Ethyl alcohol, or rather the intoxicating drink that contained this component, has been known to mankind since ancient times. According to some reports, people learned about the unusual effect of fermented foods 8,000 years ago. The Chinese have been making intoxicating drinks from rice, grapes and honey since ancient times. The Persians brewed beer, the Greeks enjoyed wine, and the Irish monks made whiskey. Alcohol has become an integral part of human life, but, unfortunately, this does not negate the fact that any type of alcoholic beverages is poison. In small doses it is relatively harmless and the intoxicating effect quickly wears off. The insidiousness of alcohol is that it can cause addiction in a person. In this case, the body is methodically destroyed, the work of various systems and organs is undermined, which leads to sad consequences. February 25th marks the Discovery of Spirits. Who could have discovered it if people drank alcoholic beverages in ancient times? Now we are talking about studying the chemical properties of alcohols - a group of organic compounds with a complex structure. The fermentation process was indeed used in the production of alcoholic beverages for a very long time, but scientists began to study it many centuries later. Intoxicating drinks began to be produced even before the invention of pottery. In those distant times, special vessels were used to make them - wineskins. They were made from animal skin. One of the first to study in detail the features of fermentation processes was the French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur. He established experimentally that any liquid containing carbohydrates can ferment at a temperature of 12-14 degrees. As a result of this process, an intoxicating drink is obtained containing alcohol in different proportions. The alcohol strength was determined by the raw materials and production technology. Grapes were usually used for wines, although rice, cherries or plums could be used. Calvados was made from apples, and mead was made from honey and yeast. Sugar cane was used for rum, blue agave for tequila, hops and malt for beer, pears for peri, and plums for slivyanka. To obtain alcohol in its pure form, it is necessary to carry out distillation or distillation - a process during which the volatile components from the fermented mixture evaporate and then condense when cooled. Distillation was discovered at the dawn of our era. Aristotle conducted chemical experiments, and he managed to obtain pure alcohol, which he did not fail to mention in one of his many works. Descriptions of distillation are also found in the Persian physician Ibn Sina, who was better known in the West under the name Avicenna. The technology for producing alcohol began to be studied by alchemists, doctors and pharmacists in different parts of the world. In the 14th century, the Frenchman Arnaud de Villger managed to distill alcohol from grape wine. He compiled a unique recipe that became widespread. The alcohol obtained during distillation was used as a medicine. The idea was liked by monks from Italian and French monasteries. Using Villger's recipe, they began to produce alcohol, which they immediately dubbed aqua vitae - water of life or living water. In the same century, Italian merchants brought the curiosity to Moscow, where they presented it to the prince and his entourage. The alcohol was called spiritus vini - the spirit of wine. It was from the Latin language that the word migrated to Russian during the reign of Peter the Great. Alcohol was used not only as a base for various medicines. Although its use causes blood vessels to dilate and cause more bleeding, it was often used as a pain reliever. The composition dulls sensations, thereby helping the patient survive pain. Alcohol is an effective disinfectant. It has also been used as a remedy that can reduce fever or warm up. When wiping the human body, alcohol has a cooling effect, since the composition quickly evaporates from the surface of the skin. In case of hypothermia, intensive rubbing helps restore blood circulation and warm up. Today, the scope of use of alcohols has expanded significantly. They are used to make paints and varnishes, solvents, brake fluids, antifreeze, fuels, cleaners, explosives, and household chemicals. Alcohols are actively used in the field of medicine, pharmaceuticals, cosmetology, food industry, perfumery, textile production, and agriculture.

The birthday of the revolver is clearly recorded in history and is beyond doubt - it is February 25, 1836. It is this date that dates the patent for the invention of a capsule revolver of an original design, suitable for mass production. The “parent” of the birthday boy is also known - Samuel Colt, who became famous throughout the world and became fabulously rich thanks to his invention. Since then, every year on February 25, everyone whose activities or hobbies are related to weapons celebrate the birthday of the revolver. Although the legal relationship between Colt and his patented design is undeniable, debate continues among historians about who the real inventor was. There is an opinion that Colt’s main abilities were not design, but entrepreneurial, and he only appropriated the fruit of other people’s labors. And the first argument in favor of skepticism is age: in 1836, the author of advanced weapons was only 22 years old. However, the young man, despite his young years, had already seen the world, was an experienced cabin boy and thoroughly understood the ship’s mechanisms. The official legend says that it was among them that he came up with the idea of ​​a rapid-fire 6-round weapon. The name Colt and the “drum pistol” he created have grown together and become synonymous, so many believe that there were no revolvers at all before Colt. But that's not true. Revolver-type firearms had existed since the late 16th century, but were either single-shot or extremely expensive handmade. The principles patented by Colt simplified and reduced the cost of production, and also improved combat properties. Therefore, his invention is considered the first functional, reliable model with primer ignition. Based on the prototype, the talented entrepreneur produced three types of revolvers of different calibers and modifications. Considering how innovative this model was for its time, it is natural that it made the developer rich. However, this did not happen immediately. Until the Mexican War, which began in 1846, mass production of weapons was not in demand, and Colt even went through bankruptcy. But the military conflict corrected the situation, and the businessman was no longer in poverty. The fortune he left behind is estimated at $300 million in today's equivalent! Who would have known that today those few surviving models of the first issues would be sold at auctions for fabulous sums, reaching up to a million dollars! Nowadays, Colt's brainchild is no longer a mass murder weapon, but a collector's item and an exquisite rarity. The enterprising American was a pioneer, and after him other famous brands of revolvers appeared: • Smith-and-Wesson;• Remington;• Nagant;• Mauser;• Magnum, etc. However, Colt's development is still considered iconic and arouses genuine respect. For example, fans of the TV series “Supernatural” probably remember that it was the Colt, made by the master’s hand, that helped the Winchester brothers deal with any evil spirits. This is the case when the name speaks for itself. In many countries around the world, this date is marked by shooting competitions, thematic exhibitions of ancient weapons, reconstructions of fights and shooting duels, master classes and round tables. Among collectors and historians, this is an important day, relating both to modern types of weapons and to the events of bygone days. But to celebrate this holiday, you don’t have to belong to a narrow circle of specialists and experts. Anyone can become interested in the evolution of weapons, for example, by visiting the interactive weapons museum in Moscow or the oldest collection of rarities in the homeland of gunsmiths - in Tula.

The public holiday National Day of Kuwait was established in memory of the formation of an autonomous state of the same name. This event happened on February 25 back in 1961. As the story goes, in 1897, the ruler of Kuwait asked the British authorities to provide protection for his state. This request was a prerequisite for the signing of an agreement, under the terms of which Great Britain was assigned responsibilities to control the foreign policy and security of the Asian country. In addition to this, the maintenance of members of the royal family was also the responsibility of the British government. The protectorate continued until 1961, after which Kuwait, by order of England, received full independence. However, this quickly ended, because immediately after the events in question, the state had new problems. The Iraqi authorities attempted to establish full control over Kuwait. Although, the efforts of the aggressor did not bring the desired effect, since Great Britain and the states of the Arab League instantly reacted to this attempt. On February 25 of the same year, Kuwait was finally declared independent. Since that time, this date has been considered the most significant of all those available on the territory of the state. The annual celebrations are very large-scale, noisy and fun. Rallies, public processions, fireworks and entertainment shows are organized. The crowded streets are replete with colorful flags and national banners. Young and old Kuwaitis wear national costumes on the holiday to take part in the festivities. Some local residents prefer to celebrate the holiday in the company of only close and dear people. Currently, there is a desire of Kuwait to actively develop existing relationships and partnerships with other world powers. In its policy, the state uses the principles of respect, complete equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

In the Badi (Bahá'í) calendar there is a special date symbolizing the infinite, eternal Essence of God - February 25 - Days of Ayyam-i-Ha (Intercalary Days). The celebration begins on the evening of February 25 at sunset and lasts 4 days (in leap years 5). The celebratory event ends on March 1st at sunset. Then the month of fasting begins - the last month of the year according to the Badi calendar. Literally the name Ayyam-i-Ha means "days of Ha". In the Arabic language, a spiritual meaning was attached to each letter, the letter “Ha” is a symbol of the “Essence of God”, like it. Intercalary days are limitless, they are outside the time measurement system that humanity uses, they symbolize the unknowable Essence of God, mystery and infinity, this is how Bahá’u’lláh interpreted them ( Mirza Hussein Ali Nuri), who approved the Badi calendar in the 19th century. The solar ritual calendar of the new faith was compiled and introduced by the Bab (Seyid Ali Muhammad). In 1844, he announced the imminent appearance of the Messenger of Allah. The missionary who prepared the conditions for the creation of a new faith was shot in 1850. The followers of the Báb count down the years from 1844, the very year in which the Báb proclaimed himself the Forerunner of the faith. The calendar has 361 days, 19 months, each with 19 days. To harmonize it with the solar calendar, which has 365 days, intercalary days were added. Bab, initially did not indicate the permanent place of intercalary days. His follower Baha'ul gave them the name "Ayyam-i-Ha" and determined a permanent location, placing them before the month of Fasting. The time of Ayyam-i-Ha reminds believers of the approach of Lent; one might say, it is intended for spiritual preparation for it. During this period, the people of Bach organize a festival not only for themselves, but also for all those in need, prepare all kinds of treats, and engage in charity work. Let the fun be kind, the food plentiful and tasty, the gifts not become useless things, and noble deeds motivated by a sincere desire to help those in need. May everyone who celebrates Ayyam-i-Ha (Intercalary Days) come closer to their goal, achieve what they want and enter the new month of Fasting with a good soul and pure thoughts. Happy Baha'i Day!

Holidays of Russia - Day of the State Flag of the Republic of Bashkortostan

February 25 (February 12, old style) is marked in the folk calendar as the day of Alexei Rybny. The origin of the name comes from the Orthodox date of veneration of the memory of St. Alexy, Metropolitan of Moscow in the 14th century. From a young age, Alexy chose the path of serving God. At first he was a monk in the Moscow monastery, then he led the court affairs of the temple, and years later he was appointed bishop. After the death of Metropolitan Theognostus, Alexy took over his position. During his long life, he built churches, healed the sick, conducted government activities, and acted as a diplomat. On Alexei Rybny there was often a thaw, the reservoirs became accessible for fishing, so the men went fishing. The traditional dish of the day was dishes from the caught catch. The women fried fish, cooked fish soup and baked pies. Rasstegai were often served with the fish soup - oval pies, open at the top and stuffed with fish. Housewives took the sowing seeds out into the frost in the morning, kept them for a short time and brought them back into the house so as not to freeze them. This ritual was performed to harden future seedlings so that they would not be harmed in the spring by sudden temperature changes and diseases. Along with the seeds, flax fibers and yarn were exposed to the frosty air, believing that then the thread would become smooth and soft, and the clothes would last longer than usual. On this day, prayers were read to Saint Alexei, asking for help in treating eye ailments. Those suffering from fear or phobia went to healers and whispering grandmothers for treatment. It was believed that it was more difficult to relieve fear in an adult than in a child; for this reason, stronger spells and rituals were used. If a blizzard or thick fog descended on Alexei Rybny, they expected the summer season with frequent rains. Drops foreshadowed successful fishing in reservoirs. An abundance of stars in the sky indicated a good harvest. The frosty weather during the day promised an early and mild spring.

Orthodox holidays on February 25:

The Holy Orthodox Church celebrates several holiday dates in honor of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God. On April 22, they celebrate the second discovery of the ancient Moscow list, which occurred in 2012 when the Russian Museum donated the icon to the Orthodox Church. There is no exact information about the origin of the Iveron image; according to one of the legends, the author was the Evangelist Luke, who painted the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus from life. Another legend mentions the times of iconoclasm in the Byzantine Empire, when many holy relics were mercilessly destroyed. The owner of the miraculous icon was a pious widow from the city of Nicaea. One day, warriors burst into her place demanding that she give them the shrine. For a long time the widow begged her husbands not to take the wonderful image, but no one listened to her words. One of the warriors jabbed a spear into the icon, causing blood to appear on the boards. In memory of this phenomenon, two types of painting of the image of the Virgin Mary were subsequently established, with a bleeding wound on the right cheek and without traces of injury. The inexplicable phenomenon frightened the husbands, and they left, leaving the image to its owner. The woman immediately hastened to hide the shrine and placed it in the waters of the sea. The icon, having stood on the water, floated like a ship, and many years later the monks of Athos saw it, placed in a pillar of fire walking on the sea. The monks did not know how to deal with the miraculous phenomenon until the Mother of God appeared to Elder Gabriel in a dream with a request to deliver her image to the monastery. The monk stepped into the waters of the sea and realized that he was not drowning, when he walked across land to a pillar of fire, took an icon from it and returned to the shore without even getting his clothes wet. The monastic brethren, happy with the discovery of the holy image, intended to place it in the most honorable place in the church, but the icon itself chose its place. Every night she moved to the gates of the monastery, and none of the monks could explain how this happened. The monks returned it back, believing that the relic should have a proper place, but soon the Mother of God again appeared to the sleeping Gabriel and reassured the monks, saying that she herself wanted to be their protector. And today, a small chapel at the gates of the Iverskaya monastery preserves the miraculous image of the “Goalkeeper,” which has protected the monastery for many centuries. The glory of the holy image was also known in Rus'; during the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich Romanov, a copy of the Iveron Mother of God was made. The priest Iamblichus Romanov was blessed for the great work, the work was accompanied by the prayers of the monks, the new cypress boards were soaked in water, imbued with the holiness of the Iveron image of the “Goalkeeper”. During the patriarchate of Nikon, other copies of the Iveron Icon were brought to Russia, made by the monks of the Athos monastery, who later became famous for their miraculous deeds.

Elevferiy (Simeon) Fedorovich Byakont was born in 1292 (according to another version - 1304) in the family of a boyar who was originally from the Principality of Chernigov. The baby's godfather was Prince John Danilovich, who later received the nickname Kalita. Biographers note that the Lord revealed to the boy his high destiny very early - at the age of 12. And this determined the life path of the future metropolitan. At the age of 15, after frequent attendance at church services, Eleutherius decides to become a monk at the Moscow Epiphany Monastery, and at the age of 19, he takes monastic vows. Alexei, a pupil of Metropolitan Theognost, spent 20 years of his life in the monastery. His friends and ascetics were Stefan, the elder brother of Sergius of Radonezh, and schema-abbot Gerontius. At the behest of his mentor, Alexy leaves the monastery and begins to engage in the judicial affairs of the church. In 1344 he was appointed governor of Theognost, and in 1352 he was ordained Bishop of Vladimir. At the metropolitan courtyard, Alexy learned Greek. At that time, the Russian Church was torn apart by strife and squabbles due to the claims of Metropolitan Roman of Lithuania and Volyn. In 1356, wanting to put an end to the unrest, the saint went to Constantinople to see Patriarch Callistus. He grants Alexy the right to be considered the Archbishop of Kyiv and all Rus' for his spiritual merits and virtuous life. The saint was involved not only in church affairs, but also in politics. Alexy was an adviser to the brothers of Prince Simeon Andrei and Ivan, took custody of the young Dmitry, nicknamed Donskoy, after the death of Prince John, and established relations with the khans from the Horde. After being rescued from a storm on the Black Sea, the saint founded the Andronikov Monastery in Moscow, and in 1365 he founded a stone church in the name of the Miracle of the Archangel Michael in Khoneh, and with it the Miracle Monastery. As regent under the young Dmitry, Metropolitan Alexy pursued a policy of creating a union of Russian principalities that could resist the Horde. More than once Sergius of Radonezh became the saint's envoy to the princes. In 1361, the Metropolitan organized a convent for women in Moscow, which was named in his honor as the Alekseevsky Stavropegic Monastery. He placed independent abbesses at the head of this, Zachatievsky and other monasteries. Alexy lived to a ripe old age - he died at the age of 85 on February 25 (February 12, Old Style) 1378. The saint was buried according to his will on the territory of the Chudov Monastery. Every year on February 25, the Day of Remembrance of the Metropolitan of Moscow and All Rus', the Wonderworker St. Alexy, is celebrated. His incorrupt healing relics with surviving vestments were found 50 years after his death - June 2 (May 20, Old Style) 1431. Now they rest in the Epiphany Cathedral in Elokhov. Therefore, in memory of the saint, another holiday was established - on June 2, the Orthodox Church celebrates the discovery of the relics of Metropolitan Alexy.

Memorial Day of St. Meletius of Ipseneia

The Week of the Publican and the Pharisee