The professional holiday of a shift worker is celebrated annually on April 27. The Day of Shift Workers in Russia is not officially recorded in regulatory documents. Since 2011, an initiative group of representatives of shift workers proposed celebrating this professional holiday. Work collectives and managers supported this initiative, because a sufficient number of the Russian population is involved in this area: construction workers, oil workers, gas workers, metrologists, geologists, tractor drivers, crane operators, etc. Shift workers include people from different professions, but they have one thing in common - working at a distance from their permanent place of residence. The work of shift workers is often very hard. In addition to the specifics of the work, certain difficulties arise due to harsh climatic conditions (permafrost, low or high temperatures for several months a year, scorching sun). In addition, the implementation of work is complicated by the lack of constant communications, the lack of opportunity for constant communication with family and loved ones. Shift Worker's Day is a special day for people in good health who bravely overcome the difficulties of serving. It is necessary to maintain the unity of workers of different professions, but performing one important and responsible task for the benefit of the whole country, far from their home. Shift workers are engines of progress. They conquer undeveloped places in the seas, taiga, and the far north: they lay roads, oil and gas pipelines, build factories, and set up production facilities. The rotational method has proven itself to be effective not only in Russia, but also in other countries. Labor legislation regulates the activities of shift workers, providing certain benefits, taking into account the specifics of work. The appearance of the shift worker holiday at the beginning of the second decade of the 21st century is the need for celebration and unity of people who are strong in spirit and perform work that many cannot do.

Professionals with good aesthetic taste, artistic education, a spatial eye and a rich imagination are responsible for the appearance of product packaging, the interior of premises and the decor of building facades. Designers bring beauty and convenience into our lives, visually embodying various objects - from a coffee machine to the interior design of a metro station. Specialists use images and text to convey information, creating posters, book covers, posters, corporate identity and symbols for brands and advertising campaigns. These professionals are called graphic designers. Disegno is translated from Italian as “idea” or “project”. A graphic designer is responsible for visual communication, creating a bridge between the consumer of goods or services and their provider. The origin of the profession occurred at the end of the 19th century. simultaneously with the emergence in England of the movement for the connection of arts and crafts. This type of creativity received a second wind with the development of advertising at the beginning of the twentieth century. The term “graphic design” in relation to various types of printing work was first used in 1922 by William Addison Dwiggins. The American typographer, book designer and calligrapher worked on the design of typefaces, posters and advertising layouts for newspapers, using oriental motifs, Art Deco and Art Nouveau elements. Dwiggins's books are still considered the standard for the design of printed publications. Currently, a distinction is made between fashion and interior design, industrial and computer design, architectural design and exhibition design. In honor of one of the activities to create an effective and harmonious visual and communicative environment, a holiday has been established. April 27 is World Graphic Design Day. The initiator of the emergence of World Graphic Design Day is Icograda, founded in 1963 in London. The International Council of Graphic Design Associations includes both unions of professionals working in this field and institutions where this specialty is taught. World Graphics Day, as the holiday was originally called, falls on the founding date of Icograda - April 27. The concept for its implementation was developed by Council Vice President Kim Paulsen. According to his idea, every year the celebrations are dedicated to one of the current topics: “Children can do it too!”, “Design for everyone”, “Start of the young”, “World Day without graphics”, “Be a professional!” and etc. Year after year, the geography of the holiday expanded, as did the scope of activity of professionals. Today, graphic designers develop not only logos and brands, but also engage in the visual design of marketing kits, presentations, websites, social networks and other web resources. The ease of navigation for metro passengers and, in general, the quality of life of a modern person depend on the skill of specialists. Since 1995, World Graphic Design Day has been celebrated annually. Therefore, on April 27, we congratulate all professionals whose work requires creativity, high efficiency, visual-imaginative thinking and a creative approach to solving assigned tasks.

Every year on the last Saturday of April, many countries celebrate World Veterinarian Day. The holiday was founded in 2000 by the International Veterinary Organization. On this day, representatives of probably one of the brightest, most sensitive and significant specialties - veterinary doctors - celebrate their professional anniversary. Doctors who treat animals and birds, naturally, will not receive grateful words from their feathered and furry patients. But without a doubt, our smaller brothers often experience much greater gratitude to their saviors than a person. Veterinary medicine is a scientific branch specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various animal diseases, as well as their physiological disorders and various disorders. The birthplace of this industry is France. In the 18th century, the first educational institution for specialists treating animals was opened in the city of Lyon. The founder of the school was King Louis XV. This was a necessary measure in order to eliminate an epidemic that claimed the lives of a huge number of livestock. But knowledge in the field of veterinary medicine, naturally, appeared much earlier - at the time when man tamed the first domestic animal. At all times, peasants valued their livestock very much, took care of it in every possible way, protected it from various misfortunes and diseases. Of course, not scientific, but traditional treatment methods were used for this. The profession of a veterinary doctor has always been held in high esteem and respect. This is clearly evidenced by the widespread sympathy for the characters of children's stories and films - Doctor Aibolit in our country and the states of the former Soviet Union and Doctor Dolittle in the English-speaking society. Since its establishment in 2000, the holiday has been celebrated every year. Currently, knowledge and experience in the veterinary field has a wide scope of application. Qualified doctors work in veterinary hospitals, at special stations, in zoos, at agricultural enterprises - wherever there is a need for medical care for animals and birds. Many relevant educational institutions - colleges and universities - are training specialists in the Russian Federation, which indicates the demand for the profession. On their professional holiday, all representatives of this necessary specialty congratulate their colleagues and also wish health to their patients. And pet owners present doctors with words of appreciation and gratitude. In addition, conferences, various seminars and educational lectures are held on this day. Veterinary doctors are awarded certificates and diplomas for outstanding achievements. Specialists organize free consultations and examinations of pets. Charitable foundations raise funds to help animals. On television channels, experts give useful advice on maintaining the health of animals and talk about the characteristics of a particular disease.

The deeply philosophical holiday of self-discovery acquired its international status at the turn of the century. For the first time, about 200 adherents of ancient meditative techniques gathered on the lawn of an art museum in Kansas. The traditional day for the celebration was the last Saturday of April. The idea of ​​the festive flash mob belonged to the Douglas couple. They are authors of thematic books, fans and carriers of Chinese culture. Today the holiday has acquired a gigantic scale - from New Zealand to the Hawaiian Islands. Exactly at 10 am on a Saturday spring morning, fascinating master classes, demonstrations and trainings begin. They are aimed at attracting more people to the origins of ancient Chinese philosophy and the natural flow of unhurried life. Experienced masters demonstrate their incredible plasticity, dexterity, high level of control over their own body, and the ability to cope with surging emotions and tearing passions. An extremely peaceful holiday symbolizes the process of formation of the universe, cosmic matter and the organic division into the male and female principles - Yang and Yin. The opportunity to connect with the energy of the cosmos is provided through bodily and meditative techniques. The nature of Tai Chi is ambivalent. On the one hand, this is the art of self-defense, on the other, a targeted healing system that collectively affects the body. This is a symbiosis of the physical and psychological essence of a person. In practice, there is a slow immersion into meditative reality, which gives a feeling of the fullness of being, regularity and joy in the whirlpool of worldly raging passions. This unites the spirit and body, relieving stiffness and all kinds of ailments. Finding peace of mind, a guarantee of complete relaxation and peace. Qigong is based on simple gymnastic exercises aimed at developing flexibility and coordination of movement. “Qi” is literally translated as vital energy, and “gong” is the imperative to action. A person must feel the breath of energy, merge in a single impulse with the cosmos. Qigong tends to “broadcast” natural events and certain forms. To be a tree that is trying to bend the unexpectedly rising wind, or a huge fairy-tale bird that flies high in the sky and feels every beat of its wing; either the smooth and measured flow of the river, or a dangerous predator lurking in ambush. Gymnastics is particularly poetic and meaningful. World Tai Chi and Qigong Day is a celebration of the knowledge of the wisdom of the world and the greatness of Chinese culture, a skillful demonstration of the inviolability of the laws of Tao.

Celebrating the Day of Parliamentarism on April 27 in our country began quite recently. The new holiday owes its appearance to the amendments made to the legislative act “On the days of military glory and memorable dates of Russia”, on the 27th of June 2012. The purpose of the newly-minted holiday is to attract the interest of Russians to the work of the Federal Assembly of Russia and legislative regional administrative structures. The historical core of parliamentarism was laid in 1906 due to the founding of the newest totalitarian administrative body of the lower house - the State Duma of the Russian Empire. The highest level of power was naturally the State Council. The State Duma was formed as a result of the 1905 revolution by Nicholas II. The work of this body included the formulation and approval of government hypotheses, as well as the analysis and division of budget revenues and expenses. At the present time, the Russian parliamentary body also consists of two chambers:• the Federation Council• the State Duma. The general name of the above structures is the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. The current parliament in Russia has existed for only 20 years. This suggests that government activities are still very young and must constantly evolve. The main goal of a Russian parliamentarian is to win the trust of the entire population of the country. The instruments for achieving the intended goal are both chambers of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. Domestic parliamentarism is called upon not only to propose, approve, approve certain legislative acts, regulations and other important documents. To improve the quality of life of Russians, the parliamentary structure exercises control over the lawful actions of the courts and law enforcement agencies. The Federal Assembly plays an important role in the distribution and consolidation of Russia's budgetary funds. The main prerogative here is the adoption, abolition, increase, or reduction of taxes, fines, and duties. In people's lives, the rules, priorities, principles, and obligations established by laws play an important role. Therefore, taking part in building an independent strong state is the civic duty of any Russian. This opportunity is provided for by the right to select candidates for parliamentary bodies and regional authorities. The degree of development of not only a particular region, but also Russia as a whole depends on the choice of each of us.

The well-known pop artist and singer Margarita Suvorova in the recent past, enchanted by the dance of the Yakut woman, promised to return to the white lands again and again in order to see this spectacle more than once. At the time when the song gained wide popularity, the gold-bearing directions of the Yakut Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, the date of formation of which is April 27, 1922, were also popular. Since exactly 70 years later, in 1992 on the same day, the Republic of Sakha had its own constitution and came into force, April 27 is celebrated as the Day of Formation of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). This region has a number of characteristics to which the epithet “most” is applicable. It contains the largest city, which is located on the territory of perennial, or in other words, permafrost. These are regions where the temperature does not rise above 0°C for a long time. The city in question is Yakutsk, the capital of the republic. Sakha is the largest region of Russia, its area is larger than others. At the same time, Yakutia is also the largest administrative-territorial unit on a global scale. If Sakha were an independent power, it would be ranked eighth in area, between India and Argentina. Given these vast expanses, Yakutia is the most sparsely populated territory of Russia; the entire republic has a smaller population than any other subject of the federation. Another “most” object is located on the territory of the Republic of Sakha – the so-called pole of cold. This is the point at which the lowest temperature is recorded, all other things being equal (altitude above sea level, for example). Based on the results of many years of recordings, the Yakut village of Oymyakon is recognized as the pole of cold of the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth. Known for its gold deposits, the region is also considered the richest, but this assessment cannot be absolute. However, the largest diamond quarry, which is called strictly and simply: “Mir,” is also located on the territory of Yakutia. The giant mine is a stepped funnel more than a kilometer across and goes down almost half a kilometer. Due to its impressive size, the air flows over Mir are such that helicopters do not fly over the quarry. They are literally “sucked” deep. Diamonds found in this deposit are considered one of the most beautiful, high-quality and pure. The list of superlatives related to the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is not limited to this. The most picturesque corners are located here and here you can observe the polar lights. And relatively recently, interesting discoveries have been made in this region, which may force the story of the origin of mankind to be rewritten. The fact is that the finds found here date back more than three million years and contain traces of the activities of homo sapiens. Scientists have not yet carried out enough research, but there are all the prerequisites for considering Yakutia, and not Africa, the homeland of man.

Xerox, diaper, tape and jeep have long been common nouns, not proper names. In the minds of consumers, these and other products are not associated with trademarks, so their names apply to all similar products. One of the most important inventions of the last century was disposable diapers for children. The Pampers company from the USA patented its know-how in April 1965. The idea of ​​​​creating disposable diapers belongs to Victor Mills, the grandfather of three grandchildren. It is in honor of his invention that the birthday of “diapers” is celebrated annually on April 27th. Legend has it that chemist W. Mills had a hard time looking after his grandchildren with regular hygiene procedures and frequent diaper changes. He imagined what ideal diapers should be - disposable, absorbent and not restricting the child's movements. So Mills came up with a version of a pleated pad with absorbent properties, which he decided to put in children's panties. Tests at home confirmed the prospects of the invention and partly the genius of the idea of ​​the grandfather of three grandchildren. However, the small children in the diaper trial group experienced skin irritation very quickly. Children living in Dallas, where summer temperatures are characterized by a rise in air temperature of +30 ° C, experienced discomfort in waterproof panties with a plastic layer inside. Later, another type of diaper was tested, which absorbed moisture better and allowed air to pass through well. So the Procter & Gamble company launched a new product called Pampers by analogy with the English word pamper (translated into Russian as “pamper”, “undead” or “cherish”). Over time, products began to be produced in various types and sizes, taking into account the weight and gender of babies. Modern diapers have minimal contact with children's skin, perfectly absorb moisture and do not create a friction effect. The idea of ​​disposable diapers with such unique characteristics turned out to be so attractive that it was borrowed by manufacturers of “diapers” for bedridden patients and elderly people suffering from urinary incontinence. Moreover, not a single space flight or sports car race is complete without Pampers brand products and similar products from other companies. Modern parents cannot imagine how difficult it was for their mothers and fathers to care for infants in diapers until the middle of the last century. The lion's share of free time among representatives of the older generation was spent on washing and ironing them, often by hand due to the lack of a washing machine. Today, disposable diapers of various brands have become an integral part of our lives. The birthday of “diapers”, which is celebrated annually around the world on April 27, is called upon to pay tribute to the ingenious invention of V. Mills.

Tapirs are herbivorous mammals that live in Southeast Asia, Central and South America. Outwardly, they are very similar to pigs, but instead of a snout they have a small trunk. The enemies of tapirs in the wild are predators (jaguars, crocodiles, bears and anacondas), but the main danger to equids comes from humans. People exterminate them for meat and skins and cut down forests - the animals' natural habitat. April 27 is World Tapir Day. The holiday is intended to draw attention to the problem of the extinction of this ancient species of mammals. During archaeological excavations, scientists find the remains of tapir-like animals 55 million years old. A close relative of the rhinoceros, horse and pig, which has existed on the planet for so long, today is on the verge of extinction. Due to hunting and human agricultural activities involving deforestation, only 5 species of animals of the tapir family remain on Earth: mountain, lowland, Central American, black-backed and Tapirus kabomani. These herbivores are very important for the balance of the ecosystem of the habitat, because are carriers of seeds of more than 100 different plants over long distances. An adult animal of the genus Tapirus weighs up to 300 kg and has a body length of about 2 m. Its front legs have hooves with 4 toes, and their hind legs have 3. Thanks to this, tapirs, unlike other herbivores, easily move through swampy jungle terrain and wet forest soil . The main food of the animal is shrubs, tree fruits, their leaves and shoots. Together with their excrement, tapirs spread seeds, easily moving along mountain slopes and difficult tropics with fallen trees. World Tapir Day calls for attention to the extermination of these peace-loving animals, which are friendly and good at interacting with people. Therefore, in captivity they are domesticated and become practically tame. Due to deforestation and lack of food in nature, tapirs are forced to raid plantations of cocoa, melon, mango and sugar cane. This leads to the shooting of animals whose population reproduction is very slow. Mating in tapirs occurs all year round; pregnancy lasts 14 months. Females bring only one cub, reddish-brown in color with spots and longitudinal stripes. The rate of extermination of tapirs exceeds the rate of restoration of the herbivore population. Animals of all 5 remaining species on the planet are facing extinction. World Tapir Day, which since 2008 has been celebrated every year on April 27, is intended to save them from complete extinction.

International Sculpture Day

World Healing Day

The date April 27 is marked by a holiday - the day of formation of the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. The holiday is dated by the specified date for a reason, but let’s first get acquainted with the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Internal Troops (IT) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are special military formations created to establish and maintain state security. They protect human rights and freedom from illegal and criminal organizations. The unofficial name "in their" circles is interpreted as special parts. The main tasks of special units:• Ensuring compliance with the course of counter-terrorism operations;• Assisting the FSB border service in protecting the border of the Russian Federation;• Defense tasks of state-important facilities and special dangerous goods;• Territorial defense of the country;• Ensuring the protection of the safety of citizens;• Ensuring and controlling the regime Emergency provisions. The importance of special units is high, because the strategic position of the country and the protection of highly secret facilities of the Russian Federation must be at a high quality level. There are troops in every country that are not even disclosed to the media. In our country, such troops are the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. The Day of Formation of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia originated in the first post-war years. The order for the formation of special units was issued on April 27, 1964. At this time, the USSR was developing and testing nuclear weapons, which the United States already had. The USSR conducted research and construction of strategically important nuclear industry facilities. In parallel with the research and construction, the need arose for careful protection of objects. May 1964 was marked by the Decree of the Council of the USSR Ministry on the creation of special departments to ensure the protection of scientific laboratories of the Soviet Union. August 1946 was marked by the beginning of work to protect strategically important facilities. Risking their own lives, the military strictly fulfilled the tasks assigned to them. For the sake of secrecy, the military sometimes wore civilian clothes instead of uniforms, so as not to attract unnecessary attention. They warned the country's citizens against the consequences of dangerous natural and man-made disasters, for example, such as the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The work to eliminate the consequences was carried out by 14.5 thousand employees of the military Internal Troops of the USSR. Servants of the special units of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia must celebrate their professional day. The management solemnly congratulates its employees on the day of formation of special units. Especially distinguished military personnel receive state awards and valuable memorable gifts.

Victory Day, so familiar to residents of the CIS countries, is not celebrated in Slovenia. However, the fighters against the Nazi invaders during World War II are remembered and honored here. Every year on April 27, Slovenians celebrate the Day of Resistance to Occupation. In a more common version, it is called Liberation Front Day and has a rather interesting history. Like most residents of the territory of the former Yugoslavia, citizens of Slovenia respect the personality of Marshal Josip Tito and the armed struggle of the People's Liberation Army led by him during World War II. Their role in military events in the Balkans and significant contribution to the victory of the USSR over Nazi Germany are a source of national pride for the Slovenians. Tito's army not only independently liberated the territory of the country, but also drew upon itself significant military forces of the Nazis and their allies. Of all the Balkan peoples, the Slovenes suffered the most difficult trials in those years. The occupiers did not just seize their homeland - they actually erased Slovenia from the political map of the world. The state was divided into 3 parts: - the northern lands became part of the Third Reich; - the province of Ljubljana went to Italy; - the remaining territories went to Hungary. Mass Germanization (Romanization) was carried out in the occupied territories, and young people were forcibly taken to the Eastern Front. Many young Slovenes began to go to the forests and mountains to join the partisans, and when they got to the front line, they moved to the positions of the Red Army. This phenomenon became so widespread that an entire unit was formed from Slovenian soldiers in the ranks of the Soviet troops. The basis for the creation of a resistance movement on Slovenian lands was laid even before the German attack on the USSR. On April 26, 1941, a meeting was held in Ljubljana with the participation of representatives of political parties and cultural figures. The result of its implementation was the adoption of a decision to organize an anti-imperialist movement, the date of its creation is considered to be April 27. It received its name (“Anti-imperialist Front”) due to the fact that at first its founders expressed dissatisfaction with the actions of the Soviet Union towards Germany. But after Hitler unleashed the war against the USSR, the organization was officially christened the Liberation Front of the Slovenian People. Having advocated the beginning of a decisive opposition to the Nazi plans to take over the world, she condemned the supporters of restoring the independence of the state with the help of Germany. Its participants set themselves the task of organizing anti-fascist resistance to the occupation, and a little later, on this basis, the army of Marshal Tito began to be created. The Liberation Front is also responsible for the creation of the People's Defense. The organization included more than 2,000 partisans, united according to military standards into platoons, companies, and battalions. Since June 1941, clashes between partisans and resistance members with German and Italian troops intensified. By the beginning of 1942, in Ljubljana alone there were 433 Liberation Front cells. The resisters had a secret radio station and published their own newspaper. The relevant law of the Republic of Slovenia proclaims April 27 a national holiday and is considered a non-working day. Solemn rallies and processions are held throughout the country, accompanied by the laying of flowers at monuments of glory and monuments to the dead. All commemorative events are dedicated to the Slovenian resistance movement members who fought against the Nazi occupation.

Fun Holidays - Love Your Thighs Day

Fun Holidays - 50% Dinosaur Chance Day

Catholic holidays - Day of Saint Zita (patron of waiters, footmen and housekeepers)

National Veterans Day in Finland (Kansallinen veteraanipaiva)

Dutch Holidays - King's Day (Koningsdag)

On April 27 (old style – April 14) according to the folk calendar, Martyn Lisogon is celebrated. The name of the holiday is borrowed from the name of the Pope of Rome - St. Martin I, whose memory is celebrated in Orthodox churches on this day. Martin held the rank of Pope in the 7th century. It was during the years of his office that the Monothelite heresy arose on the part of the Roman ruler and Patriarch of Constantinople, according to which the Savior had one will. Martin tried to dispute this statement, but for this he was defrocked and exiled to Chersonesos. There the saint died of illness. His relics were transported years later to Constantinople, and then to Rome. People called Martin's day Foxgon, and this name was associated with the unusual behavior of foxes. By this day, the foxes exchanged old holes for new ones in order to get rid of parasites before the appearance of the fox cubs. When digging a new hole, foxes fell into a state of night blindness, so they could be caught even with bare hands. Therefore, the men went into the forest to hunt foxes. Their fur was used to make fur coats or hats. Foxes were not particularly taken into account, because they were seen only as a pest: foxes often snuck into the chicken coop and stole the birds. Sometimes Martin's day was called the Raven Festival - the day of honoring the raven. The people's attitude towards the raven was twofold. On the one hand, he was represented as a wise bird, a protector of the economy, and they even prepared a treat for the crow in the form of porridge. On the other hand, the black screamer was associated with the forerunner of trouble or death. Unmarried girls especially rejoiced at Martyn Lisogon's day, since the time for matchmaking and bridesmaids began. Matchmakers were sent to the parents of a suitable bride, and if the matchmaking was successful, the groom's parents came to the bride to evaluate the girl's strengths and weaknesses. Residents believed that the betrothal to Martyn Lisogon foreshadowed the newlyweds' easy life together. In the more southern regions of the country, peasants actively cultivated the land. If the soil dried out from the melted snow, they began to sow wheat, barley or rye. There was plenty of work in the fields in the spring days, so the residents worked from dawn until dark. By the signs of Martyn Lisogon, residents recognized the future. If it rained, cultivation of the land in the following days was predicted to be easier. Sunny and calm weather promised good harvests. The sky, dotted with white and dark gray clouds, meant the arrival of rain.

Holidays in South Africa - Freedom Day in South Africa

Orthodox holidays on April 27:

Among the Orthodox church holidays there are dates dedicated to the memory of the saints of the Western Roman Church. Such holidays include April 27 - the Day of Remembrance of St. Martin I. Pope Martin reigned in the 7th century, during a time of confusion in the church world by the heretical teachings of the Monothelites. The views of the heretics were supported by the Byzantine Emperor Constance and the Patriarch of Constantinople Paul. By imperial command, a heretical “Model of Faith” was published, which all segments of the population, including Roman priests, had to adhere to. Martin could not come to terms with such a situation, and responded to the emperor’s decree with a message in which he called on the Church of Constantinople to return to true Orthodoxy, not distorted by heresy. Constance took the Pope's protest as an insult, and ordered the military commander Olympius to bring Martin to Constantinople for trial. Arriving in Rome, Olympius saw that the people and clergy supported the saint and did not dare to arrest him, but planned an insidious murder. But as soon as the assassin sent approached the Pope, he was struck by blindness. What happened struck Olympius, and he left the eternal city in fear. Emperor Constance sends the next military leader to Rome with the intention of slandering and arresting the Pope. Monstrous accusations were brought against Martin and, despite the fact that the lie was refuted, the saint was taken to the island of Naxos, where he was kept in captivity for about a year. Harsh conditions undermined Martin’s health; as a frail old man, he was brought to Constantinople for trial, where he was subjected to new abuses, tarnishing his good name. But the torment of the former Pope was not enough for Constance, and he demanded a repetition of the interrogations of the saint. Despite the weakness of his body, Martin showed true strength of spirit, defending the purity of the Orthodox faith. The elder’s fortitude amazed even his tormentors and the death penalty was replaced by exile, where the former ruler of the Roman Church met his death. In folk tradition, St. Martin's Day has acquired different names: Bird Amulet, Crow Festival, Martin the Fox. It was believed that crows released their young from the flock to live independently. Bridesmaids and matchmaking, common on this day in villages and hamlets, were also intended for young people to enter adulthood. On April 27, winter was finally receding, and the peasants began sowing. Light rain and wet ground were considered a good thing, promising easy plowing and a bountiful harvest. The hunters had their own signs; they believed that this was a housewarming period for foxes. The foxes changed holes, and within three days they could be easily caught.

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyrs of Vilna

The day preceding Palm Sunday is revered by Christians and celebrated as Lazarus Saturday. The holiday is not tied to a specific date, because it is calculated according to the lunisolar, not solar, calendar and is moving. The miracle that was performed in front of many witnesses is one of the proofs of faith. At the moment when Lazarus of Bethaniah (according to some legends, he was the brother of Mary Magdalene) died, the cult of the Savior had not yet become widespread. Jesus himself predicted the glory of God for the event of the resurrection of the deceased, saying that Lazarus’ illness did not lead to death, but to the glorification of the Son of God. He himself led his disciples to the resting place of the deceased, “so that they might believe.” And so it happened. In the times described, the Jews had a tradition of burying their dead in caves, the entrance to which was blocked with stones. When Jesus approached that stone, Lazarus from Bethany had already been lying dead for four days, having died from illness. The teary-eyed Savior began to pray earnestly, turning to his Father asking for help. In the prayers of Jesus, a cry for a miracle was clearly expressed, as a need for confirmation to the people standing nearby: it was God who sent his Son. After fervent prayer, the Savior rolled away the funeral stone and said only three words: “Lazarus! Go (in some translations “go out”) out.” A miracle turned out to have been created; yesterday’s deceased appeared at the entrance to the cave, revived and entwined throughout his body with ritual funeral linens. After the first shock had passed, they untied the resurrected man and rejoiced at his miraculous revival. The people who were nearby and saw everything with their own eyes believed in Jesus of Nazareth as the new Messiah. Fame quickly spread around. And it was this moment that is considered a turning point in the decision of the Pharisees to put an end to the life of the one who is revered as the Son of God and who is causing confusion and disorder in Jerusalem. This was followed by the entry of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem on a donkey, the townspeople greeted the Savior and greeted them with palm branches, expressing royal honors, which further strengthened the authorities in their desire to “kill Him.” Lazarus accepted persecution, being a living symbol of the faithfulness of the Savior’s words and real proof that the Son of God has great power over the souls of believers. The resurrected man had to leave Judea to escape persecution. It is noteworthy that, together with other saints, Celidonius and Maximian, Lazarus was landed at sea on a boat without oars. The little boat washed up on the island of Cyprus, this happened in 33 AD. There, the brother of Mary Magdalene spent another thirty years preaching and popularizing Christianity. He served in the temple of ancient Kition, now Larnaca. Lazarus died while Bishop of Kitia. Nowadays the holiday is revered as an assurance and confirmation of the resurrection of all the dead from among the sincere and devout believers. Just as Lazarus of Bethany (aka Lazarus the Four-Day) was once revived, now revered by Christians as a righteous man.