The Orthodox Church has days of special veneration of saints - on August 11, the Birth of St. Nicholas is glorified, and to this day known for his help to those praying, rightly called the Wonderworker. He is considered the patron saint of travelers, sailors, and innocent prisoners, but faith is above any conventions. Turning to Nikolai has great power and helps in any matter. Revered in many Christian denominations, this is one of the famous and beloved saints of the Russian people, although his relics are kept in Italy. There is a celebration on May 22 - their transfer to the city of Bar, which took place back in 1087. And even earlier, around 270, he was born in the city of Patara in Lycia, a country in Asia Minor, which is not now on the map (modern territory of Turkey). For a long time, his biographical information, including his birth, was incorrect. He was confused with Nicholas of Pinar, who was born two centuries later, but also in Lycia and was also a clergyman of the highest rank. The Myra saint was born to pious parents, and his uncle was a bishop. From childhood, he showed amazing zeal in prayer and reading Divine Scripture. Having accepted the priesthood under the patronage of his relative, he soon became the archbishop of the city of Myra, abandoning a rather impressive inheritance in favor of the needy. His life stories are not always objective, but some miracles leave no doubt. It is not for nothing that in Western Christianity St. Nicholas is the prototype of Santa Claus, and the body began to flow myrrh after death, which continues to this day. The widest recognition in Rus' is evidenced by the number of churches in his honor and icons with his image, the first of which date back to the middle of the 11th century. The cult of veneration, comparable in importance to the Mother of God, is explained by the way of life of the peasants and Slavic rituals associated with the agricultural cycle. According to some researchers, he replaced the pagan Veles, giving Nicholas the main functions - the patron of livestock, agriculture, and beekeeping. This saint very firmly entered the everyday folk calendar, along with Elijah the Prophet, but unlike him, he became a special patron of children for his endless kindness. Among the people, holidays in honor of the saint had simple names associated with natural phenomena, and Christmas was called “St. Nicholas of Autumn.” The saint received no less veneration among the Russian nobility. He was considered the protector of the rulers of Rus', partly because the first prince who officially accepted the Christian faith, Askold, was baptized in honor of Nicholas the Pleasant. The very official church celebration of the Nativity of this saint, called the Pleasant among Orthodox believers, has undergone changes over time. It has not been established for certain how the tradition of veneration arose, but in Rus' by the 13th century. it already existed. Under Patriarch Nikon, who especially respected the merits of the archbishop and sought to reform the church, a special service was compiled, but already during the time of Catherine the Great, the general church celebration was canceled. The revival of the Orthodox Church has recently changed a lot, including for the Nativity of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker: since 2004 it has been officially restored. Activists organize all kinds of programs and events for this day with the goal of introducing those interested in Orthodox topics and instilling the basics of spiritual and moral education. Interest in birth, life and miracles performed by Nicholas even after physical death does not wane. The information is supplemented on the basis of historical data and archaeological excavations, which allows modern believers to better know the holy image and its deeds.

Fast food is harmful to the body because it contains a large number of empty calories. French fries, burgers, beer nuts and chips contain a lot of transgenic fat, salt and sugar. To prepare the nuggets, ground chicken bones and liver are used, and the sandwich omelet is made using a “premium egg mixture” that includes glycine, calcium silicate and other chemicals. However, in different parts of the world there are people who, no matter what, prefer junk food - junk food. Its supporters celebrate “Garbage Food Day” on August 11th. Americans love this funny holiday, Garbage Food Day. The USA is the birthplace of fast food. The first Horn & Hardart pizza stand opened in Philadelphia in 1902. The company produced take-out food (macaroni and cheese, spinach, beans, etc.) under the slogan "Less work for mother." It should be noted that even after more than 100 years, the main dish of US cuisine is sandwiches - sandwiches, the preparation of which is not a labor-intensive process. The first hamburgers were sold in Kansas in 1921, and the term “hot dog” appeared in 1934. Frankfurters or sausages in a bun became the national dish of Americans and a symbol of the fast pace of life, in which there is no time for cooking. The first fast food restaurant with food from semi-finished products, brothers named McDonald, appeared in 1948. Today, McDonald's, which operates almost 14,000 food outlets in the United States alone, is present in 120 countries around the world. The influence of the corporation on the global economy is so great that it led to the emergence of the term “Big Mac index”, which determines the purchasing power of the population. Fast food, fast food, attracts with its affordable price, as it is available to everyone - from a tramp living under a bridge in Brooklyn to a millionaire from the Hawaiian Islands. Pizza Hut, KFC, Subway, Burger Kings, Papa John's and other cafes sell high-calorie dishes that are cooked in hot oil. It releases large amounts of carcinogens and causes the same harm to the body as addictive “junk food” flavor enhancers and other food additives. Junk food does not contain fiber, which is responsible for the feeling of fullness, proteins, vitamins and minerals, so fast food does not bring any benefit. Many scientific studies have confirmed that frequent consumption of fast food is fraught with the development of obesity, atherosclerosis, the appearance of gallstones, “bad” cholesterol, ulcers and gastritis, hypertension and other diseases. However, 2-3 trips a month to a fast food restaurant will not cause significant harm to the body. Therefore, all fast food lovers with a clear conscience go to McDonald's or KFC on August 11 to celebrate Junk Food Day.

Funny holidays - White Mushroom Day

Fun Holidays - Global Kinetic Sand Day

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Republic of Turkmenistan declared its independence and just one year later the Border Service of Turkmenistan was officially established. This happened on August 11, 1992. This date was important for the sovereignty of the country, because the main task of the Border Service is to ensure the integrity of the borders. To increase the prestige of the profession, every year on August 11 a professional holiday is held, namely, the Day of Border Guards of Turkmenistan. The celebration of Border Guard Day takes place in a narrow professional circle. On this day, various events dedicated to this holiday are held, for example, creative concerts and thematic exhibitions. Among other things, commemorative certificates and signs are awarded on this day for professional achievements, and congratulations are also accepted by veterans who dedicated their lives to serving the Motherland on the border. The first years of independence, the border troops worked based on the experience of previous years, but in parallel with this, preparations were made for the reorganization of the existing service. Only five years later, in 1997, fundamental changes took place in the current system, and the Border Civil Service of Turkmenistan was established. Since 1997, they began to pay more attention to the material and technical base, training and provision of personnel. The state is trying to provide decent living conditions; for this purpose, departmental dormitories are being built, and they are trying to provide families with children with separate housing. The Border Institute is engaged in training new personnel and advanced training. Service dogs are trained separately in special nurseries. A distinctive feature of the Turkmen border service is that one of the assistants in the service are the famous Akhal-Teke horses. Turkmen border guards are on duty guarding state borders with a length of approximately 5 thousand kilometers. Part of the state border passes through flat terrain, along the line with Turkmenistan and Iran the border passes through a mountain range, and part of the border is territorially located in the waters of the Caspian Sea.

Navasard is an ancient Armenian holiday that marks the arrival of the new year (in common parlance, “nav” is new, “sard” is year). For many centuries, the people of Armenia celebrated this holiday precisely in the month of August (11th), and according to legend, everything was celebrated in honor of the pagan (Armenian) gods: • Aramazd (the most important and omnipotent deity, the father of all goddesses and gods) • Anahit (the most omnipotent goddess) • Astghik (loving goddess who completely subjugated the elements of water and ghostly beauty) • Nane (almighty warrior goddess, capable of incinerating with just one glance) • Vahagnu (a deity who subjugated the heavenly elements of lightning and thunder) • Mikhru (a deity representing the sun and its radiant light) • Thiru (god of research, inexhaustible wisdom and science) The month of Navasard had about 30 days (from August 11 to September 9). As many Armenian legends tell, it was on this unusually bright day that all the (mentioned above) deities descended to the lands of Armenia to enjoy bathing in the Aratsani River (which later became sacred) and admiring human festivities. As it became known from the “old books”, the holiday known as Navasard lasted a whole week and each new day brought something new and previously unknown to the people of Armenia. Ordinary inhabitants were filled not only with unbridled joy, but also with all-consuming unity. Navasard was celebrated everywhere. Both commoners and members of the “royal families” took part in it. Throughout the holiday, the people of Armenia indulged in fun:• danced• sang folk songs• participated in sports competitions• performed mysterious fortune telling Bright (conspicuous) tents and marquees were erected everywhere. Huge fires were lit, over which (according to folk customs) young Armenians jumped. Honoring ancient traditions, commoners tried to expel “evil spirits” from their lands, which could harm everyone: people, livestock, and crops. At its core, Navasard was somewhat reminiscent of the world-famous Olympic Games. Only it took place not in Athens, but in ancient Ashtishat - which is considered the true center of all Armenian paganism and spirituality. Despite the fact that the main emphasis of the holiday was on the sports (physical) component, a huge number of poets, artists, and musicians could be seen here. These talented people brought a certain zest to all the events that took place these days. The water festival (in common parlance Vardavar) was especially popular among ordinary Armenians. It was then that an interesting tradition of pouring water on each other appeared. Everything took place to musical tunes with a huge crowd of people. In the modern world, the holiday of Armenian origin has reached the state level (since 2008). It was timed to coincide with the glorious victories of the great and almighty warrior of the Armenian people, Hayk, who was able to win a unique victory over the vile and cruel dictator Bel (on that very day - August 11). It was this “great day” that became the Day of National Identity. All Armenians, without exception, supported this initiative. And legislators carried out the project at the highest level.

Residents of the Land of the Rising Sun, despite the frantic pace of modern life, continue, like their ancestors, to live in harmony with nature, maintaining internal balance and tranquility. Japan is located on islands, the main elements of the landscape of which are volcanic vents and mountains. For thousands of years, they have inspired writers, poets and artists to write their works. Fuji is a symbol of the country and an object of worship among people far from creativity. Other less well-known hills located in the Pacific Seismic Belt are no less beautiful than this active stratovolcano located on the island of Honshu. The list of sacred mountains most often includes three objects - Fujisan, Hakusan and Tateyama. Sometimes Osorezan, Koyasan and Hieizan are added to them. A holiday was established in honor of the natural treasures of the Land of the Rising Sun. Every year on August 11th, Mountain Day is celebrated in Japan. Yama no Hi appeared on the calendar of national celebrations at the initiative of tourism and environmental organizations in 2014. The year before, UNESCO added Mount Fuji to the list of World Heritage Sites. For the first time, festive events with the participation of members of the royal family were held in 2016 in the city of Matsumoto. Since 2017, the venue for the ceremonies has been a resort in Nagano Prefecture. Celebrating Mountain Day allows islanders to not only enjoy nature, but also pay tribute to the ancient culture and history of Japan. The date of the celebration was not chosen by chance. August, the eighth month of the year, or rather the number “8” depicted using hieroglyphs resembles a mountain. The number "11" stands for trees that grow at higher elevations. In honor of the holiday, which is a day off, the Japanese go on excursions, go mountaineering or simply relax in nature. Mountains occupy 70% of the country's entire territory. The most popular destinations on August 11 are Fuji, Iwate, Rausu, Unzen, Mitoku, Kurikoma and Tanigawa. The picturesque hills and volcanoes amaze not only with their pristine natural beauty with waterfalls, snow-capped valleys and lakes, but also with the unique Buddhist and Shinto temples located at the foot of the mountains. Many of them are sacred objects, to which many tales and legends are dedicated. Therefore, the politeness suffix さん(san) is added to the names of sacred mountains, as to the first and last name of a respected person. Despite urbanization and the fact that in Japan life is in full swing mainly in cities, the country's citizens do not lose touch with nature. According to the ancient national custom, they celebrate O-hanami, admiring the cherry blossoms, celebrate Greenery Day in the spring, and participate in the Hana Matsuri flower festival. On the third Monday of July, the country celebrates Umi-no-hi, dedicated to the sea. Mountain Day is intended to pay tribute to the traditional landscape of Japan.

Latvian holidays - Freedom Fighters Remembrance Day

Catholic holidays - Feast of Saint Clare

The national holiday Kalinov Day, or Kalinnik, falls on August 11. This day is associated with the name of the Christian martyr Callinicus of Cilicia. Callinicus was born in Cilicia (the southeastern region of modern Turkey) in the 3rd century. Since childhood, selfless love for people and God lived in his heart. Callinicus traveled to many cities and even countries, preaching Christianity. The preacher converted many pagans to Christianity. The fame of his sermons against idolatry reached Sacerdus, the ruler of the Roman province. Sacerd ordered Kallinikos to be tortured. The preacher was scourged and torn with hooks, but nothing happened to his body. Then they put iron shoes with nails and blades on him and forced him to walk a hundred kilometers to the place of execution. The passion-bearer arrived at the place almost before his guards. Those, tired of the long journey and severe thirst, begged the preacher for help. After Kallinikos’ prayer, a spring gushed out of a stone nearby, quenching the thirst of the warriors. After this miracle, the guards did not want to kill their captive, but he himself persuaded them to send him to the Kingdom of Heaven. With prayer, Kallinikos entered the fire, rejoicing at the upcoming meeting with his Father. His body did not burn and was buried by Christians. In the popular consciousness, the name of the passion-bearer was combined with the word “viburnum”. On Kalinov Day, it was customary to pick this berry, bake pies with it, or grind it with sugar. The bitter taste of the viburnum fruit seemed to remind people of the torment of Kallinikos in the name of faith. On August 11, it was forbidden to break branches or cut down viburnum bushes. It was believed that this could bring disaster upon oneself. Girls and women washed their faces with viburnum juice in the morning to preserve their beauty. Sick people tried to lean against the trunk of the viburnum tree, saying special words. On this day, knowledgeable people read conspiracies to protect their homes from thieves, and also prayed to preserve the harvest from frost. There was a belief that on this day witches could spoil livestock. Therefore, the peasants hung amulets in the barn at night. As on other folk holidays, on Kalinov Day people watched nature, trying to guess upcoming events and weather: • Small mushroom harvest - there will be a harsh winter. • Fog has fallen on the village - expect a rich harvest of bread. • Warm weather on Kalinnika - it will be warm autumn.• Newly green oats - get ready for a rainy autumn.

Orthodox holidays on August 11:

Memorial Day of the Martyr Callinicus of Cilicia

Memorial Day of St. Konstantin Kosinsky