, who wait, support, and carry this path alongside them. To those in the rear who work, help, heal, teach, and restore daily life.
It is also a word of gratitude to Ukraine as a shared home, and to all states and peoples around the world who support it during the war—at the level of governments and of ordinary individuals, through contributions, assistance, words of solidarity, and concrete actions. On this day, thank you sounds like a shared voice of solidarity, humanity, and responsibility.
