Marine Day
20/07/26, 03:00
The marine environment shapes the way of life of coastal nations.
In Japan, respect for the ocean is embodied in the national holiday known as Marine Day. It was established in 1995 and celebrated for the first time in 1996. Surrounded by water, Japan regards the sea as a source of life that provides people with food and opens routes for communication with the rest of the world. Since ancient times, fishing has been the foundation of the Japanese way of life, which is why the work of fishermen is held in particularly high esteem. Here, the ocean is a symbol of harmony with nature and national prosperity. This day encourages people to reflect on the importance of preserving marine resources for future generations.
Ukraine has its own profound history of interaction with the seas. For many centuries, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov served as important trade routes and sources of valuable resources. Of particular significance in Ukrainian culture is the trade of the Chumaks. The Chumaks were traditional Ukrainian itinerant traders who, from the 16th to the 19th century, made long journeys in ox-drawn wagons to the Crimean coast and the estuaries. The main purpose of these journeys was to transport salt that was extracted along the seashore. Salt was considered extremely valuable, serving as a strategic commodity for food preservation and trade. The difficult and challenging work of the Chumaks required great courage, giving rise to a distinctive layer of national traditions, songs, and philosophy.
These journeys left a significant mark on the Ukrainian language and on Ukrainian perceptions of the universe. In Ukrainian language, our galaxy bears the beautiful name Chumak's Way. The silvery band of stars in the night sky served as a natural guide for travellers during their long journeys across the boundless steppe. The Chumaks believed that this starry road pointed them in the exact direction of the sea and the salt-rich Crimean lakes. Thus, in the minds of the Ukrainian people, the earthly road leading to the riches of the sea became united with the cosmic expanse. This underscores the people's deep spiritual connection with the sea, which has always been associated with freedom, labor, and new horizons.
Respect for the power of water and the aspiration to live in harmony with nature unite different cultures through a shared commitment to preserving the grandeur of the world's oceans.
