Mountaineering Day is a holiday with a touch of adrenaline, excitement and dizzying thrills. It is celebrated by courageous and determined people who skillfully demonstrate the limitlessness of human resources and capabilities. This holiday, labeled “extreme,” is celebrated both by those for whom mountaineering has become their life’s work and even a profession, as well as by amateurs who adore this dangerous and risky activity – conquering heights. The official year of birth of the holiday is 1786. It was then, thanks to endurance, dexterity, the ability to concentrate and not to deviate from the goal of two brave people, Mont Blanc, the highest peak of the Western Alps mountain range, was conquered. The significant event was preceded by an equally interesting story. Horace Benedict de Saussure, a scientist and famous botanist originally from Switzerland, was obsessed with the idea of ​​​​climbing the highest point of the Alps. He made several independent attempts, but, alas, they were unsuccessful. However, the desire to climb to a height of about 4,800 meters was so great that he promised to generously reward the daredevil who could do it. The prize fund attracted many adventurers, but the attempts made ended in failure and even tragedy. However, the route to the Chamonix Valley was nevertheless paved by two residents of Switzerland - the doctor Michel Packard, who took as his help a true expert on those places, a local historian and hunter - Jacques Balmat. The doctor wanted to interrupt the ascent several times, despite the tempting prize, but the guide Jacques insisted on reaching the victorious finale. However, Packard was the first to reach the summit and plant the flag on August 8th. He made sketches of the mountain landscape and recorded actual data - temperature and pressure. The historic ascent took more than 24 hours. The doctor could not contain the surging emotions that he decided to throw out in the form of a voluminous book publication. The more enterprising and less enthusiastic Jacques went to Saussure to receive the promised money. So he “hit the jackpot” and became a pioneer. But Packard, who was both the initiator and the first conqueror, remained in the shadows. And even his fascinating and truthful work about the Alpine feat was not allowed for publication. The first official mention of mountaineering was recorded in 1900 (the year the Russian Mountain Society was founded). Although the “profile high-altitude direction” itself has existed for a long time. Every year, August 8 is celebrated by both mountaineering athletes, amateur tourists, and professionals - steeplejacks and industrial climbers, who are becoming increasingly in demand in the labor market. Due to the widespread construction of high-rise buildings and structures, their mission is becoming increasingly important in the operation and maintenance of residential and commercial facilities. Namely – washing facades and glass, removing snow and icicles, installing and repairing all kinds of structures, as well as in the entire cycle of service and rescue work “at heights”. On this holiday, it is customary to organize exciting competitions for the title of “best” in many “mountain categories,” spectacular competitions and concerts. On this day, people who are directly related to this extreme sport and dynamic recreation come together to exchange professional experience and set new records.

The world did not have time to notice how the mustachioed and striped ones became the idols of millions - and there is nothing unusual about this. Is it possible to look at such smart, capricious, charming purrs without admiration and tenderness?! Cats and cats, regardless of their appearance, breed and character, have won an honorable first place among domestic pets. And therefore it would be strange if cats did not have their own holiday. World Cat Day and, of course, cats - began to be celebrated in many countries on August 8 relatively recently. And this happened thanks to compassionate people from the International Fund for Animal Welfare, calling for attention to the modern problems of the growing number of stray cats and cruelty to these beautiful animals. And although the holiday does not have an official status in the world community, since 2002 this initiative has been supported by an increasing number of countries on our planet. On this day, various events and campaigns are especially actively held aimed at informing people about the problems associated with the irresponsible attitude of humanity when owning pets, uncontrolled reproduction and, as a result, the progressive number of homeless felines. Volunteers and activists are calling for help for shelters that teach poor street people who have lost hope to trust people again. Organizations collect funds, food, supplies for the maintenance and other needs of shelters. Also everywhere on this day, as on the other 364 days of the year, those who are not indifferent to the fate of unfortunate cats are trying to find new loving owners for each applicant who has undergone treatment in veterinary clinics and rehabilitation in shelters. Many share photos of injured cats before finding a family and happy, transformed ones after. Current problems and progress over the past months of work are openly discussed. Apart from these noble events, various exhibitions are held to showcase the beauty and skills of cats. Special walking areas, parks, cafes, hotels and even beauty salons for your beloved pets are officially opening. True fans of their furry and tailed friends arrange a real holiday for their pets and pamper them with delicious gifts, interesting toys and new purchases. But most importantly, they give them attention, protection and love! It remains to add that Cat Day in Russia is celebrated annually on March 1, and on June 8 is World St. Petersburg Cat Day.

“Happiness suddenly knocked on the door in silence,” these are the first lines of the song from the famous Soviet comedy by L. Gaidai. Not every one of us is ready to open our hearts to joyful events in life. Some people don’t believe that happiness came to them, while others hide this fact, fearing a negative reaction and the envy of others. Good news that inspires and inspires new achievements should become public knowledge. The initiators of one of the funny celebrations, which is celebrated in the last month of summer, are convinced of this. That’s why “Happiness Happens” Day is celebrated on August 8th. Funny Happiness Happens Day was established in 1999. SOHP - Secret organization of happy people, headquartered in Texas, Illinois. The first time the celebration was held under the motto “Admit that you are happy!” The delight, pleasure and joy that people experience in the best moments of life should not be hidden from others, even if everything is not as good as they would like. The symbol of the holiday is a postcard with a toast on the background of a glass of pink lemonade. This tradition references the famous expression, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” It depends on a person’s desire whether to grimace when tasting sour citrus fruits or squeeze the juice out of them and add sugar, sweetening the drink and life circumstances. Pink color symbolizes tenderness and love, creates a feeling of comfort and serenity. Therefore, in honor of the holiday, everyone takes part in the HappyThon online event, which is held on social networks, talking about the best moments of their lives and sending pictures of pink lemonade to their friends. The Secret Society of Happy People was founded in 1998 by American Pamela Gail Johnson. She believes people have the right to express their joy and enjoyment of life "as loudly as they want." In addition, P.G. Johnson is convinced that happiness lies in the little things, and you need to learn to notice it in the most ordinary things. The first member joined SOHP on August 8th, which became the occasion for the annual Happiness Happens Day celebration. On not the most successful days of life, the happiness that the people around you radiate can begin to irritate and cause other negative reactions. However, this should not become a reason for envy. Remember the expression of the philosopher and poet R.W. Emerson: “For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” Happiness Happens Day encourages you to smile, open your heart to meet someone else's joy and try to become infected with it. There is a high probability that this approach will disperse the storm clouds that have gathered over your head and change negative circumstances into positive ones. This is what Happiness Happens Day calls for.

On August 8, many countries celebrate International Infinity Day. This significant date is dedicated to human improvement and self-knowledge. To get acquainted with the endless secrets of existence, artistic and mathematical symbols, philosophical categories, and musical works are used. Infinity Day was proposed to be established by Jean-Pierre Adi Fenyo, an American philosopher. In addition to his achievements in philosophy, Jean-Pierre Ady Fenyo is known as a musician, vocalist, artist, prose writer, actor, poet, and creator of avant-garde audiovisual masterpieces. The idea of ​​glorifying infinity as a symbol of absolute freedom came to the celebrity in 1987. This proposal fell on fertile ground, and the holiday became an event of international significance. Why did Dr. Fenyo choose this date? The common infinity symbol looks like a figure eight turned 90 degrees. Therefore, 08.08 fits perfectly with the “infinite” attributes. According to the celebrity, this international holiday should become a day for the dissemination of philosophical knowledge. Every person should have the opportunity to join the truth and rise to a new level of development. The first “infinite” symbol was introduced by the English mathematician John Wallis. In 1655, this scientist’s treatise “On Conic Sections” was published with mention of a new abstraction. Modern esotericists often identify the infinity symbol with Ouroboros. This is a mythical snake that eats its own tail. That is, excessive fascination with abstract symbols can cause harm and cause self-destruction. Vladimir Nabokov, the famous Russian writer, uses “endless” imagery to depict the multi-layered plots of his works. For example, in “The Gift” and “Pale Fire” the prose writer combines “eights”, Möbius strips with the shapes of bicycle tires, and the silhouettes of half-forgotten people. The philosophical concept of infinity is associated with the absence of boundaries, limits, and the existence beyond concepts. This category is often contrasted with earthly existence, limited by space and time. The theme of infinity runs like Ariadne's thread through many centuries. The memory of the cultural and philosophical achievements of geniuses has been preserved in the history of many nations. Ancient Greek philosophers considered Chaos to be one of the manifestations of infinity. This is an unformed, unfinished something that threatens the existence of ordinary people. Thus, since ancient times, a contrast arose between infinite world space and limited earthly spheres. Currently, descendants use these signs for more mundane, practical purposes. Decorators at weddings and anniversaries install inverted “eights” in banquet halls as symbols of a long and happy life together. How to treat infinity? Is it an abstract philosophical category or a tool designed to expand consciousness? Try to “penetrate” into infinity using a meditative technique. Close your eyes and breathe in the air. Imagine that your consciousness expands to the size of an apartment, house, district, city. Then you see from the outside the country, the Earth, the Sun, the Universe. As you exhale, “come back” back. Repeat the exercise several times. This is an effective way not only to connect with eternity, but also to get rid of stress, depression, and change the scale of problems. Celebrate Infinity Day by developing your abilities. You will change for the better if you make the most of the opportunities that life presents.

August 8th is considered the birthday of the refrigerator throughout the world. It was on August 8, 1899 that the American Albert Marshall was granted a patent for an automatic food cooling device. More than 120 years have passed since then, and now the refrigerator has firmly taken its place in every kitchen. The range of current manufacturers includes many models of such devices, from large industrial ones to compact portable ones. Modern refrigerators are very different from those you could buy 100 years ago. But the first cooling devices appeared long before 1899. As far back as ancient Persia, people attempted to create devices that would help them keep food fresh. Their role was played by special structures with very thick multi-layer walls. The role of the main heat-insulating element was assigned to animal fur. The structures were filled with ice delivered from mountain glaciers and food was stored in them. Of course, ordinary residents could not use these benefits of civilization - the prototypes of modern refrigerators were available only to representatives of the nobility. Serious improvements in food refrigeration units occurred only in the 19th century in France. Then two brothers Ferdinand and Edmond Carré developed a machine that produced up to two hundredweight of ice per hour. It operated on a mixture of water and ammonia and did not have a compressor. Such a device had to be heated with wood or coal. By the way, one of the first refrigeration machines produced in Russia at the beginning of the 20th century worked on the same principle. It was called "Eskimo" and was officially called an ice-making machine. In one cycle of operation it was capable of turning up to 12 liters of water into ice. The first production of refrigerators specifically for home use began in 1910 in America. But due to the complex and expensive manufacturing process, the price of such devices was very high, almost unaffordable for the average family. It was equal to the cost of two Ford cars. Therefore, the manufacturing company was able to sell only 40 cooling machines, after which it went bankrupt. In the USSR, mass production of refrigerators began in 1951 at the Moscow Automobile Plant. The legendary Moscow refrigerators earned recognition from citizens due to their high quality - they were able to work properly for up to 50 years. This durability is due to careful execution and a large number of metal parts. The first models of Soviet refrigerators were not available to a large number of the population. As of 1962, only 5% of Soviet families had household cooling appliances. In private houses they were replaced by cellars, and in apartments there were special niches under the windowsill. Modern refrigerators are becoming increasingly automated. They integrate into the smart home system, receive signals from a smartphone, and order products from online stores. There is even a function to block the device for a certain time of day. Thus, it will not allow the owner to eat harmful foods at night. This is a good option for those who want to lose weight, but are not strong-willed and cannot limit themselves. “Smart” refrigerators are already being produced by almost all market leaders and, apparently, they will soon displace the traditional models that are familiar to everyone.

Work associated with creativity, spiritualization of matter and transformation of the world has been revered since ancient times. Creation aimed at harmonizing the surrounding space not only changes everything around, but also internally enriches the person himself. The result of such activity is a benefit that is not associated with the receipt of material values. August 8 is a holiday dedicated to the mystery of transforming the world, changing reality, which brings benefits and restores destroyed harmony - Creation Day. In honor of The Date to Create, you should definitely make something with your own hands and feel like a creator. The holiday encourages you to direct your energy to creating useful, beautiful and majestic things. The result of this process is not only objects of the material world, but spiritual and moral values. In honor of the holiday, people realize various creative impulses - embroider, sculpt from clay, paint pictures, compose music or poetry. Creation is opposed by an action that is opposite to it in meaning - destruction. It is designed to strengthen evil, to deprive this world of harmony and order. Creation is aimed at increasing goodness. It gives meaning to human existence, takes existence to a different qualitative level. Therefore, The Date to Create is, in a sense, a deeply philosophical holiday. Creation expands consciousness, makes life rich, fulfilling and harmonious from a spiritual point of view. Conscious and volitional human activity leads to the transformation of the surrounding world. Therefore, to denote a creative change in reality, it is not the verb “to create” that is used, but its synonym with a sublime meaning – “to create”. It denotes not just the inspiration that has visited a person, but the power of the mind aimed at consciously achieving a good goal. You can create something good, as well as troubles and problems. To create means to think constructively, to do useful things and harmonious actions in the interests of other people. The Date to Create is a hymn to progress, movement and evolution. Creation contributes to the manifestation of the spirit in life, the process of endless development and self-realization. Its fruits are the birth of children, planting a garden, creating works of art, building a house and other actions aimed at harmonizing the world. Scientists note that the ability to create is a trait of a psychologically mature personality. Each of us was born to unleash the creative potential of our soul. Creation Day, which is celebrated on August 8, helps to reach the highest point of personal development.

The eye apparatus, together with other sense organs, helps a person receive information from the outside for a comprehensive knowledge of the world around him. The intellectual development and performance of children at school, the performance of adults, and the quality of life of older people depend on visual acuity. Doctors have been treating eye diseases since the times of the Babylonian kingdom and Ancient Egypt. Ophthalmology as a science appeared at the beginning of the 19th century. A holiday has been established in honor of this area of ​​medicine. On August 8 every year, International Ophthalmology Day is celebrated. Ceremonial events dedicated to World Ophthalmologist Day have been held since 2004. The establishment of the holiday was initiated by Russian ophthalmologists. August 8, 1927 is the date of birth of the Russian ophthalmologist, member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and eye microsurgeon S.N. Fedorov. Thanks to his scientific research and practical activities, the most important discoveries were made in the field of treatment of pathologies of the organ of vision. S.N. Fedorov and his students performed more than 1.5 million operations to implant an artificial lens, intraocular lens and other surgical interventions. During the existence of the Eye Microsurgery Center, more than 20 million patients were diagnosed and received the necessary assistance, 8 million patients were cured. S.N. Fedorov was recognized by the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) in 1994 as an outstanding ophthalmologist of the twentieth century. The international community supported the initiative of Russian doctors and scientists. This is how World Ophthalmologist Day appeared on the calendar, which is held annually on August 8 in memory of the great microsurgeon. The purpose of symposiums, lectures and other events is to attract people's attention to the treatment and prevention of the condition of the organ of vision: giving up bad habits, proper nutrition, monitoring glucose levels, protection from exposure to UV rays, etc. Taking zinc helps keep eyes healthy into old age. , selenium, vitamins A, C, P and group B, lutein and other food additives. More than 2.2 million people living around the world suffer from blindness and decreased visual acuity due to lack of treatment. Monitoring the condition of the visual organs and visiting an ophthalmologist are relevant for all age groups. Congenital eye diseases are detected in infancy, because Treatment of pathologies should begin as early as possible to achieve optimal results. Therefore, the child is shown to the ophthalmologist for the first time at the age of one month. The most common problems in old age are cataracts, presbyopia, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and glaucoma. Regular examinations with an ophthalmologist help to identify abnormalities and prescribe the correct treatment. In honor of the holiday, doctors and scientists share their experience in treating pathologies: laser correction, implantation of intraocular lenses, scleroplasty of the eyeball, vitrectomy, phacoemulsification. On August 8, in honor of International Ophthalmology Day, doctors diagnose diseases for free and provide consultations to patients, talking about the need for visual hygiene, methods of its prevention and treatment, and regular examinations by ophthalmologists.

German Holidays - Peace Day in Augsburg (Augsburger Hohes Friedensfest)

Catholic holidays - Feast of Saint Dominic

The unmercenary Ermolai was a priest in Nicomedia. During the persecution of Christians in 305, he hid from his pursuers, but continued to preach to the pagans. Among the last whom the priest converted to Christianity was the pagan Panteleimon. The young man, who later became a martyr, was taught medicine by the unmercenary. The teacher and student often talked for a long time about the falsehood of idolatry. Ermolai knew that he would die at the hands of the pagans: Jesus appeared to him and informed him of death in the name of faith. One day Panteleimon was captured. He, not wanting to darken his soul with lies, confessed where Ermolai and his comrades Ermippus and Ermocrates were hiding. The fugitives were arrested. The pagans suggested that the captured Christians betray their faith by sacrificing to idols. At the same moment, the earth shook and the idols fell and broke. By order of the enraged emperor, the preachers Ermolai, Ermippos and Hermocrates were beheaded. The relics of the martyr are kept in the Church of Venice and in the Cathedral of Benevento. On the icons, Ermolai is depicted as a gray-haired old man with a small beard, holding medical supplies - a casket and a spoon. Sometimes icon painters place him on a par with his disciples: Panteleimon, Cosmas and Damian, John and Cyrus. On Ermolaev Day, peasants were engaged in seasonal work: reaping bread, collecting herbs, preparing buildings for winter. Also, from August 8, they began collecting apples, but they did not eat them until the Apple Savior. Women made jam from the collected fruits and dried them for compote. Traditionally, dishes made from vegetables were served on the table; housewives often treated their households to vinaigrette. On this day, women were not recommended to sew, knit or do other handicrafts. For an unmarried girl, violation of this prohibition foreshadowed a difficult family life. Also, according to popular beliefs, it was impossible to share working tools with Ermolai. If this could not be avoided, then the instrument was placed on the ground and not given into the hands. On this day, people especially monitor the behavior of animals: They pray to the Hieromartyr Hermolai of Nicodemus for healing and strengthening of faith. Also, on August 8, Orthodox Christians remember not only the unmercenary Ermolai, but also everyone who died in agony for the Christian faith.

Orthodox holidays on August 8:

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr Ermolai

Memorial Day of St. Moses Ugrin