Silence is one of the austerities that help a person cleanse energy, prevent mental anxiety and concentrate internal forces. This tool of self-knowledge has been used since ancient times by both practicing mouna yogis and Orthodox monks and hermit elders. December 16th is the Day of World Silence and Silence - a holiday of silence that helps everyone feel like they are part of the Universe. Silence allows you to plunge into the depths of your own “I”, contributes to the achievement of peace and imparts wisdom akin to divine. Our ancestors rightly stated: “The word is silver, but silence is gold.” Prophet Solomon said: “And a fool, when he is silent, may seem wise.” The ruler of the Kingdom of Israel was echoed by ancient Roman philosophers. “Whoever does not know how to be silent is not able to speak,” said Seneca. The follower of Platanus, the philosopher Plutarch, declared: “We learn to speak from people, to remain silent from the gods.” “For us, the silence of the mind again turns on the innate ability to hear the Word,” says poetess N. Bogomolova. In India, ascetics who have taken a vow of eternal silence are called mounas. Asceticism is practiced in various variants: there is only speech silence, combined with written silence, sometimes prohibiting any gestures. In its extreme manifestation, it is associated with a lack of eye contact with another person - “silent gaze.” Only hermits or highly spiritual people can observe this type of mouna. The Day of World Silence will coincide with the Russian holiday of veneration of St. John the Silent. Orthodox saint who lived in the 5th century. AD in Armenia, led an ascetic lifestyle. From the age of 18, John served at the monastery with other monks, spending his days in prayer and solitude. Later, while in the Jerusalem Church, with the blessing of the First Hierarch, he took a vow of silence for 4 years. Further, Father John continued his asceticism, settling in the desert, where he spent more than 9 years, eating herbs. Having moved to the territory of modern Palestine, for about 66 years the Silent Man served in the Lavra of St. Savva the Sanctified, healing the sick and demon-possessed with prayer, and performing other miracles. Saint John died at the age of 104. According to religious traditions, on December 16, believers are not allowed to speak loudly and have fun, organize festivities and invite guests to their home. In memory of John the Silent, it is customary to light candles in churches and silently pray “to oneself.” At the exit from the temple, Orthodox Christians also silently give alms to the suffering. Adherents of Eastern religious teachings spend December 16 in silence and meditation. It is believed that asceticism will have double power if the Day of Silence and Silence falls on Saturday. Her patron in Hinduism is the harsh Saturn. Silence for this planet is one of the main upayas (austerities) in Joytish, Vedic astronomy and astrology. Silence and solitude on Saturdays are recommended for those who have Saturn in a weak position in their natal chart. Modern man is very dependent on information flows, exchange of opinions during calls, meetings and other forms of contact with people. The Day of Silence and World Silence calls for at least a day to renounce the world around us - to stop the internal dialogue to accumulate energy and accumulate, strange as it may sound, the power of speech. It is known that words brought after the asceticism of silence can have a great influence on the hearts and minds of people, pushing them towards internal development and self-improvement.

Thick and shiny hair is a source of pride for any man who has crossed the 40-year mark. A woman’s long, well-groomed hair causes the envy of her friends, as does a stylish hairstyle that looks perfect in any weather. On December 16, owners of thick manes and luxurious hair spit on conventions, celebrating Shaggy Day by creating a real mess on their heads. It is not known who invented this funny holiday, but one cannot deny him a sense of humor and self-irony. Shaggy Day breaks stereotypes, proving that a neat hairstyle is not an absolute standard, and disheveled hair can look beautiful. Remember how awkward hairstyles were ironically called in the Soviet Union? Explosion at a pasta factory. The last day of Pompeii. Swamp kikimora. Shaggy Day opens the door to any creativity, and now no one will dare to call the artistic mess on the head hairstyle “Morning in the Chicken Coop.” On December 16, Asian men stop fighting the natural growth direction of thick hair and style it with gel. In honor of the holiday, women who struggle with curls every morning with a straightener throw the device aside and show the world their natural beauty in the form of curly hair. Fans of Tina Toner and Diana Ross wear wigs - an exact copy of the tousled curls of the pop divas. Hairdressers work tirelessly throughout Shaggy Day. Customers order crimped dreadlocks, crazy punk bouffants and the famous shaggy on December 16th. This women's haircut, which creates the effect of luxurious curls, is performed on hair of any length. Shaggy is translated from English as “shaggy”. Although the haircut gives the hair a tousled look, in fact the artistic disorder is controlled, helping the wearer create a unique look. On December 16, they give their hair a break from the hair dryer, hairspray and other styling products. Who is enthusiastic about Shaggy Day? Tousled and disheveled hair is a sign of a creative nature, so Shaggy Day is celebrated with joy by people of art. The holiday of neglect and recklessness will appeal to everyone who is ready to challenge social norms. The celebration will find a response in the hearts of optimists who take life lightly and welcome any changes. A shaggy person stands out in a crowd, often without causing negative associations. After all, clean, albeit tousled, hair and stylish styling have long been no longer associated with an unkempt and unkempt appearance. Have your friends hinted that your hairstyle today resembles the mop on the head of the brownie Kuzi? Someone carefully studied the chaos created on your head and compared you to Einstein? Congratulations - you are definitely ready to celebrate Shaggy Day! It's time to take selfies, post pictures and get hundreds of likes for viewing photos.

The beauty of mountains and steep cliffs was described not only by Russian classics - A.S. Pushkin, F.I. Tyutchev, M.Yu. Lermontov and A.A. Fet. The conquest of the peaks was sung by songwriters of the 20th century. - Yu. Vizbor, V. Vysotsky and B. Okudzhava. In the Soviet Union, mountaineering was very popular and was considered an intellectual sport - it was mainly practiced by the intelligentsia. A difficult assault and, despite everything, the height taken, both then and now, dismantle the fortitude and fearlessness of climbers. Life periodically offers each of us to conquer ourselves, overcome difficulties and set the bar high. And this does not require extreme conditions at all. December 16 marks the Day of Conquering Peaks - a holiday that encourages people not to be afraid to set goals of any complexity and achieve them. Often, to achieve success, a person must stop doubting his abilities, overcome fear and internal complexes, and reluctance to leave his comfort zone. Conquering peaks begins with overcoming yourself. On a mountain peak under the gusts of wind, a person feels happy and free. Rock climbing helps you achieve a state of inner elation and detachment from the problems of everyday life. The popularity of mountaineering in the USSR is explained by the fact that this sport gave people a sense of independence and freedom, which was sorely lacking in the totalitarian Soviet society. However, the holiday celebrated on December 16th is not just for climbers and adventurers. A person can achieve peaks in his profession, sports or business. Overcoming difficulties and taking new milestones contributes to spiritual growth and self-improvement. On the way to a goal, it is often not the end result that is important, but the process of achieving it. Each ascent brings joy, but at the same time it also brings melancholy because the desired peak, which caused euphoria and boiling blood, has already been taken. Reaching new milestones and conquering a mountain or any other peak can be planned for December 16 or any other day. Setting a high bar for yourself and showing persistence in achieving goals is within the power of a person at any age. Thus, Lincoln unsuccessfully ran for the Senate 2 times, but did not go astray and at the age of 51 became President of the United States. The founder of the global KFC chain, Harland David Sanders, opened his first restaurant at the age of 65, and Yuichiro Miura conquered the famous Everest at the age of 80. December 16 is a special date for those who are passionate, courageous and full of faith in their own strength. It is for such people that an unusual holiday was invented - the Day of Conquering Peaks.

On December 16, residents of Kazakhstan celebrate their national holiday - Independence Day of Kazakhstan. On this solemn day free from study and work, various concerts, events and public celebrations are organized. The August 1991 coup accelerated the collapse of the Soviet Union. Most republics declared their independence in October. On December 16, 1991, the Constitutional Law “On the Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan” was adopted. What began a year earlier with the adoption of the Declaration of Sovereignty of Kazakhstan, and as a result of the transformations that took place in the USSR and led to its collapse, led to the declaration of independence. This day is considered the most important holiday. Like most public holidays, it is used to demonstrate the cultural and ethnic diversity of the peoples inhabiting the republic. This is an opportunity to show national costumes, dances, culinary traditions and other cultural elements of individual nations peacefully coexisting in the free and independent Republic of Kazakhstan. In the capital, Nur-Sultan, this day traditionally begins with laying flowers at the central Independence Monument. December 16 is a special date for Kazakhstan, because in 1986, tragic events took place on this day, in which the USSR authorities brutally suppressed a youth rally. When laying a minute of silence, it is customary to honor the memory of those who fell during the uprising. Another tradition has become the speech of the president, who draws attention to the changes that have taken place in the country thanks to sovereignty. Until the evening, not only in the capital, in all towns and settlements, citizens celebrate this important event. Various concerts, exhibitions and fairs are organized. Many guests come to Almaty because... It was here that all the key moments took place, thanks to which independence was declared.

Realtor Day is a relatively young holiday. The real estate profession itself is also usually considered young, but the first real estate offices appeared already at the end of the 18th century. The first of them were opened in England, but already in the next century professional realtors, or brokers, appeared in other countries, such as France, Germany and Austria. The United States of America became the leader in this area - brokerage companies then existed even in small towns of the country. This fashionable trend did not bypass Russia either - the first real estate office opened in 1880 in St. Petersburg, and offered not only intermediation services in the sale of real estate, but also assistance in the purchase and sale of goods. After the revolution, official brokers, of course, did not exist, but in fact they were always there, finding clients a suitable housing exchange option for small commissions. Realtors were able to obtain official status again in the 90s of the 20th century, after the country transitioned to a market economy. In 1992, the Russian Guild of Realtors was created in Moscow. And today, most of the population of our country has probably used the services of a realtor at least once - just imagine how many people rent, sell or buy apartments every day. In 1996, the Moscow Association of Realtors took the initiative to create a professional holiday. The proposal was supported, and now Realtor Day is traditionally celebrated every third Saturday in December, on the eve of the long New Year holidays. True, this holiday has not yet become official. Interestingly, in 2008, the National Council of the Russian Guild of Realtors proposed legalizing Realtor Day, but chose a different date - February 8. The tradition has not become particularly popular in professional circles, although there are realtors who celebrate their holiday on this day, and there are those who celebrate Realtor Day twice a year - just like the Old New Year.

December 16 (December 3, old style) is considered the most “silent” day according to the folk calendar, since it is dedicated to Ivan the Silent. This holiday is celebrated in honor of St. John the Silent, who preaches the word of God. John grew up in the family of a military leader, studied the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and after the death of his parents, he spent his inheritance on building a temple. Prayers to the Lord, abstinence and modesty helped the saint earn the rank of bishop of the Colonial Church. But when the ruler of Armenia began to encroach on the management of church affairs, John was forced to leave his post, going to Jerusalem. Finding himself in the Lavra of St. Sava, John spent several years there as an ordinary novice, doing hard work. Wanting more solitude, he went to live in the desert. For protection, the Lord sent a lion to John to protect him from his enemies. After some time, the saint returned to the Lavra and lived to a ripe old age, healing the sick with prayers. People tried to spend the day of Ivan the Silent silently. People believed that silence would help get rid of problems and attract success. It was allowed to speak only when absolutely necessary; even at a family dinner one should not communicate. It was believed that the one who spends the day of Ivan the Mogilnik silent will become eloquent. On the Day of Silence, people were afraid to sing or shout, because evil spirits could hear the voice and take it away. Even in the forest there was silence everywhere. The sages saw in silence the meaning of being alone with one’s self in order to sort out thoughts and become closer to God’s World. People followed the signs of the day of Ivan the Silent. It was believed that if a spider went down on its web, it was worth waiting for warmer weather. Warmth was also expected if the song of a bullfinch was heard outside the window. A bright moon or a month with its horns pointing upward predicted frost.

Day of Workers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan

Orthodox holidays on December 16:

Memorial Day of St. Savva of Storozhevsky

The ninth book of the Tanakh, as the Old Testament is called in Hebrew, was written by one of the twelve "minor" prophets of the Bible. Zephaniah, who lived in the 17th century. BC, canonized in Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Islam, in the Dolchalcedonian (Ancient Eastern) churches. The prophet, who came from a noble family, lived at the royal court. Josiah, who ruled at that time, was distinguished by modesty and other virtues, putting law and order above all else. However, not all subjects shared the king’s views. Zephaniah, who had the gift of foresight, predicted the decline of Judea, whose inhabitants were idolaters and preached the cult of Baal and Molech. The remaining chapters of the book written by the prophet predict the death of other pagan kingdoms, Ascalon, Gaza and Crete, the Philistines, Ethiopians and other peoples, as well as the coming of the Messiah - Jesus Christ. Saint Zephaniah, who preached repentance, meekness and humility, helped Josiah fight the priests who served the heavenly bodies and other pagans. A contemporary of the prophet Jeremiah and the prophetess Huldah predicted the salvation of believers in the Almighty and the future flourishing of renewed Jewish communities. The Christian Church venerates the saint, holding solemn services in his honor every year. The Memorial Day of the Prophet Zephaniah is celebrated on December 16th. Very little is known about the life and activities of the descendant of King Izekiah, who came from the tribes of Simeon. Zephaniah revered King Josiah for restoring Solomon's temple, which had fallen into disrepair, and destroying pagan altars. At that time, the cult of idolatry dominated Judea, and significant wealth accumulated in the hands of the ruling elite and merchants. The secular and spiritual aristocracy, which served mammon, corrupted the people, making them immune to the teachings of the prophets and calls to convert to the true faith. Zephaniah became one of those who predicted God's judgment with the destruction of all life on Earth and the punishment of the wicked. The prophet, shining with piety, preached and fervently prayed for the conversion of the Jews to the path of truth in the form of a refusal to serve idols and the golden calf. His prophecies contain both predictions of troubles that will befall those who do not believe in one God, as well as joyful events. For people who are pure in heart and soul, the Almighty will become not a judge, but a savior, wrote Zephaniah. The Prophet lived during a time of struggle between two religious teachings in the Promised Land - monotheism and paganism. His speeches, despite their eschatological nature and predictions of the end of the world, gave people faith and hope for a bright future. On Remembrance Day, during services in Christian churches, candles are lit and a kontakion and troparion to the prophet Zephaniah are sounded.

Feast of the Pakhromskaya Icon of the Mother of God