14th of September

This holiday celebrates one of Christianity's most treasured discoveries—the finding of the True Cross by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, in Jerusalem during the 4th century. According to tradition, Helena embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land around 325-330 AD and, through divine guidance and local knowledge, uncovered three crosses buried near Calvary. To identify which belonged to Christ, legend tells that each cross was tested by touching a dying woman—only one miraculously healed her.

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross transforms this archaeological triumph into a profound spiritual celebration. Rather than simply commemorating a historical event, the day invites Christians to reflect on the Cross as the ultimate symbol of sacrifice, redemption, and divine love. Churches worldwide hold special services featuring the veneration of crosses, with many communities organizing processions where ornate crosses are carried through streets and blessed.

The holiday's timing in September also connects to the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, built over the site where Helena made her discovery. Today, fragments claimed to be from the True Cross are preserved in churches across the globe, making this feast a bridge between ancient pilgrimage and modern devotion.

Rooted in growing global awareness of workplace mental health, this day emerged as a response to the modern epidemic of chronic exhaustion that leaves millions of people feeling emotionally drained, cynically detached, and professionally ineffective. The World Health Organization officially recognized burnout as an occupational phenomenon in 2019, lending scientific weight to what countless workers had quietly suffered for decades.

The significance of this observance stretches beyond the office. Burnout quietly infiltrates caregiving roles, academic environments, parenting, and even creative pursuits - anywhere sustained effort meets insufficient recovery. Its symptoms mimic depression closely enough that the two conditions are often confused, making awareness genuinely life-changing for those who finally find the right language for their struggle.

Celebrations lean more inward than festive. Workplaces organize mental health workshops, managers encourage honest conversations about workload, and individuals take stock of their personal energy boundaries. Social media fills with candid stories of recovery journeys and practical tips for sustainable productivity.

A fascinating detail: the term "burnout" was coined by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger in 1974, who ironically burned himself out while studying addiction. Today, Nordic countries consistently rank lowest in burnout rates globally, largely crediting generous vacation policies and cultural boundaries around after-hours communication. That contrast offers a pointed reminder - rest is not a reward for productivity but rather the very foundation that makes it possible.