About 7 billion people live on Earth. About 25% of them are young people. According to generally accepted canons, youth are considered to be people under 25 years of age. This is the most promising part of the planet's population. The older generation always placed so many hopes on them. The time of development, learning, embodiment of ambitions, self-determination in life - all this is characteristic of a person in the first 25-30 years of his life. So young people celebrate their holiday in the summer - at that time of year when they can fruitfully engage in dynamic, fun activities that are good for health and strengthening relationships within the country and in the world as a whole. Many countries celebrate Youth Day around the world. On this day, concerts are held on the streets of the city, young people organize bright flash mobs. In a word, everyone who is not burdened with the obligations of a complex adult life is supposed to have fun on this day. This day has become international since 1999, when the United Nations organization appointed the celebration for August 12. It is worth noting that in different countries Youth Day is celebrated on different days - for example, in post-Soviet countries Youth Day is usually celebrated at the end of June. The purpose of the holiday throughout the world is to promote a healthy lifestyle, the development of good relations between countries, as well as friendliness, positivity and harmonious personal development. In 1995, the World Program of Action for Youth was adopted. This program talks about the main factors for the development of a healthy society - no hunger, no education, no drug addiction and other addictions. It is natural that in 1999, in December, a holiday was established for all young people of the world, which contributes to the development of good relations between young people and encourages people to make important decisions for the life of the country. It also encourages a healthy and sporty lifestyle, for the benefit of future generations of our planet. Every country in the world celebrates this day according to its own traditions. Somewhere they set off fireworks, in other countries they sing songs. Some have fun by painting squares and sidewalks in cheerful colors. In any case, Youth Day is a holiday with faith in the future: in the bright, peaceful and good development of the country, the world, and society. On this day, hope is expressed especially loudly for the younger generation. It remains to add that Youth Day in Russia is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of June.

The first decade after the collapse of the USSR was difficult for the Russian military industry. A profession such as the military was losing its importance and fewer and fewer people were going to work in this field. The introduction of such a holiday as Air Force Day has one important goal: to revive army traditions and increase the prestige of military affairs among young people. Russian Air Force Day is celebrated every year on the same day, August 12. The holiday received its official status in 1997 on August 29, according to presidential decree No. 949. In 2006, this number was once again confirmed by decree No. 549 of May 31 and acquired the status of “memorable dates.” The date August 12 was not chosen by chance; it was on this day, in 1912, that the staff of the aeronautical department was created at the main directorate of the General Staff. The history of the Russian navy begins in 1910, it was then that aircraft were purchased for the army in France. Because There were no specialists in Russia at that time; people from Paris were hired to teach our officers the art of flying. However, our mechanics soon made up for lost time; in 1913, the first bomber Ilya Muromets of our own production was built, which became the main aircraft of our army. In 1917, the Imperial Air Flotilla ceased to exist, many experienced pilots died during the revolution or emigrated. In 1918, the Soviet air force was created. The first combat missions for the USSR Air Force took place in 1936, they took part in the Spanish Civil War. By the beginning of the Second World War, the Soviet army was poorly prepared. The small number of aircraft compared to Germany gave a great advantage to the enemy. Only 50 aircraft were produced in the country every day; already in the first year of the war, production doubled, moreover, they were modernized. The service of the Air Force during the Second World War has an invaluable contribution for the period from 1941-1945. More than 27,500 pilots died, more than half of them in the first year alone. After the war, a lot of effort and money was spent on modernizing the USSR army. By the end of 1980, the number of Air Force aircraft was more than 10,000, making Russia the most powerful power. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, only 40% of the equipment remained in the department of the Russian Federation. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the Russian Air Force has been actively modernizing, constantly training new personnel, improving old aircraft models and creating new equipment and technologies. It is safe to say that today the Russian Air Force is one of the strongest. 1. In 1914, at the very beginning of the history of the Air Force, there were 263 aircraft in the Russian Empire, the largest number of that time. 2. During the Second World War, 100 aircraft were produced daily on the assembly lines of our country. 3. During the period of the Soviet Union, the Air Force received up to 600 units of equipment annually. 4. In 2009, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation introduced into circulation three silver coins with a face value of 1 ruble, dedicated to the Russian Air Force. 5. In 2015, the Air Force was merged with the Aerospace Defense and renamed the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation. 6. Modern anti-aircraft installations located in the Russian Defense Department are capable of shooting down a target at a distance of up to 150 km and at an altitude of up to 40 km. For Russia, Air Force troops are considered the most important and most promising part of the armed forces. The main tasks of this defense unit are reconnaissance and protection of the borders of our country. If you have relatives or friends in any military aviation unit, do not forget to congratulate them on this day. Their courage, skills and intelligence allow us to sleep peacefully. After all, the security of our country is in good hands.

World Elephant Day is a popular annual holiday. On August 12, animal lovers and naturalists organize a distribution of treats, photo sessions, and fundraising to preserve the population of these animals. Anyone can become a participant in collective actions. In 2011, the initiators of the establishment of World Elephant Day were the Thai Population Restoration Foundation and directors from Canada. Patricia Sims and Michael Clarke then worked at the film company CanazWest Pictures. The goal of the initiators was to inform the population about the need to protect endangered elephant populations. At the very first festival, held in 2012, they screened the film “Return to the Forest,” produced by a Canadian film studio. The theme of the film is the relocation of relics from captivity to natural habitats - Thai, Indian, Sri Lankan tropics, African savannas. In addition to World Elephant Day on August 12, different countries celebrate other holidays dedicated to these giants. March 13th is Thailand's Elephant Day. June 20th is World Elephant Day in Zoos. September 22nd is considered World Elephant Day. Another World Elephant Day falls on November 30th. This anniversary has been celebrated in Russia since 2008. The organizers of the festive events are various initiative groups. These social movements are united by one common goal. The most important thing is to attract public attention to the protection of endangered species and the prevention of illegal extermination. In addition, animals often experience suffering when kept in captivity. The relics are representatives of the elephant family (Elephantidae). These mammals are the accidental surviving descendants of the order of ancient proboscidea (Proboscidea), which once inhabited the entire planet except Australia. Elephants are considered to be the heaviest land mammals. Natural habitats include Africa and Southeast Asia. Giants live in tropical forests and savannas. Only three species have survived - Indian, African savanna, forest elephants. Animals from Africa are larger than their Indian counterparts. All species are included in the Red Data Books of their countries of habitat. Since 1989, the UN has completely banned international trade in ivory (tusks). This material was previously widely used for the manufacture of jewelry, souvenirs, utensils, and decorative elements. In the days of the free wild hunt, Elephant was one of the great five Grand Slams. In addition, rhinoceros, lion, buffalo, and leopard were honorary trophies. Nowadays, killing an elephant is punishable by death in many countries. The number of animals is declining not only due to safari, but also poaching, as well as deforestation and cultivation of virgin lands. Elephants live in many Russian and international zoos. Unfortunately, the conditions and diet are not always close to optimal. How can you help elephants? It is very easy to transfer funds to a fund for helping wild animals, after first checking the legitimacy, as well as the details of the institution. Organizations of conservationists are voting against the participation of giants in circus shows, for release from zoos and return to forests and savannahs. There are no small things in life; general indifference can lead to a global environmental disaster. Support current initiatives with your participation, change nature and the planet for the better! Only by joining forces can we save relict animals from extinction!

The attitude towards the royal family in Thailand is akin to the attitude towards religion. Thais treat royal birthdays with special reverence. On August 12, 1976, the name day of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit (full name Momrachavongse Sirikit Kitiyakara) was marked by a national holiday - Mother's Day, which was previously celebrated on April 15. The prototype of Thailand's Mother's Day was a similar American holiday, which was celebrated by the US military contingent in Thailand. Queen Sirikit is the personification of femininity and wisdom for the people of the country. People truly love her. Every Thai knows by heart the story of their acquaintance with the King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej. Sirikit was born into the family of a prominent Thai diplomat. She spent a lot of time in other countries, especially in France, where they met the king. At that time, Bhumiphon was in a serious car accident, and Sirikit supported and nursed him in the hospital for a long time. It was then that the young people fell in love with each other. In 1950, Bhumibol Adulyadej assumed the title of Rama IX and Sirikit became queen. The royal couple were inseparable. They attended all events together. From business trips to fitness checks of the Thai armed forces. Sirikit was always close to King Bhumibol Adulyadej until his last day and lived with him for several years in a Bangkok hospital until his death. Through her example, Sirikit shows the whole country what it means to be an exemplary wife and mother. She has four children, a prince and three princesses. The Queen devotes almost all her time to charitable activities and helping regions of the country suffering from disasters due to drought or flood. With its financial support, more than 350 projects were implemented aimed at eliminating illiteracy in rural areas and developing handicrafts. In addition, during her trips abroad, the Queen actively promotes a tolerant attitude towards the Muslim religion and indifference to the hard life of the poor population. During her reign, the queen managed to do so much good for her country that the Thai people love her like a mother. Preparations for the holiday begin several weeks in advance. Blue flags with the symbols of the royal house are hung on the streets. People wear blue clothes. The blue color was not chosen by chance. This color is associated in Thailand with Friday, and it was on Friday that the queen was born. In addition to flags, the streets are decorated with portraits of Sirikit and garlands of flowers. On this day, it is customary for women and girls to give bouquets and garlands of jasmine, a symbol of pure maternal love, or cards with an image of this flower and good wishes. In the families of ordinary Thais, they also display a portrait of the queen and decorate the house with jasmine. Children read poems, thank their mothers for their love, give small gifts and promise to always take care of them. Together they attend holiday services, where they make generous donations. The holiday begins and ends with a big fireworks display. In Bangkok, after the morning fireworks, to the sounds of the national anthem, a huge procession of people of all ages and professions and the army heads to the palace. There, a small delegation presents the Queen's confidant with a large beautiful bouquet and congratulations. Festive concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and sporting events are held at all venues in the country. But the most important event of this day is the ceremony in the royal garden. In the evening, a huge number of people light thousands of candles, thereby showing their deepest respect and love for the queen.

On the second Saturday in August, it is customary to celebrate the most “healthy” holiday - Athlete’s Day, the chronology of which began in 1939. Then the first mini-parade of Soviet sports figures was held. The holiday is celebrated by discipline teachers in schools, technical schools and universities, as well as coaches, athletes and people who enjoy physical education and follow the principles of a healthy lifestyle. In the Soviet Union there was a cult of sports and physical education achievements. The main slogan of those days was: “A healthy mind in a healthy body.” The first specialized institute opened in 1918, and the very next year a congress dedicated to this “useful discipline” was held. The first media outlet covering current issues in physical culture was published in 1922. A year later, the proletarian sports society “Dynamo” arose, which united law enforcement officers on a single platform. And 12 years later, a legendary volunteer sports community called “Spartak” appeared. Physical education classes were very popular, sporting achievements were highly valued and rewarded. Any mass demonstrations, parades and other celebratory events took place with the participation of gymnasts, track and field athletes, cyclists, football players and other athletes. Involvement in sports culture was on a grandiose scale. Sports clubs and clubs were opened in schools, and independent physical education departments appeared in universities. Professions related to physical education have become extremely in demand and decently paid. Sport has become a certain sphere of social activity that has a strong impact on all aspects of life, revealing the fullest psychophysical potential of a person. Physical education not only strengthens muscles, but also spirit (helps develop character and perseverance in achieving goals). On Athlete's Day, team competitions are held for tug of war and weight pushing distance. It is customary to organize marathons, triathlons, as well as long and short distance races. Winners of professional and amateur competitions are awarded with certificates, medals and cups. On this day, large groups often go out into nature, cook over an open fire, and fish in reservoirs. They also go to rope parks, travel in boats, and rent kayaks, bicycles and other equipment. Children and parents are invited to “Fun Starts” and all kinds of exciting relay races (sack running, long jump, beach volleyball, water polo). Radio and television stations broadcast programs dedicated to sports achievements, biographies of famous athletes, success stories, and unique human abilities in a physical education context. They often organize dynamic master classes and open lectures on the topics of healthy lifestyle, comprehensive training and nutrition programs.

Indian Holidays - Parama Ekadashi

The change of night and day means the victory of light over darkness, life over death, reality over dreams. These phenomena flow from one to another, symbolizing the cyclical nature of existence. Sunrise is associated with the birth of a new day, the awakening of nature, and the onset of the next stage of life. It is no coincidence that former schoolchildren traditionally greet the dawn at the end of the prom. The sunrise leaves no one indifferent. Its first rays touch the deepest strings of the human soul. August 12th is the Day of Met Dawn. The history of the holiday is shrouded in darkness, but it is believed that all romantically minded people should thank English sailors for the appearance of the celebration. According to legend, before a long voyage, they said goodbye to the ladies of their hearts, spending the whole day with them on land and meeting the dawn. Today, the holiday is celebrated not only by lovers, but also by married couples, old friends, school graduates, students - everyone for whom dawn means something more than just the onset of a new day and the end of the night. “If you do something beautiful and sublime, and no one notices, don’t be upset: the sunrise is generally the most beautiful sight in the world, but most people are still sleeping at that time.” This quote is taken from a letter by the famous British rock musician John Lennon. The day of the met dawn encourages people not to oversleep this amazing natural phenomenon in order to see it in all its glory. You can watch the sunrise from the roof or from the window of a house, sitting in the forest, climbing a steep hill or mountain. A painting that will be revealed to the eyes of everyone who decides to meet the sunrise will evoke a peaceful state and fill life with new emotions and meanings. In addition to aesthetic pleasure, a sensory perception of the world will be added - listening to the morning birdsong and other sounds of nature. And how much joy the first rays of the sun appear in the sky after the polar night, which lasts about 6 months, give! The main character of the cartoon "Locomotive from Romashkovo" claimed that every sunrise is the only one in life. The picture of the appearance of the luminary on the horizon varies depending on the season of the year, weather and other circumstances. Any natural phenomenon is unique and inimitable in its own way. And dawn is no exception. It is no coincidence that artists glorified sunrises and sunsets, the change of seasons in their paintings, and poets and writers in their literary works. The rays of the sun appearing on the horizon amaze with their beauty and indescribable grace, making you think that everything in this world is transitory. Nothing is eternal, but I would like to think that sunrises, a symbol of the birth of new life and the awakening of nature, will always exist.

On August 12, people celebrate the holiday of Silouan and Strength. Silouan and Silas are the assistants of the Apostle Paul. Sometimes they are called the apostles of the seventy, because these men were among the seventy people who were close to Christ. The Apostle Silas, together with Judas, accompanied Paul and Barnabas, who went to explain to Christians the essence of the laws of Moses. For their sermons that caused disturbances among the pagans, the apostles were subjected to severe persecution. In the Macedonian city of Philippi, the men were arrested. In prison they prayed day and night. Soon there was an earthquake, and the chains fell off the prisoners, and the doors of the prison opened. The guard, frightened by the retribution of his superiors, wanted to commit suicide. However, Paul restrained him. Then the man took the recent captives to his house, washed their wounds and, together with all the household members, received baptism from them. The preachers went on their way. Many pagans, imbued with their faith, accepted Christianity from them. So they reached the Greek city of Corinth. Here Silas was consecrated bishop. Silouan, a disciple of the Apostle Paul, was a bishop in the Greek city of Thessaloniki. Being an ardent Christian, he experienced a lot of grief from the pagans. The Apostle Peter also mentioned him in his second Epistle, calling him a faithful brother. It is worth noting that the name Silouan is considered to be the Latin version of the name Silas. This fact gave rise to ongoing disputes that the apostles Silvanus and Silas were one person. Icon painters depict these saints together with Criscus, a former bishop in the Roman province of Galatia. There is also an icon illustrating the Force with shackles in his left hand and an unrolled scroll in his right. In the popular consciousness, the Apostle Silas was associated with a hero. On Silin Day, according to legend, he was able to transfer his power to all living things only by touching them. It was believed that from this moment on, sick and weak people could gain strength. Also, from August 12, the plants and roots gained strength. From Silina day onwards, the peasants began knitting aspen brooms. A bath broom made at this time was capable of expelling damage and sickness. Since Silin's day, people have looked at the wheat and noted whether it becomes drunken, that is, whether it bends to the ground or not. On August 12, we began sowing winter rye. August 12 was considered the only day when witches who milked cows could be punished. According to legend, on this day witches drank milk to such an extent that they fell asleep. This is where the peasants had the opportunity to punish them for theft. Signs for August 12:• Cloudy weather does not mean it will rain. Most likely, bad weather will only arrive in a couple of days.• Stifling weather on Silin predicts that there will soon be heavy rain.• Gusty winds on Silin day foretell calm, windless weather for the next few days.• A rich harvest of rowan means that the autumn will be stormy.• Evil insects that attack and bite portend imminent rain.• The twinkling of stars at the end of the night predicts rainy weather.• If precipitation falls towards the evening of the day of Power, it will last for a long time.

Holidays in Kyrgyzstan - Day of the Penitentiary System Officer

Orthodox holidays on August 12:

August 12 is the Day of Remembrance of the Holy Martyr John the Warrior, who in the Russian Orthodox tradition is considered the patron saint of those who mourn. He received special love in Ukraine, where there is a separate prayer for intercession for him. On icons the saint is always depicted with his head uncovered. He is accompanied by three important attributes - a cross, a shield and a spear. John is dressed in a vest, leggings, cloak, trousers and scale armor, which hint that the martyr belonged to the cavalry troops. He was Slavic by origin. John lived in the 4th century and served in the army of the famous Roman emperor Julian the Apostate, who became famous for his persecution of Christians. The saint was forced to take part in these military campaigns, although he did not agree with the decisions of his commander. Unable to speak out openly against Julian, John acted underground. He warned Christians in advance about the raids being prepared on them, helped captive fellow believers escape and visited those imprisoned to provide moral support. John helped not only Christians. He extended a helping hand to everyone who needed it. The mourners found comfort in him. He readily visited sick people. John's good deeds could not be kept secret for long. Sooner or later, the emperor would have found out about his actions, which is what happened. As soon as rumors reached Julian about how John was helping people, he immediately ordered him to be imprisoned. On the way to Constantinople, the guards mocked the prisoner. When he was brought to the capital of Byzantium, the emperor was on a campaign, so the saint was imprisoned in a prison cell, where he waited for a long time for his execution, which never took place. Julian himself died earlier during one of the battles, and after the death of Emperor John he was released. Another ruler came to power, who was a good Christian. Several months in heavy shackles, torture and hunger did not shake John’s faith. He devoted his entire future life to serving God. He distributed his property to the poor. Many came to him for help and consolation. No one knows exactly when and under what circumstances John died. It is only known that he left this mortal coil as a gray-haired old man. At first, sufferers often came to his grave with prayers for the intercession they received. Alas, over time the saint’s burial place was forgotten. Many years later, according to legend, the saint appeared to a pious Christian woman and indicated the place in which his remains rested. John's relics were found. They were transferred to Constantinople. They are believed to have miraculous powers and can heal the sick.

Memorial Day of St. Anatoly of Optina, the Younger

Feast of the Icon of the Mother of God of Okonskaya

Cathedral of Samara Saints

Memorial Day of the Apostle Silouan of Thessalonica from the age of 70