National Catherine
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
A Name for Queens. By the late Middle Ages, Catherine had become one of the most common royal names in Europe. Catherine of Aragon, the Spanish princess who married Henry VIII in 1509, became one of the most consequential figures in English history when her refusal to accept an annulment set off a political and religious crisis that would reshape the country.Two centuries later,Catherine the Great(Catherine II) ruled Russia from 1762 to 1796, expanding the empire's borders, modernizing its legal code, and building one of the world's great art collections at the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg
History
A Name for Queens. By the late Middle Ages, Catherine had become one of the most common royal names in Europe. Catherine of Aragon, the Spanish princess who married Henry VIII in 1509, became one of the most consequential figures in English history when her refusal to accept an annulment set off a political and religious crisis that would reshape the country.Two centuries later,Catherine the Great(Catherine II) ruled Russia from 1762 to 1796, expanding the empire's borders, modernizing its legal code, and building one of the world's great art collections at the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg
How It's Celebrated
National Catherine is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.