Using a red umbrella as its symbol, one of the international organizations, namely the Sex Workers' Rights Network (SWAN), proposed establishing a day to protect and end abuse of representatives of the sex industry. This is how the International Day to Protect Sex Workers from Violence and Cruelty was born. Every year, an increasing number of activists and caring people join those who celebrate the international holiday. Literally, the day celebrated on December 17 is called the International Day to End Violence against Sex Workers. Initially, the date of December 17 was proposed by American porn actress Annie Sprinkle, who was supported by representatives of an outreach project cooperating with sex workers (Sex Workers Outreach Project USA). It was thought that this would be a day of remembrance for the victims of the American maniac Gary Ridgway, or, as he was nicknamed, the killer from Green River Street in Seattle. The maniac chose street prostitutes and drug addicts from the nearest area as victims. Over time, Memorial Day became international and took on new forms. The first global congress of workers in the sex industry, held in June 2001 in Venice, which was celebrating its anniversary, brought together representatives not only from the United States, but also from other countries. Delegates identified common problems that arise in their work, often associated with a direct risk to life. In an attempt to draw attention to these issues, sex workers marched together through the streets of Venice. The representatives held red umbrellas in their hands - a symbol of beauty, resistance and protest. Subsequently, such marches became a tradition and are now called the “March of the Red Umbrellas.” Since 2005, under the auspices of the International Committee for Sex Workers' Rights, nothing less than a red umbrella has served as a specific symbol of resistance to violations of the rights of sex workers. Every year this event is celebrated not only for workers in the intimate sphere, but also for their relatives, friends and lawyers. The idea of ​​the holiday is to combat the indifference of society towards the problems of women who make a living from prostitution. Porn actresses and prostitutes face hatred, violence and mistreatment not only from clients and pimps, but also from government officials and the so-called “krysha” on behalf of law enforcement agencies. Every year on December 17, concerned audiences unite in increasingly numerous red umbrella marches.

This holiday has become official since 2006. The history of the Strategic Missile Forces is closely connected with a specific date, December 17, this branch of the military became part of the Soviet Army on this day in 1959. The very first formations were formed on the basis of units with combat experience of the Great Patriotic War. Many units inherited a battle flag, awards and an honorary name. About forty divisions began to be called guards. In the early years, the personnel numbered approximately fourteen thousand people. Currently, the Strategic Missile Forces are a separate branch of the military, which represents the ground part of Russia's nuclear forces. It consists of three armies and twelve divisions. Rocket armies are located throughout the country in such a way as to respond to an enemy strike anywhere in the world at any time: • Vladimir Rocket Army - armed with the most modern and powerful missile systems: Topol-M and Yars. The complexes are equipped with RS-12M2, RS-24 missiles.• Orenburg Rocket Army - reliable Topol and Voevoda missile systems with RS-12M and RS-20V ballistic missiles are on combat duty.• Omsk Rocket Army - missile systems are on combat duty complexes "Topol" and "Voevoda" with ballistic missiles RS-12M and RS-20V. Twelve missile divisions are the successors to the famous combat units of the Great Patriotic War:• Bologoevskaya;• Barnaulskaya;• Irkutskaya;• Yoshkar-Olinskaya;• Kozelskaya;• Novosibirskaya ;• Tatishchevskaya;• Tagilskaya;• Teykovskaya;• Uzhurskaya;• Yuryanskaya;• Yasenskaya. When considering the history of the development of missile units, one cannot miss the evolution of weapons. As the power of warheads decreased, their destructive power and flight range increased. In the 60-70s, three megaton R-16Us were in service. Since the late 70s, the UR-100 has taken up the baton, then the UR-100K and RT-2PM came along. In 2006, RT-2PM2 were on combat duty, and in 2010 they were supported by Yars with an official capacity of a third of a megaton and a flight range of 11 thousand kilometers. Combat skills and mastery of new equipment are honed by personnel at the unique Astrakhan training ground. The history of Kapustin Yar goes back 70 years. The world's only set of measuring instruments allows testing any new missile systems. A large role is given to the training of future missile officers. Future officers receive higher military education at the Academy of the Strategic Missile Forces named after. Peter the Great. The university trains officers of two profiles: command and engineering. Academy specialists are also valued in civilian life. In addition to unique traditions, the Strategic Missile Forces is famous for its symbols: • small emblem - a golden shield in the shape of a circle, an ornament running along the shield, eight rivets on a golden sword and arrows; • medium emblem - a double-headed golden eagle with outstretched wings , in the eagle's claws there is a sword and two silver arrows, on the chest there is a red shield with St. George the Victorious and a crown;• a large emblem - a blue shield with a wreath of golden poplar leaves, at the top is the emblem of the country's armed forces. The Strategic Missile Forces are undergoing an active stage of large-scale rearmament, but despite this, they consistently maintain combat duty and are ready at any moment to repel the enemy’s attack. On the holiday, as is customary, distinguished military personnel are awarded, veterans are honored, and results are summed up. The award ceremony is carried out by the top officials of the state, paying tribute to the courage of those who hold the country’s nuclear shield in their hands.

People often dream after waking up in the morning, filling the day with a host of delightful illusions and expectations. Indeed, a positive inner attitude sets the tone for future events, directing them in a positive direction. On December 17, the Festival of Morning Illusions is celebrated, which gives the opportunity to make the most unrealizable dreams and fantasies come true. The belief that expectations are destined to come true is characteristic of optimists. Yes, rose-colored glasses contribute to an illusory perception of reality. But is it so bad to be cheerful without noticing the bad in the world around you, without seeing the imperfections and shortcomings of people? "La Vie En Rose" is one of the most famous songs in Edith Piaf's repertoire. It tells how the simple affectionate words of a lover fill the heroine’s every day with special meaning. Thanks to this, sorrows and troubles disappear, and happiness comes into the singer’s life. Morning dreams are an optimistic start to a one-day run. Thanks to a positive inner attitude, even serious obstacles and difficulties can be overcome easily and quickly. A person creates his reality not only with deeds, but also with thoughts. The power of intention and visualization cannot be underestimated. So feel free to fantasize for your own pleasure, imagining in detail what you dream about! It doesn’t matter if you don’t believe in visualization as a technique for fulfilling desires. Your inner fullness and confidence that dreams come true will still attract the right events and people into your life. The technique is recommended even for notorious materialists. Daydreaming in the morning is a useful activity. However, an excessive passion for soaring in the clouds and morning illusions can ruin the day. Who is this man running at full speed, jumping over the steps in the subway? And this girl bursting into the audience 15 minutes into the teacher’s lecture? Perhaps they were so caught up in their dreams while lounging in bed that they forgot about time. Morning illusions are a common reason for being late for school and work. The poet Igor Guberman very subtly noticed the special state of a person after awakening: It’s not for nothing that experienced masters give recommendations on meditation to those who are interested in energy practices immediately after waking up. Especially if you meet a new day in a broken state. From the point of view of psychotherapists, meditation helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which causes deep relaxation in a person. Even a 20-minute practice in the morning can harmonize your internal state, increase resistance to stress and the production of endorphins. It is recommended to celebrate December 16 not only in the lotus position near a burning candle. Affirmations—settings of targeted action that help in achieving your goals—will help increase the likelihood of your desires coming true. Any practice applied on this day helps the wildest plans and fantasies come true, so even skeptics and pessimists should not ignore the Festival of Morning Illusions.

A friend who refuses to go to the bar or go fishing on Saturday because he is afraid of his wife's anger? Last time she met him after the bachelor party on the doorstep of the house with a frying pan in his hand... Yes, you can’t envy the fate of henpecked people. But there is also a holiday on their street! Did your friend boldly come to the garage to throw some cards around without taking a pug for disguise, which he must walk twice a day? A friend receives his fourth call from his angry wife while sitting in a pub? Don't worry about what happened! December 17th marks the Feast of Heels - the day when men who are under the heel of their faithful ones are allowed everything. You can be under the yoke of the main woman in your life not only in adulthood. Real henpecked men grow up from mama's boys who sacredly honor the covenants and fulfill any demands of the parent. Take a close look at your son's school friends. This thick-cheeked child with a curly head, who at the age of 15 reports to his mother every step he takes, is a potential candidate for henpecked behavior. In the future, the role of a caring parent will pass on to the wife, and then - all hell breaks loose! He is forever lost for male company, since his wife has firmly and permanently settled on the captain’s bridge of his life. The Feast of the Heaped Man helps to reverse the negative trend and give the poor fellows a breath of freedom. What's the best way to celebrate it? Those who are very boiling may, in a fit of anger, hit the kitchen table with a roar: “I am the boss of the house!” But hit the countertop carefully, because you will have to repair it. Particularly desperate people may go on a binge or alcohol-free binge for the entire weekend. The bravest ones are to buy a new car without consulting your other half. Particularly fearless ones are to blow a couple of smoke rings in the face of the mother-in-law, who constantly nags her daughter and annoys her with phrases from the series “But yours is completely out of hand!...” Real suicides hand over vouchers for a trip with the whole family to Turkey to spend an honestly earned vacation with friends in Altai. No matter how you decide to celebrate the High Heels Festival, buy a construction helmet to protect your head just in case. Save a few hundred rubles for a rainy day, in case they stop giving you pocket money. Buy the cheapest mobile phone and hide it in the electric meter box or in the toilet - you cannot ignore the possibility of house arrest and excommunication from all gadgets. Just in case, learn Derzhavin’s ode “Felitsa”, glorifying the Empress. And yes, check with your friend to see if he’ll let you spend the night if your wife really doesn’t like the idea of ​​the High Heels Festival.

In 1796, on December 17, Emperor of Russia Paul I issued a decree on the formation of a special military unit, which was supposed to deliver state mail of extreme importance. From the Izmailovsky, Preobrazhensky and Semenovsky regiments that existed at that time, the tallest and strongest soldiers were selected for recruitment into the first staff of the courier corps. At first it consisted of only one officer and 13 couriers, but time has shown that the special purpose unit requires much more people. The task of the couriers was not only to deliver the most important documents throughout Russia and abroad, but also to carry out special assignments from the emperor himself. Such assignments included various types of tasks: guarding important persons for their safety, delivering money or jewelry, as well as escorting especially dangerous criminals. In this regard, the staff was constantly expanded as needed. Nowadays, the courier corps performs the same role as it did centuries ago. Taking into account modern technologies, this service is especially respected for its ability to keep any important information secret. On the day of the celebration, December 17, a ceremonial reception is held in the Kremlin for serving soldiers and veterans of the courier corps. At this reception, the President of Russia personally congratulates and notes the merits of each military messenger; many receive awards for courage and devotion to the homeland. Corporate events and other feasts are not provided for soldiers on this day, since regardless of the day of the week, weather and other circumstances, the courier corps continues to take care of the state mail. However, in all military branches of the State Fiscal Service of the country, festive formations are organized, at which gratitude is announced and military ranks are awarded to all those who have distinguished themselves.

V. Druzhinnikov, N.N. Eremenko and Nikolai Eremenko Jr., V. Gostyukhin, A. Kotenev, I. Matskevich... These actors make up the golden fund of Belarusian cinema. The names of directors L. Nechaev, V. Turov, Y. Tarich, V. Korsh-Sablin, M. Ptashuk, V. Rubinchik and other luminaries are forever inscribed in its history. December 17 is widely celebrated as Belarusian Cinema Day. The holiday was established by the president of the country in 1994. The date for the solemn day was not chosen by chance - in December 1924 the Belarusfilm studio was opened. Over the years of its existence, the production association has produced more than 500 feature films and 100 animated films. Although cinema in the form of news chronicles existed in Belarus long before the arrival of the October Revolution. “Train Wreck at Rudniki Station” and the film “Excavator - Infernal Machine Behind the Brest Station” are among the few films that have survived to this day. The films were shot by local cameramen who showed them in numerous cinemas. There were more than 60 of them in Minsk alone. On December 17, 1924, under the People's Commissariat of Education, the Directorate for Cinematography and Photography, called "Belgoskino", was formed. Cinemas, along with professional equipment, were nationalized. In 1925, the film laboratory created on the basis of Belgoskino released the first documentary film in the popular science genre, “A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body.” And in 1926, the drama “Forest Story” directed by Yuri Tarich was released. The film, like “Red Leaves” by Vladimir Kosh-Sablin, “Come and See” by Alexey Kravchenko, “A Girl Looks for Her Father” by Lev Golub, “White Dews” by Igor Dobrolyubov, is a classic of Belarusian cinema. Until the end of the 30s, the studio was located in Leningrad, because Filmmakers did not have a technical or artistic base in Minsk. “Soviet Belarus” only got its own back office in 1939. During the Great Patriotic War, part of the film studio, along with its material and technical resources, was evacuated to Alma-Ata. The directors who remained in Minsk filmed war chronicles - patriotic sketches and film magazines "Live, dear Belarus!" In 1941, the feature film "The Janusz Family" was released. With the participation of Belarusian directors, “The Defeat of German Troops near Moscow” was filmed - a film awarded the first Oscar in the history of the USSR. Within the walls of the country's main film studio, films with famous Soviet actors were filmed: Mikhail Zharov, Olga Andreevskaya, Marianna Vertinskaya, Nina Urgant, Savely Kramarov, Rolan Bykov, Vladimir Vysotsky and Vladimir Etush. The country's main film studio produced such masterpieces as “City of Masters” (1965), “I Come from Childhood” (1966), “The Adventures of Pinocchio” (1975), “State Border” (1980). ) and other famous paintings. In 1976, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the release of Lesnaya Byli, a museum of Belarusian cinema was opened. It contains documents and materials telling about the history and development of national cinema. The museum collection contains thousands of masterpieces of documentary and feature films. "Belarusfilm" in Soviet times specialized in the production of films for children, among which the most famous among others are the films "About Little Red Riding Hood", "Denikin's Stories", "Sold Laughter", "Dagger" and "Red, Honest, in Love". The country's main film studio is a long-liver; it will soon turn 100 years old. The symbol of national cinema is revered by viewers of all ages, so December 17 is joyfully celebrated as Belarusian Cinema Day.

Advent is typical for such branches of Christianity as Catholicism and Protestantism. The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete in Latin, which means “Rejoice.” This name comes from liturgical chant, in which believers are called to rejoicing and joy. The third Sunday of Advent is marked by the lighting of the third candle in churches, which is called the “Shepherds Candle.” The candles, lit one by one by the church pastor, are placed inside a spruce wreath. The wreath signifies the increasing anticipation of the birth of the Savior. On this day, believers honor the coming into their hearts through the Holy Word and Scripture of the Savior. And the name “Shepherds’ Candle” conveys the meaning of the newborn Christ seen by the shepherds, symbolizing faith and hope for salvation. The Third Sunday of Advent is the last and most important Sunday before Christmas, which, according to the Catholic calendar, occurs on the night of December 24-25. In the week before Christmas, believers gather in churches in prayer and with bright thoughts, meeting the Savior, first of all, within themselves, through turning to God. In Europe, the colors of Advent candles are important. The shades range from pink to purple. The third candle is usually pink. The choice of shades of the color scheme of candles is directly related to the color of the vestments of the clergy of the Catholic faith. The pink color of the third resurrection candle before Christmas symbolizes the blood of martyrs, the purple color represents repentance. Everywhere, starting from the first Advent Sunday, believers begin to decorate their homes and churches with wreaths, ribbons, garlands, and figurines of saints. On the third Sunday of Advent, churches are decorated with flowers and pink-colored items.

The thermal power plants of the Soviet Union ran on natural gas, the cleanest fuel available, oil, fuel oil and coal. Hydroelectric power stations and wind power plants used the energy of the sun, water and wind power. Kazakhstan has all these sources, including uranium for the operation of nuclear power plants, the deposits of which amount to 900 thousand tons according to the IAEA. The country is one of the leaders in natural resource reserves and is the world's largest energy power. The plan for the electrification of the USSR, widely known as the GOERLO program, was adopted on December 22, 1920. In 1966, in memory of this epoch-making event, which had a significant impact on the development of the Soviet economy and the military-industrial complex, Power Engineer Day was established by order of the Supreme Council. The holiday, which pays tribute to the work of professionals working in a strategic industry, helps to maintain the continuity of traditions that still exist today. Every third Sunday in December is celebrated as Energy Worker's Day in Kazakhstan. A country's energy policies have a major impact on the world's supply of natural resources. Kazakhstan has a strategic geographical location that allows it to control the flow of gas and oil from Central Asia to the East and West. There are 155 stations operating in the country, using both natural resources and wind and water power as fuel. The republic produces electricity for domestic needs, fully satisfying the needs of the population and industrial enterprises, and exports it abroad - to the Russian Federation and Kyrgyzstan. The only nuclear power plant with a 350 MW fast neutron reactor, a legacy from Soviet times, ceased operation in 1999. So far, nuclear energy is not used to generate heat and electricity in Kazakhstan, but the situation could change at any time. The country ranks first in terms of uranium production in the world. This chemical element will be used to operate a nuclear power plant, which will be built on the shore of Lake Balkhish in the Almaty region in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. By 2035, it is planned to increase nuclear energy production in the republic to 2.4 GW. The uninterrupted operation of thermal, condensing, gas turbine and hydroelectric power plants, wind and solar power plants depends on the professionals who work in this industry. Since 1998, they have been congratulated annually on Power Engineer's Day by presenting certificates of honor, bonuses and valuable prizes. In honor of the holiday, thematic exhibitions, quizzes, sports competitions, concerts and other special events are held.

Revolution and Youth Day of Tunisia

December 17 (December 4, old style) celebrates the national holiday - Varvarin Frosts. It is held in honor of Saint Barbara of Iliopolis, who suffered severe torment for the Christian faith. She was born in the 4th century and was the daughter of the cruel ruler Dioscorus. The girl had a captivating beauty. To avoid prying eyes and Christian influence, her pagan father locked Varvara in a tower and ordered her to leave only with permission. Observing the world around her from the windows, Varvara doubted that the pagan gods could create such beauty. It seemed to her that everything around was the work of one Creator. When Dioscorus went on a journey, Varvara met Christian women. From them I learned the truth about God, and from a passing priest from Alexandria I performed the Sacrament of Baptism. Dioscorus, having learned about what had been done, became furious. He gave his daughter to be tortured so that she would renounce Christianity, but in vain. The girl endured and glorified the Lord. Then the ruler beheaded Varvara with his own hands. Among the people, Varvara was considered a protector from unexpected death, so they prayed to her for a long life. Saint Barbara was more revered by women, especially pregnant women. They asked Varvara for health for themselves and their children. During the Varvara frosts, the population was diligently preparing for the upcoming New Year holidays. Women were engaged in making sweets from sugar, honey and fruits. The men brewed beer from honey according to ancient recipes. On Varvarin day it was not allowed to weave. Barbara's Day meant the approach of the solstice - the time when the sun “turned towards summer.” The night became a little shorter, the day no longer seemed so dark. However, the winter became more frosty. The snowy path was already being rolled down by sleds, and the rivers were covered with thick ice, allowing heavy loads to be transported. Traditionally, there were severe frosts on Varvarin day. Observing the creeping smoke from the stove, they waited for warming, and the rising smoke foreshadowed severe weather for several days. We also looked at the sunset, if it had a red tint, we waited for frost; a cloudy sunset meant a quick snowfall. A starless, dim sky preceded the thaw.

Day of the State Executive Service of Ukraine Employee

Orthodox holidays on December 17:

The day of remembrance of the Holy Great Martyr Barbara in Orthodoxy is celebrated on December 17. She suffered for her faith during the period of the formation of religion and the severe persecution of Christianity at the beginning of the 4th century. She is revered for her steadfastness and feat of devoted love to the Lord, and her life’s path proves the irreversibility of God’s retribution. Varvara was born into a noble and wealthy family in the city of Iliopolis in Asia Minor. Her father Dioscorus held a high position. Being the only daughter, she was carefully protected from everything outside, and her place of residence was a tower, isolating her from the outside world. In captivity, this beautiful girl thought a lot, including about the one Creator. She could not come to terms with paganism, her soul was looking for something else. The desire to know the true God led her to the Christian faith. When the time came for marriage, she began to resist the will of her father, who was imposing suitable suitors. He attributed her categorical refusals to the loneliness to which she was accustomed, and changed tactics - he allowed free walks and communication with other people. Soon she met some Christians. The religion they professed greatly impressed the girl: she was baptized. When the father learned that his daughter had abandoned his faith, he did not hesitate and handed her over to the city ruler for execution. At that time (306), Emperor Maximian was in power, and his subordinates consisted of people devoted to him and paganism, cruel to deal with unwanted Christians. Governor Martian was impressed by Varvara's beauty and offered her freedom in exchange for her feminine favor, but she remained steadfast, maintaining chastity. Even torture did not break Varvara’s spirit. In prison, where they threw her tortured body, the Lord himself appeared to her and healed her wounds. Her public torture the next day brought an unexpected effect - one townswoman from the crowd of those gathered declared herself a Christian. After this, both their heads were cut off, and Dioscorus acted as the executioner of his own daughter. The tormentors suffered a fair and swift punishment - the father and ruler Martian were burned by lightning the next day. According to legend, after the execution, a pious Christian carried the bodies of the girls and buried them. Later, the remains were taken to Constantinople, and several temples were erected in honor of the saint in the following centuries. In the Orthodox tradition, another person with the same name is involved in the history of the saint’s relics - Varvara Komnena, the daughter of the Byzantine emperor. She transported part of the relics as a dowry to Kyiv at the beginning of the 12th century, after marrying Prince Svyatopolk II. But this theory is today refuted by authoritative studies, which insist that such a historical person did not exist, and the remains of the saint came to Kyiv after the weakening of Byzantium. There are small particles of relics in other monasteries, for example in Greece, Cyprus and Russia. People turn to the saint for protection from fire and sudden death, which is why she is considered the patroness of professions where these risks are very high - miners, firefighters, artillerymen. She was recently recognized as the heavenly intercessor of the Russian missile forces. Varvara has long been revered in Rus' - in folk rituals, the day of remembrance had its own signs and sacred meaning, especially for women. Thus, a ban on spinning and other types of work on this day has become traditional. Today, to honor the memory of the great martyr and ask for protection, believers go to the prayed icons of the saint, some of which became famous for their miracles.

Memorial Day of St. John of Damascus

Feast of the Icon of the Mother of God of Damascus

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr Juliana of Iliopolis

Memorial Day of St. Gennady of Novgorod