Solving crossword puzzles, puzzles and Sudoku has a positive effect on memory and the development of mental abilities. The process of solving puzzles involves parts of the brain that are rarely used in everyday activities. Among other things, scanwords and puzzles help you kill time and spend your leisure time productively. The passion for looking at mysteries is inherent in people of any age. On December 21, puzzle lovers celebrate the birthday of the crossword puzzle. Columns with squares to be filled in with words were first published in 1875. The crossword puzzle was published in the New York newspaper St. Nicholas. The first puzzle in a modern version from Arthur Wynne was published on December 21, 1913 by the New York World. Over time, the fashion for intellectual entertainment spread beyond the United States and spread throughout the world. The peak of popularity of crosswords occurred in the 20s of the twentieth century. Long before them, “Latin squares”, better known as Sudoku, appeared. They were invented by the mathematician Leonhard Euler, who lived in the 18th century. Sudoku was modernized by the American architect Howard Garnes, who in 1979 first published a number puzzle in a magazine for fans of intellectual games. According to legend, the classic crossword puzzle was invented by a certain prisoner who did not know what to do with himself during his imprisonment. He had fun making word grids. The first crossword puzzle appeared in Russian thanks to V. Nabokov. In 1924, the writer compiled a puzzle, which he called the crossword, and published it in the “Our World” supplement of the Berlin magazine “Rul”. In the USSR, the first crossword puzzle was published in 1925 in Novaya Vechernyaya Gazeta. Since 1929, Ogonyok began publishing puzzles on a regular basis. The Crossword Puzzle Day holiday is dedicated to a seemingly funny, but in fact very difficult game. Solving puzzles not only helps delay dementia, but also increases erudition in any area of ​​human life. Crossword puzzle solving tournaments are one of the most difficult intellectual competitions. Residents of Great Britain prefer this type of puzzles to other types of mental games. It is believed that crossword puzzles can help you lose weight. Solving words for an hour helps burn up to 90 calories due to the brain working in an enhanced mode. The puzzle has proven itself well in learning foreign languages. Thanks to the crossword puzzle, another intellectual word game appeared - Scrabble, known in Russia as "Erudite". There are 24 types of puzzles, which differ in form, principle of composition and nationality. In addition to the classic crossword, there are Hungarian (filword), Scandinavian, American (criss-cross), Estonian, Japanese (nonogram), etc. But the popularity of the intellectual hobby knows no national boundaries. Therefore, fans of one type of crossword puzzle or all of them celebrate December 21st as Crossword Puzzle Day.

December 21 is the birthday of basketball, which is believed to have appeared in an almost modern form in 1891. Of course, in fact, it existed before that, several centuries ago. To be objective, its ancestors can be called the Indians of South America: the Mayans, the Aztecs. It was they who created improvised balls from available natural materials and sought to throw them into recesses in stone walls. The balls were made from rubber, from matted animal hair. This improvised game can easily be called the prototype of modern basketball. It is known that this idea began a truly grandiose march around the world in 1891, when in the state of Massachusetts, in one of the schools, a physical education teacher invited children to divide into two teams and train in the speed and accuracy of throwing balls. They were supposed to be thrown into a regular box. However, the caretaker of the local school could not find a box or box and brought a round basket of peaches. It was there that the children threw the balls, competing in speed and dexterity. Gradually this activity became more systematic and acquired clear rules. By the way, these rules have been preserved in basketball almost unchanged to this day. For example, it was forbidden to knock down and push an opponent, to run around the hall, to throw the ball not with your palms, but with your fist, and so on. Such rules made it possible to focus specifically on dexterity and at the same time not prevent the players of the opposing team from fully demonstrating their dexterity and strength. Within a few years, literally “basketball mania” began. Not only schoolchildren played this game, but the idea was also liked by the military. Basketball truly became an army game, because it allowed soldiers to keep themselves in shape, develop agility, and at the same time did not oblige them to wear any complex equipment or install additional equipment. In addition, it was possible to play both indoors and outdoors under suitable weather conditions. At the very beginning of the 20th century, basketball became popular in the Russian Empire; it spread especially actively throughout the world after the First World War. Competitions were held between the soldiers in the ability to deftly throw a ball. As it became apparent that the world took the game seriously, numerous international associations began to emerge. And a little later, in 1936, the game became an Olympic sport, and since then it has not lost ground. Yes, initially it was believed that white players could not play on the same team with blacks, but when it became obvious that in most cases black teams were among the leaders, it was decided to soften social segregation and allow players to form a team where people of all colors skins played together. By the way, this approach served to unite. It was through such innovations that society began to realize the futility of social and racial segregation. The Soviet authorities were also very interested in the game of basketball, who set themselves the goal of proving that domestic athletes could also be winners, beating American teams in professionalism. It was a serious struggle, since sports, and above all basketball, figure skating, and hockey, turned into sports of political significance. Celebrating the birthday of basketball is customary in different ways. But traditionally, various championships and friendly meetings between teams are most often organized. Moreover, they occur not only in the capital’s large sports centers, but throughout Russia and around the world. This day is celebrated in many countries as it has become international. And, of course, it is actively celebrated in the homeland of basketball, that is, in the USA.

Nikujaga, tempura, ramen, soba, gyutanyaki, chahan and, of course, sushi are some of the most popular dishes of national Japanese cuisine among gourmets from Russia. The traditional food of the inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun enjoys well-deserved popularity in all corners of the globe. Low-calorie and light foods made from fresh, minimally processed foods are the surest path to slimness, good health and longevity. Only true professionals can prepare dishes whose recipes go back hundreds of years. December 21 is the Day of the Chef of Japanese Cuisine. This is interesting: Russians love sushi, which they eat on weekdays and weekends, washed down with plenty of beer and other strong drinks. The Japanese are very sensitive to their traditional dish. They eat it on major holidays and do not cook it at home. It is believed that real sushi can only be made by a master - takumi sushi. Women of this profession are respectfully addressed as "apai", men - "agai". Many of them are graduates of the Tokyo Sushi Academy. Japanese cuisine is a real delight for the eyes and benefits for health. All her dishes are focused on natural taste and natural appearance of ingredients. Far Eastern cuisine is seasonal and weather-oriented. Each season has its own set of products, from which chefs prepare original dishes. Spring salads are decorated with sakura flowers, autumn salads are decorated with carrots in the shape of maple leaves. During the cold season, portions increase, as does the size of dishes for young people compared to the older generation. This is interesting: The word “sushi” literally translates to “rice with vinegar.” The most common type of dish is nigiri with fish or raw shellfish. Sushi, as a manifestation of Japanese minimalism in food, demonstrates a reverent attitude to taste. The dish captivates with its simple appearance and thoughtful presentation. Thus, ginger, which is always added to maki, inari or edomae sushi, is used to refresh the taste buds. The profession of a chef who knows the basics of Japanese cuisine is highly paid and in great demand. A good sushi chef who knows how to prepare various dishes from fish, rice, vegetables and marbled meat will be happy to be hired by any elite restaurant. Asian cuisine experts hone their skills in courses and master classes. Russian colleges and universities do not prepare sushi chefs and other chefs specializing in the cuisine of the Land of the Rising Sun. To get a fundamental education you need to go abroad. Online training allows you to improve your professional skills - for example, at the Japanese Culinary Academy. A professional must master the techniques of yakimono, nabemono, agimono and nimono - cooking food in pots, by frying over an open fire and deep-frying. An important condition is the correct presentation of the dish - a deliberately simple and at the same time exquisite decoration of the food. It is customary to end the meal with soup or rice, rather than dessert. These and other nuances of preparing and serving national dishes of the Land of the Rising Sun are necessarily taken into account by professionals who celebrate Japanese Cuisine Chef's Day on December 21.

The delicacy gives pleasure to adults and children, increases vitality, improves mood and, as scientists from the USA have found, helps the body in the fight against free radicals. In the chilly fall and chilly winter, it’s so nice to sit warm, wrap yourself in a blanket and drink a cup of hot chocolate! A holiday has been established in honor of the favorite dessert of people living in different parts of the world.

The holiday usually falls on the winter solstice. Both in ancient times and today, this holiday symbolizes the awakening of nature, the victory of light over darkness. After December 21-22, the day begins to gradually increase and the night begins to decrease, nature begins a new life cycle.

A number of genres of fiction and oral folk art are represented by works with a small number of words, laconically and clearly expressed thoughts. No wonder they say that brevity is the sister of talent. Small genres include essay, short story, opus, essay, sketch and story. A funny holiday is an excellent occasion to try your hand at the literary field.

Apartheid, the forced separation of people into ethnic, racial and other groups, limits the rights and freedoms of individuals enshrined in international regulations. The indigenous people of Africa were enslaved for hundreds of years and were discriminated against by the colonialists. In March 1960 in South Africa, 69 black people were killed during a demonstration against the apartheid regime in Sharpeville. This case became the starting point for the fight against racism at the global level. The UN has repeatedly drawn attention to cases of infringement of the rights of groups of people based on skin color, religious affiliation, ethnicity or nationality. The segregation of citizens of the United States, South Africa and European countries deprives them of basic freedoms that are necessary to participate in both the political and economic, as well as the social and cultural life of society. In addition to the Human Rights Convention and other acts, Resolution No. 2106 of the UN General Assembly, adopted on December 21, 1965, is called upon to correct the situation. It condemns xenophobia, apartheid, racial discrimination and incitement to it. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination came into force several years after its adoption - in January 1969. The Treaty was ratified by 88 countries of the world, and today 182 states are parties to it. Compliance with the provisions of the Convention is monitored by a special committee, which includes 18 experts. It considers individual complaints from both individual citizens and petitions drawn up by various social groups in member countries. The agreement calls for establishing mutual understanding between races, eradicating hateful behavior (utterances and provocations), and prohibiting membership in nationalist organizations and fascist groups. The Convention enshrines the rights of ethnic and other types of minorities to participate in elections, equality before the judiciary, personal security, freedom of movement and protection by the state. The adoption of the treaty helps to eradicate segregation, makes medical care and healthcare available to all its citizens, influences the creation of favorable working conditions, and guarantees decent pay for people of different skin colors. The annual celebration of International Convention Day reminds society that its well-being depends on the constructive interaction of its members. Any doctrine of superiority on ethnic, national or other grounds is untenable from a scientific and moral point of view. Racial discrimination and any other xenophobia must be condemned, as it interferes with building a socially just society in which every person can realize basic rights and freedoms.

Day of the worker of production and technical services of the penal system of the Russian Federation

Pancha Ganapati in India

Memorial Day of the first President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Niyazov

Feast of St. Thomas in the Netherlands

December 21 (December 8, old style) is the day of Anfisa the needlewoman according to the folk calendar. Among the people, her day appeared from the church date of veneration of the martyr Anfisa of Rome, who died for her faith in God. Anfisa lived in Rome in the 4th century and was a supporter of the Christian faith, just like her husband, a Roman dignitary. The girl was baptized by Bishop Ambrose of Milan. But one day the mayor’s wife suggested Anfisa change her faith to the Aryan religion, which was widespread in those days. She refused, then the Aryan denounced Anfisa, after which she was sent to the stake alive. The martyr's husband, fearful of his wife's fate, renounced Christ. But God punished the traitor - when he passed by the church, he was struck by lightning. The people revered the martyr Anfisa as the patroness of needlework. For young girls, her day was spent in embroidery, yarn, sewing, and preparing outfits for Christmastide. There was a tradition of doing handicrafts in private to avoid the evil eye. If it was not possible to remain alone, the girl performed a ritual of protection against the evil eye. It involved wrapping a special thread around the wrist to protect against evil spirits. When women embroidered patterns on fabric, they perceived them primarily as a talisman. Drawings were made on all openings of clothing - sleeves, collar, hem - on peculiar passages through which evil spirits could get to the human body. Each ornament was intended for special protection; these could be natural phenomena, animals, birds or figures. The color of the embroidery also played an important role. This amulet was less common among men, because they have much more strength than women, which means they have more opportunities to resist evil forces. Watching sparrows on the day of Anfisa, people noticed that their frequent nest building foreshadowed the coming severe frosts. Wild birds hiding under the roof of a house meant the approach of a blizzard. The low temperature outside promised a warm winter, and snowfall on that day predicted summer with frequent showers.

The ancient Germanic peoples celebrated the winter solstice on a grand scale. This medieval holiday was called Yule, its celebration lasted 13 days. The word “Yule” is translated as “wheel” or “circle”: these objects are a symbol of the infinity of natural cycles. Although the holiday had ancient pagan roots, some traditions of this winter celebration turned into Christmas ones. On the initial night of Yule, which falls on December 20, the ancient Germans expected the resurrection of the young Oak King. This god personified summer, and every holiday he defeated the Holly King, who personified winter. That is why on the Midwinter holiday it was customary to light fires in the fields, blessing the future harvest. The higher the fire, the better. The large flames frightened the evil spirits that broke out from the dark worlds at this turning point. Sometimes they threw old things into the fire: this was how they demonstrated their readiness for radical life changes. To praise plants and trees, people drank cider, a drink made from fermented apple juice. The first toast was raised to the glory of Odin, the second to the glory of the gods of fertility, the third to the health of the earthly king. The ancient Germans sacrificed a boar and swore oaths over its head that could not be broken, otherwise the wrath of the spirits could be incurred. On the longest night of the year, the hospitable hosts always treated their guests to ham. The kids went home with gifts - carnations and apples symbolizing the sun. Their baskets were decorated with sprigs of evergreens and stalks of wheat sprinkled with flour. The guys sang songs, which in a later era were transformed into carols and Christmas carols. Before celebrating Yule, all family members washed themselves to cleanse their body and soul. After washing, we no longer started homework. Housewives decorated their homes both inside and outside with branches of holly, mistletoe and ivy. These plants served as an invitation to nature spirits. Fruit baskets and golden candles were also used to decorate the interior. A prerequisite when decorating a house was the use of gold, silver, red and green. The Yule log, made of ash, was brought into the house on the eve of the holiday. According to legend, it helped the newborn sun gain strength. The log was placed in the fireplace, sprinkled with flour, decorated with herbs and watered with ale. Then it was ceremonially set on fire and kept smoldering for 12 days. In later times, the log replaced the log-shaped roll served at the festive table. During Yule, it was impossible to be alone; this promised loneliness and unhappiness in the next year. It was necessary to meet the new sun with the whole family, to greet it. On Yule, it was customary to sing hymns and decorate the Yule tree growing in the forest with pastries, apples, nuts and balls. Later they began to bring the tree into the house. People also exchanged gifts and kissed under the sacred plant of the goddess of love Freya - mistletoe.

Orthodox holidays on December 21:

Memorial Day of St. Patapius of Thebes

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr Anfisa of Rome

Memorial Day of St. Kirill of Chelmogorsk