International Mountain Day is celebrated annually at the beginning of winter - December 11th. This holiday was introduced in 2003 by the UN General Assembly with the aim of drawing everyone's attention to the problems of mountainous areas and providing assistance to their inhabitants. Despite their majesty and external stability, mountains are subject to various negative influences, which is why they find themselves in an unsafe position. The danger comes from both the deterioration of the general environmental situation and human activity. Due to environmental problems, landslides, droughts, and various natural disasters occur more often in the mountains. Due to the tense political situation in mountainous areas, cases of local wars, the spread of terrorism, forced migration of the population are becoming more frequent, and there is a decline in the standard of living of the local population. Human activity negatively affects mountain ecosystems due to simple lack of culture: the weight of garbage accumulating in the mountains reaches several tens of tons annually. Meanwhile, mountains play a huge role for humans. These natural ecosystems are the “cradle” of all the rivers on the planet; they contain most of the fresh water reserves. Rare species of animals and flora listed in the Red Book live in the mountains. In addition, mountainous areas have always been attractive to lovers of tourism, active recreation, and mountaineering. On International Mountain Day, it is customary to hold various educational events. Symposiums, lectures, seminars, as well as thematic book and exhibition fairs are designed to convey to the population maximum information about the features and problems of the mountains. On December 11, schools hold thematic classes and quizzes. Every year, events dedicated to the celebration of International Mountain Day have their own thematic specificity. Thus, in 2004 the theme was “A World Without War”, in 2005 – “Mountain Tourism”, and in 2009 the theme “Danger of Natural Disasters in Mountainous Regions” was considered.

On December 11, the world celebrates Argentine tango day, the most popular dance of the 20th century. It is impossible to remain indifferent while watching a dancing couple, because this is not just a dance, but real life with passion, love and jealousy. It is noteworthy that tango does not imply any specific rules and principles. The main part of the movements is complete improvisation. At first it was a men's dance and represented a duel, where men competed over a lady. Later, representatives of the fair sex also began to dance it. It was on December 11, back in 1887, that the actor, dancer and singer from Argentina Carlos Gardel was born, who during his lifetime received the title of king of tango. Dance admirers, of whom there are hundreds of thousands all over the world, presented their idol with the most significant birthday gift, making December 11th International Tango Day. Argentina is considered to be the birthplace of this passionate dance, in particular the port cities where Brazilian, Argentine and Spanish rhythms originated at the end of the 19th century. Some believe that tango appeared thanks to sailors from Spain who, while visiting Argentina, demonstrated flamenco to the natives. At first, tango was considered something vulgar, unattractive and completely unfashionable. It was danced exclusively by poor neighborhoods and countless emigrants of Buenos Aires. Carlos Gardel himself arrived in South America from a French town. His father and mother brought him to Argentina as a teenager. One day, having become acquainted with tango, the young man could no longer part with it for the rest of his life. Gardel actually fell in love with this style, subsequently making it not only popular, but the most large-scale and unique phenomenon of the first half of the twentieth century. Carlos mastered the rhythms of the dance every day. Tango literally consumed him. After the rapid popularity of tango in Argentina, Gardel brought the dance to his homeland. The international triumph began with the conquest of the capital of France. Afterwards, the dance movements captured other European countries. Even on the territory of the Soviet Union, tango became an incredibly stylish dance, despite the fact that it was impossible to twirl in passionate Latin American rhythms. This was considered an indecent copying of a foreign style, incredibly provocative and vulgar. However, the spread of dance in the USSR could not be stopped. Records with characteristic melodies were passed on to each other, the music was remade on harmonicas and guitars. The name tango itself appeared in the Canaries and is translated as a meeting area for black people to spend their holidays. Today, there are a large number of styles of this dance, each of which has its own characteristic features. Every year on December 11, millions of people around the world gather and celebrate this day by organizing all kinds of festivals, dance competitions and performances dedicated to tango.

In the history of Russia there were many wars with foreign invaders, which claimed the lives of millions of soldiers. But one of them began in December 1994 on the territory of the country - in the Chechen Republic. According to the Committee of Soldiers' Mothers, at least 14,000 people were killed in this armed conflict. Most of them are conscripts, young guys whose lives were cut short at the very take-off. December 11 is the Day of Remembrance of Russian soldiers killed in Chechnya. Created in 1988, the Committee of Soldiers' Mothers took into account only military personnel who served in the army in the North Caucasus on conscription. But, in addition to conscripts, contract soldiers and special forces soldiers also took part in the Chechen war... According to official data, over 21,000 people were killed during the war. The exact numbers of losses of Russian soldiers in the North Caucasus are not known. Every year on December 11, events are held in Russia dedicated to one of the most tragic dates in Russian history. These include painting and photography exhibitions, lessons in courage and themed classrooms in schools. On this day, it is customary to remember the soldiers who died in the fields as a result of two Chechen campaigns. However, civilians also became victims of the policies of Dzhokhar Dudayev, the newly-minted president of Ichkeria - the number of refugees who left Chechnya in the early 90s exceeded half a million. Until 1991, 50% of Russians lived in Grozny, and 25% throughout the republic. Through blackmail, threats and burning of houses, theft of children and rape of women, the Slavs were forced to leave the places where their ancestors had lived for centuries. On December 11, 1994, President B.N. Yeltsin signed a decree “On measures to ensure legality, law and order and public safety on the territory of the Chechen Republic.” After its publication, units of the United Group of Forces were sent to the North Caucasus to restore the constitutional order. Military analysts and political scientists have been discussing the mistakes of both campaigns and the miscalculations of the leadership for decades. The withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of the North Caucasus in 1991 was accompanied by the abandonment of weapons and armored vehicles. D. Dudayev, having taken the presidency of Free Ichkeria, first of all released from prison all the criminals who were behind bars - murderers, robbers and rapists. It was they, and not political prisoners, who met Russian soldiers in December 1994. Heavily armed militants knew no mercy. Chechen boys who refused to join Dudayev's army were shot on the spot. It is impossible to count all the horrors and atrocities that the Wahhabis committed on Chechen soil. The first campaign ended with the Khasavyurt peace agreements. As a result of their signing, the republic received full autonomy and millions of rubles to restore the destroyed economy. However, this did not solve the problem - peace and tranquility did not come to Chechnya. From August 1999 to April 2009, a second campaign in the form of counter-terrorism operations was carried out in the North Caucasus. And again the federal armed forces suffered heavy losses... Remembrance Day for Russian soldiers who died in Chechnya is a mournful date. Tens of thousands of guys laid down their lives on the battlefields in the North Caucasus, fulfilling their duty to their Motherland. On December 11, we remember all the victims of the Chechen war - military personnel and civilians, who suffered no less troubles and suffering than soldiers. No one is forgotten and nothing is forgotten. This slogan from the times of the Great Patriotic War is also applicable to the feat of Russian military personnel, tens of thousands of whom died on the fields of Chechen battles.

December 11 is a memorable and “black” date for the residents of Crimea. Many years ago, during the Second World War, this very day marked the start of mass executions by the Nazis, which lasted several days. Since 2004, this date has become an official holiday. Its status was preserved after Crimea became part of the Russian Federation. December 11 is the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Nazism. Then more than 18,000 lives were cut short forever, and this became a real grief for the Crimeans. On the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Crimeans and Jews who became victims of mass executions, memorial rallies are held throughout Crimea to remember the terrible events of the past days, as well as to appreciate the peaceful sky above. Events dedicated to this date have already become a memorable tradition. Throughout Crimea, ceremonial laying of mourning wreaths at mass graves, rallies with the participation of political and public figures, and patriotic lessons are held in schools. One of such places where it is customary to lay mourning wreaths and light funeral candles on December 11 is a memorial near Simferopol, dedicated to the victims of mass repressions and executions. During wartime, the “Red” concentration camp was located here; it was here in 1941 that the Nazis brutally shot Jews, Crimeans, and prisoners. An anti-tank ditch became their burial place, and many years later, a memorial to the victims of Nazism was opened at this site on the eve of Victory Day. Also on December 11, the authorities are organizing a memorial procession. Volunteers take part in the march of the “living”, repeating the route that tens of thousands of people took on their last journey in those tragic days for Crimea. This day has become a memorial date in the calendar; it is customary to honor the memory of the dead and all those who suffered at the hands of the invaders. To preserve the memory of the tragic past, to convey to descendants the horror of those days, to appreciate and protect today's world - it is for these purposes that the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Nazism was organized.

The inventor of the kaleidoscope, Scotsman David Brewster, was born on December 11, 1781. The optical device he created has been one of the most beloved children's toys for centuries. The pipe with mirror elements folded at an angle and colored glass, which appeared in Russia in the era of romanticism, aroused delight among adults. Kaleidoscope Day is celebrated on December 11, the scientist’s birthday. The popularity of this funny device among people of all ages is understandable. The kaleidoscope not only relieves fatigue of the optic nerve, but also generates positive emotions - dispels melancholy and improves mood. 15 minutes of viewing pictures created by colored shards is equivalent in effectiveness to 5 minutes of healthy laughter. Did you know that?.. Kaleidoscope in Russia at the beginning of the 19th century. was social entertainment for the elite. Brewster's invention "colored" the lives of representatives of the upper classes. Colored fragments, flowers or dried insects were placed inside an ordinary kaleidoscope - into an aphaneidoscope. Devices with precious stones inside the tubes were created according to individual orders. Such kaleidoscopes were very expensive. The appearance of the device in Russia coincided with society's fascination with transparent pictures - stained glass. The fashion for them was introduced by M. Lomonosov, who, according to one version, invented the kaleidoscope before D. Brewster, but did not give this “trifle” due attention, and therefore did not file a patent. The patterns, ever changing under the influence of an unknown force, perfectly corresponded to the era of romanticism. Painters of that time were keen on depicting natural light phenomena in the form of sunrises and sunsets. In the kaleidoscope, artists were attracted by the riot of colors and the unusual harmony of patterns, which had a mesmerizing effect. Did you know that?.. A kaleidoscope is often compared to a mandala - a complex geometric symbol that is interpreted as a model of the Universe. There is a legend that the device was invented long before Brewster during meditation by the ancient Egyptians. Followers of the philosophy of the priest and architect Imhotep used polished limestone fragments instead of colored glass. The simple toy has not stopped being improved since its invention. Over the years, American Charles Bush changed the angle of the mirrors and their shape, as well as the contents of the device. The scientist was responsible for the invention in 1870 of the “office” kaleidoscope - a black tube made of thick cardboard with a rotating bronze ring, which was attached to a beautiful wooden stand. The artist Meryl Ann Butler, fascinated by the effects of color on the human body, came up with the idea at the end of the 19th century. chacroscope. The Irishwoman was convinced that the device helps people open their “inner” vision. The artist added 4 additional colors to the traditional colors of the glass fragments: gold, responsible for the masculine principle, silver for the feminine, symbolizing love, pink and purple, as the personification of rebirth. American Clifford Kuhn, head of the department of psychiatry at the University of Kentucky, used it in the mid-twentieth century. kaleidoscope for treating patients. Did you know that?.. The world's largest kaleidoscope was built in Japan in 2005. In the pavilion of the EXPO exhibition in Nagoya, a symbolic triangular Earth Tower 47 m high was erected. Water flowed down its walls, forming various patterns depending on the direction of the sun's rays. Kaleidoscope Day was established in honor of the mysterious device, shrouded in myths and secrets. It was not for nothing that in the Middle Ages the kaleidoscope was considered a tool of magicians: according to legend, some device designs were used for predictive purposes. Only initiates could interpret the symbols, deciphering the patterns that appeared in the eyepiece. The device has not lost its magical appeal today, which is why people all over the world celebrate Kaleidoscope Day on December 11.

The world celebrates a lot of funny, but at the same time profound holidays from a philosophical point of view. Some of them are devoted to the search for the meaning of life, the determination of the main values ​​of human existence. People approach these special dates thoroughly, drawing up far-reaching plans, setting short-term and long-term goals. December 11 marks one of these unusual holidays - the Day of the Real Master of Your Life. People who confidently control the ship of their own destiny, which is moving in full sail, sooner or later become famous personalities. Their life position, independent of anyone’s opinion, becomes an example to be followed by their contemporaries and descendants. Winston Churchill stated: “We are the masters of our destiny. We are the captains of our souls.” The British Prime Minister, both at the beginning and at the peak of his career, was not afraid to make unconventional decisions and take actions that went against public opinion. Churchill's authority was unquestioned; his enemies were afraid of the politician even when he was in retirement. The Prime Minister also has another saying: “Not a single word thrown at you should change your opinion about yourself.” This is a worthy position as the master of your life. The beliefs of ancient people were based on the belief that a person is influenced by fate, fate, fate, and karma. That is, events in life occur according to some plan of higher powers, which no mortal can change. The personification of this belief is the ancient Greek goddesses Moira and the ancient Roman Parks, who spun the threads of human destiny. Norns are present in the beliefs of the ancient Norse. These three goddesses hid the thread of life at the roots of the world tree Yggdrasil - a symbol of the universe among the Scandinavian peoples. In contrast to ancient myths, there is the law of free will - the cornerstone of the universe. He says that any event occurs in a person’s life according to his will. Understanding the law of freedom of choice and responsibility for committed actions leads to a clear understanding that each of us is the master of our own destiny. Purposefulness and self-confidence are inherent in people who occupy leadership positions. The absence of these qualities prevents each of us from becoming the captain of the ship of our own life. Holidays such as the Day of the Real Master of Your Destiny help a person see the root of the problem and understand why circumstances do not turn out the way they want. In order to become a true master of life, you need to learn to behave freely, confidently and relaxed. Yes, at first the world around you will be hostile, but don’t despair. Over time, you will learn to control reality and become an example for those who take the first steps in this direction. Never consider yourself a hostage to circumstances - influence them with the confidence of the master of your own destiny. The call for everyone who is moving in a given direction along the trajectory of success is the poetic lines: “Do not wait for clues in the world of vanity, because your life is yours, only you decide.”

December 11 is St. Andrew's Flag Day, this is one of the most attention-grabbing holidays, which has a long history. Unfortunately, it is impossible to say for sure how exactly the idea came to Great Peter to use this particular symbolism as a flag. Also, no one can reliably calculate the date when such a decision was made, so there are many interpretations. There is also a version that St. Andrew's Cross was borrowed from the Scots. Indeed, much earlier, even before the reign of Peter, similar symbolism was found among different nations. Even now, an oblique cross can also be seen on the national flag of Great Britain. It can also be found on the flag of the city of Rio de Janeiro, etc. It is also known that William Brown, the father of the Argentine fleet, sailed under this flag on the frigate. The official version says that Tsar Peter the Great in 1692 (according to other sources in 1699) approved this particular option as a symbol of the nascent Russian fleet, the formation of which was urgently required. One legend says that the king considered a variety of options and even turned to saints in prayer to receive help from Heaven. Several different sketches lay on his table, and one day after prayer, a ray of sunshine entered the king’s window, stopping precisely on the sketch depicting the St. Andrew’s Cross. Yes, perhaps this is just a beautiful legend, but such blank spots in history only awaken people's interest in studying the glorious events of the past. On December 11, 1699 (or 1692), the tsar finally made a choice, and since then this Day has become a national holiday in Russia. Unfortunately, after the Bolsheviks came to power, in November 1917, this flag was canceled and virtually erased from history. The authorities remembered it only in 1992, again making it the official banner of the country's naval forces. It is interesting that, despite the fact that the Bolsheviks sought to abolish the previously adopted military symbols, the White Guards retained them. It is known that until the final establishment of Soviet power, that is, almost until the mid-20s of the twentieth century, White Guard ships sailed on the waters and fought battles precisely under the St. Andrew’s flag. The last of them was filmed at the end of 1924 in northern Africa in the city of Bizerte. This city is located in Tunisia. Then it belonged to France, considered its overseas colony. France was one of the last to recognize Soviet Russia, establishing diplomatic relations, and therefore the leaders of the White Guard movement were forced to admit their final defeat. The restoration of memory took place by order of Boris Yeltsin in 1992, and since then this symbol has returned to the history of the country. It is traditional to celebrate this Day according to the theme. There are many options. The television broadcast network is changing, more military and historical programs appear in it, including those that tell about the history of the country's navy. This date is also used as an opportunity to popularize history. In addition, patriotic events are held in educational institutions. Meetings are organized with historians and naval combat veterans. To mark this day, socio-political and charitable organizations organize events aimed, among other things, at helping military veterans and the families of dead sailors. In some cities associated with the sea element, the holiday is celebrated on a special scale, organizing processions, military-patriotic concerts, and demonstration performances. This is one of the most significant dates, since it shows people’s interest in history, military affairs, and patriotism. Sometimes this day takes on a certain political coloring.

December 11 - World Bronchial Asthma Day has existed since 1998. It is conducted by the World Health Organization with the support of other medical communities. Designed to attract the attention of the public of all countries to the problem of this disease, which is becoming increasingly widespread. Over the past decades, bronchial asthma has gone from being a fairly rare disease to becoming a common diagnosis. It has been delivered to more than 900 thousand people in the Russian Federation, and to 150 million worldwide. The disease develops in half of the cases in childhood, up to 10 years. Asthma is a chronic disease. Translated from Greek, it means "heavy breathing." This is explained by the symptoms of the disease, such as really difficult, wheezing breathing and periodic attacks of suffocation. The course and severity of the disease varies among individuals. Symptoms may occur several times during the day, at intervals of several days, only at night, only during physical activity. During an attack, the epithelial lining of the bronchioles increases, resulting in narrowing of the airways. The flow of air into and out of the lungs is reduced. Repeated attacks physically tire a person, causing constant fatigue and insomnia. The death rate from bronchial asthma is low, but it significantly reduces the quality of life. Only status asthmaticus can lead to death. This is a serious complication that occurs as a result of the fact that normal functioning of the respiratory tract is not restored after an attack. Another difficulty is the difficult diagnosis of the disease. It is often “masked” as pneumonia, bronchitis, cardiovascular disease, or tuberculosis. The symptoms are similar, but the treatment required is different. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor at the first sign of asthma. They will make a diagnosis and be able to prescribe the correct treatment for a particular case, which will minimize the risk of complications. The patient often has to coexist with bronchial asthma throughout his life. But the modern level of medicine makes it possible to maintain working capacity, seriously reduce the frequency and severity of attacks, and lead a full, eventful life. Anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator drugs are used in treatment. They are available in the form of aerosols, solutions for nebulizers and powders for inhalation. Short-acting medications are used to relieve symptoms during an attack, while long-acting medications help control the course of the disease. The causes of asthma are not yet fully understood. An important factor is heredity, i.e. people at risk are those whose relatives already have or have had cases of bronchial asthma. Other risk factors include: 1. Inhalation of airborne particles that may irritate the respiratory tract or cause allergic reactions. These are mold, pollen, waste products of dust mites, tobacco smoke, and chemical irritants. 2. Unfavorable environmental conditions. Increases in overall air pollution levels are leading to an increase in the prevalence of asthma worldwide. 3. Cold air indoors and outdoors. 4. Strong emotional arousal, constant negative emotions that deplete the nervous system and affect the general condition of the body. 5. Excessive physical activity. 6. Some medicinal products. For example, beta blockers used in the treatment of heart disease, hypertension and migraines, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Children from developing countries of the world and territories that have suffered from man-made disasters, wars, natural disasters and other disasters need humanitarian assistance and protection of their rights. These functions are assumed by various international organizations. The most famous of them is UNICEF, operating under the auspices of the UN. The main headquarters of the international agency, founded in 1953, is located in New York. UNICEF is the successor to the Children's Emergency Fund (ICEF). This organization appeared thanks to the initiative of the Polish doctor Ludwik Reichman, who during the Second World War was involved in humanitarian issues and helping refugees. His proposal to create the ICEF, voiced on December 11, 1946 at a UN meeting, was met with support. The Emergency Fund was dedicated to helping children and addressing urgent health issues in post-war Europe. Therefore, the organization’s logo depicted a child holding a cup of milk. After the situation in European countries stabilized and the ICEF was reorganized in 1953, it was decided to use the remaining funds in its accounts to help children living on other continents. This was facilitated by the signing by most states of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and a number of other international legal acts. Today, UNICEF programs include immunization, prevention and treatment of diseases, including HIV, in children and their mothers, protection from mental and physical violence, improvement of sanitary living conditions, organization of the educational process and assistance in emergency situations. December 11, the date of formation of ICEF in 1946, has become an international holiday - UNICEF Birthday. The founding day of the UNICEF Children's Fund is celebrated in 192 countries around the world, where branches and regional offices are open, national committees of the organization and local NGOs operate. They are responsible for providing children and mothers with food, emergency medical care and medicines. UNICEF exists through contributions from UN members (government donations account for 2/3 of the total amount), public organizations and private philanthropists. Over the years, the foundation has provided assistance to children from 90 countries, taking part in almost 300 emergency situations. UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1965 with the wording “for its efforts to strengthen solidarity among states and reduce the gap between rich and poor.” Thanks to the fund, 12 million children from countries with unfavorable economic situations gained access to education, and 4 million who suffered from severe forms of malnutrition received the necessary medical care. UNICEF Birthday is not included in the list of UN international days. However, this does not in any way detract from the significance of the events held on December 11th. The holiday is a great opportunity to talk about the foundation’s mission on social networks, or make a donation to UNICEF or another charity organization that helps children in need.

Soykin Day is celebrated according to the folk calendar on December 11 (November 28, old style), it was established to honor the jay bird. People were attracted by its bright plumage, which is why the jay got its name, because the ancient Russian word “soy” meant to shine. The jay belongs to the corvid family, is no larger in size than a magpie, has a long tail and a crest on its head. The main feature of the bird is the color of its wings, slightly reminiscent of small mirrors. There is even a belief that if you look closely at them, you can see the future. Therefore, the jay is often called the prophet. The bird is interesting because it can imitate various sounds, be it the singing of other birds or human speech. It was revered by the peasants, since seeing this bird on Soykin day was a good omen. And if she began to sing on the roof of the house, then the owner should certainly follow her. The people believed that the jay guided a person towards happiness. On Soykin's day it was customary to tell fortunes. Waking up in the morning, the man went to the well and listened to its sounds: any noise meant the future receipt of money, but the absence of sounds was not particularly pleasing - wealth was not expected. Fortune telling was also done using coins. They were thrown into a snowdrift; if they managed to get a coin with the highest denomination, then success would come to the person. A small denomination, on the contrary, indicated its absence. To find out what kind of life the next year would bring, people divided the beans into three piles. One determined health, the second determined personal life, and the third determined work. Then the number of beans in each was counted. An even number symbolized prosperity, an odd number symbolized problems. Unmarried girls told fortunes after sunset about the name of their betrothed. They wrote the names of men on scraps of paper, threaded a needle and lifted the free edge of the thread above the names. Swinging, the needle indicated the name of the future husband. The weather was determined by observing birds on Soykin day. If a flock of crows was circling in the sky, you should prepare for a snowstorm. Birds roaming the earth foreshadowed warming. Terrible bad weather with wind and blizzard was determined if crows gathered on the lower branches of trees, clinging to the trunk.

Orthodox holidays on December 11:

Memorial Day of Metropolitan Seraphim (Chichagov)

Memorial Day of the Venerable Martyr Stephen the New