M
MercyNews
Home
Back
January 3 Holidays: Sledging Day & Straw Birthday
Culture

January 3 Holidays: Sledging Day & Straw Birthday

January 3 marks various observances, from Russia's Day of Sledging to the birthday of the cocktail straw. It is also the birthday of activist Greta Thunberg and a day of remembrance for Peter of Moscow.

Lenta.ruJan 2
3 min read
📋

Quick Summary

  • 1On January 3, various cultural and religious observances are noted around the globe.
  • 2In Russia, the date is officially recognized as the Day of Sledging, celebrating winter recreation.
  • 3Internationally, enthusiasts mark the birthday of the cocktail straw.
  • 4The day also holds significance for the Orthodox Christian community, which remembers Saint Peter of Moscow.

Contents

Russian Winter TraditionsGlobal ObservancesReligious SignificanceNotable Birthdays

Quick Summary#

January 3 is a date marked by a variety of distinct observances across the globe. In Russia, the day is officially celebrated as the Day of Sledging, a holiday dedicated to the enjoyment of winter sledding activities. On an international scale, the date commemorates the invention of the cocktail straw, celebrating its contribution to beverage culture.

Religiously, the day is significant for Orthodox Christians who remember Peter of Moscow. Furthermore, January 3 is the birthday of Greta Thunberg, the renowned environmental activist. These celebrations range from recreational traditions to religious remembrance and recognition of influential modern figures.

Russian Winter Traditions#

January 3 is a significant date for winter recreation in Russia, where it is officially observed as the Day of Sledging. This holiday encourages citizens to embrace the snowy season by participating in sledding activities. It serves as a celebration of traditional winter pastimes that have been enjoyed for generations.

The observance highlights the cultural importance of outdoor activities during the long Russian winter. Families and children typically mark the day by visiting local hills and parks to engage in sledding. This holiday reflects a broader appreciation for seasonal recreation and the active lifestyle associated with winter in the region.

Global Observances#

While Russia focuses on winter sports, the rest of the world observes a more niche celebration: the birthday of the cocktail straw. This day pays homage to the invention of the straw, a ubiquitous tool in the beverage industry. It is a lighthearted observance that acknowledges a simple yet essential item used globally.

The celebration of the cocktail straw highlights the intersection of everyday utility and cultural history. Though a minor holiday, it serves as a moment to recognize the evolution of dining accessories and their role in modern social settings. It stands in contrast to the active, outdoor nature of the Russian observance.

Religious Significance#

For the Orthodox Christian community, January 3 is a day of liturgical remembrance. The faithful commemorate Peter of Moscow, a significant figure in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church. He is venerated as a saint and a historical religious leader.

The remembrance of Peter of Moscow underscores the deep connection between the calendar and religious tradition in the region. Believers honor his legacy and contributions to the faith on this specific date, integrating spiritual reflection into the start of the new year.

Notable Birthdays#

January 3 also marks the birthday of several prominent individuals, most notably Greta Thunberg. Thunberg is a globally recognized environmental activist known for challenging world leaders to take immediate action on climate change. Her birthday on this date adds a layer of contemporary significance to the day.

The convergence of these varied events—recreational, commercial, religious, and personal—makes January 3 a uniquely diverse day on the calendar. From the snowy hills of Russia to the global recognition of a plastic straw and the birthday of a prominent activist, the day offers a wide array of observances.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Russia, January 3 is celebrated as the Day of Sledging, a holiday dedicated to winter sledding activities.

Orthodox Christians commemorate Saint Peter of Moscow on January 3.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg celebrates her birthday on January 3.

#Россия

Continue scrolling for more

WATCH: Puppy training for avalanche rescues rides the slopes on ski patroller's shoulders
Lifestyle

WATCH: Puppy training for avalanche rescues rides the slopes on ski patroller's shoulders

David Muir shares the adorable moment caught on tape of a 5-month-old puppy, who's training to become a certified avalanche rescue dog, skiing down the slopes on the shoulders of a ski patroller.

1h
3 min
0
Read Article
BTS Announces 2026-2027 World Tour After Military Service
Entertainment

BTS Announces 2026-2027 World Tour After Military Service

After a nearly four-year hiatus, BTS has officially announced a massive 2026-2027 world tour spanning five continents and more than 70 dates. The comeback marks the group's first headline performances since completing mandatory military service.

1h
5 min
7
Read Article
Timemania Contest 2342: R$2.4 Million Jackpot Rolls Over
Lifestyle

Timemania Contest 2342: R$2.4 Million Jackpot Rolls Over

The latest Timemania draw saw no player match all seven numbers, causing the grand prize to accumulate to R$2.4 million. Discover the winning combinations and the full list of prize categories for contest 2342.

2h
5 min
6
Read Article
Manu Urbano Revives Traditional Tavern Spirit in Madrid
Lifestyle

Manu Urbano Revives Traditional Tavern Spirit in Madrid

Cordoban chef Manu Urbano shifts from modern Andalusian cuisine to embrace the authentic spirit of Madrid's traditional taverns with Campillo Bar and Taberna Jota Blanco.

2h
3 min
0
Read Article
Culture

Ilê Aiyê Announces 15 Finalists for Deusa do Ébano 2026

From 120 applicants to 15 finalists, discover the women competing for the prestigious Deusa do Ébano title at Ilê Aiyê's 45th Noite da Beleza Negra in Salvador.

2h
7 min
7
Read Article
Bloco Vai Quem Quer Returns to Manaus Historic Center
Entertainment

Bloco Vai Quem Quer Returns to Manaus Historic Center

After a successful debut in 2025, the Bloco Vai Quem Quer returns to Manaus on February 7th. The event features free entry, major regional artists, and takes place at the historic Complexo Booth Line.

3h
3 min
6
Read Article
Mega Bloks Pokémon Sets: A Better Value Than LEGO?
Lifestyle

Mega Bloks Pokémon Sets: A Better Value Than LEGO?

As LEGO enters the Pokémon building block arena, collectors are discovering that Mega Bloks has quietly dominated the space for years with more affordable and faithful designs.

3h
5 min
3
Read Article
Panamá: The Bank Robber Who Built Miami
Crime

Panamá: The Bank Robber Who Built Miami

A new memoir details the meteoric rise of Panamá, the notorious bank robber who ruled Miami's criminal underworld and operated with total impunity.

3h
5 min
1
Read Article
Summer Festival 2026: Saturday Tickets Sell Out
Entertainment

Summer Festival 2026: Saturday Tickets Sell Out

The Festival de Verão 2026 has officially sold out all tickets for its opening day on Saturday, January 24. The 25th edition of the event also marks a major move to a new venue.

3h
5 min
0
Read Article
TV3 Documentary Exposes Hidden Military Deaths
Society

TV3 Documentary Exposes Hidden Military Deaths

A powerful new documentary reveals the hidden tragedies within military barracks during Spain's transition to democracy, exposing a dark chapter of unexplained recruit deaths.

4h
5 min
6
Read Article
🎉

You're all caught up!

Check back later for more stories

Back to Home