Badger Day: Timka III Predicts an Early Spring

At the Karazin University Biological Station in the village of Haidary, Zmiiv district, traditional events were held to celebrate Badger Day.

This year marked the 20th anniversary of this touching tradition, deeply ingrained in Ukrainian culture, where the emergence of a badger from its burrow is believed to prophesy the arrival of spring.

"We are anticipating our warm Ukrainian spring in 6 weeks," interpreted Timka III, the badger's guardian, Nadiya Tokarska. Additionally, the badger chose patience as a superpower that will help Ukrainians win the war.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Timka's predictions, the attendees were greeted by Anton Panteliymonov, the vice-rector of Karazin University, Yuriy Hamula, the dean of the School of Biology, and Jozef Bronevsky, a representative of the Rotary Club "Kharkiv."

Lyudmila Dolya, the coordinator of the Kharkiv Press Club, shared the history of these events, noting that Badger Day coincides symbolically with the important Christian feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple.

Professor Dmitry Shabanov from the School of Biology emphasized the significance of the mission these events fulfill, particularly in drawing attention to the issue of biodiversity loss in Ukraine and the destruction of the Ukrainian steppe. Building on the objectives of the EU Strategy for the Conservation of Biological and Landscape Diversity, scientists from Karazin University continue their dedicated work in preserving intact steppe areas and their inhabitants, alongside Timka the badger — a ambassador for the Ukrainian steppe.

The celebration of Badger Day serves as a vital symbol that traditions endure despite war, and, on the contrary, assist in maintaining resilience, fostering faith in victory, and promoting domestic science and enlightenment!