Choreographers and choreographers celebrate their professional holiday on January 9. Classical and contemporary dance directors are honored several times throughout the year - since 2014 in October with World Ballet Day and in late April with International Dance Day. In order to emphasize the importance of the work of dancers' mentors, a separate holiday was established - International Choreographer's Day. International Choreographers Day celebrates masters who are teachers of performers and their assistants in preparing for performances. Initially, the Greek word "χορογραφία" was used to describe a dance recording. This type of art was widely in demand back in Ancient Greece and Rome. Processions in honor of the god Bacchus were not complete without dance compositions. Roman hetaeras and courtesans of the Renaissance mastered the art of rhythmic movement to music. In Ancient Rus', not a single folk holiday was complete without dancing - dances and round dances. As choreography developed as an art form, people began to need to record their accumulated experience to pass it on to other generations. At this stage, the term began to be used to refer to the production of dance compositions, their recording and everything else that is included in this type of activity. At the same time, at the beginning of the 12th century, a separate profession appeared - choreographers. These people carefully preserve the traditions of their ancestors, enhance the art technique with their own experience and share it with the performers. A choreographer works with a group or one dancer, teaching expressive techniques, plasticity of movement and a sense of rhythm. In honor of representatives of this profession, International Choreographers Day was established, which is widely celebrated on January 9. Choreography in the modern sense is divided into classical (ballet), folk and ballroom dances. They are used in theatrical productions, music videos, figure skating, rhythmic gymnastics, folk festivals, etc. Modern dance genres are a symbiosis of tradition and innovation, coupled with the individual style of choreographers. In some cases, their productions are works of art - complete works of art with a unique and beautifully designed composition. The work and creativity of choreographers allows people to experience the pleasure of dance. Not every person knows how to rhythmically move to the rhythm of a waltz or Charleston, but can get aesthetic pleasure from watching the performers. Professionals build bridges between classical ballet, folk dances, ballroom dancing and modern art genres - European modernism and American postmodernism. The skill of specialists does not recognize national and state borders, therefore, on January 9, International Choreographer’s Day is celebrated in all countries of the world.

Balloons were actively used for aeronautics and travel in the first third of the twentieth century. With their help, mail and army corps were transported back in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. The Germans used airships to carry out reconnaissance and raid London during the First World War. In honor of the rise into the air on January 9, 1793, aeronaut Jean-Pierre Francois Blanchard, Balloon Travel Day is celebrated. The Frenchman of an adventurous mind turned this spectacle into an attraction. Before traveling to America, he made 44 flights in Europe. In the New World, Blanchard sold tickets for $5 per flight in a basket, which was lifted up by a yellow balloon filled with hydrogen. The flight on January 9, 1793 was personally observed by the first US President, George Washington, and French dignitaries. Blanchard was not the inventor of the hot air balloon. In 1783, the Montgolfier brothers Joseph and Etienne designed a round shell that rose from hot air, and covered it from the inside with paper strips. A willow basket was attached to the ball. The first travelers, as in space flights, were animals: the brothers sent a rooster, a ram and a duck into the sky. In the same 1783, in Paris, in the Tuileries Garden, a balloon filled with hydrogen rose into the sky. It was piloted by inventor Jacques Charles and assistant professor M.-N. Robert. At the beginning of the twentieth century. They traveled in hot air balloons from Europe to South (Rio de Janeiro) and North America. A flight across the Atlantic on the Hindenburg balloon at 200 m above sea level took 43 hours. Airships had different shapes, but the most popular were the cigar-shaped “zeppelins,” named after the inventor, the German Ferdinand von Zeppelin. The balloons had a metal frame, covered with fabric on the outside, and were enormous in size. Inside the airships or under them there was a gondola with a crew, and here were the passenger cabins. In the restaurant, tables with white starched tablecloths were served with china and silverware. In the salon, where passengers spent their leisure time, there was a small grand piano. To lift the zeppelin into the sky, hydrogen was used, stored in cylinders in numerous compartments of the balloon body. The engines for the Graf Zeppelin airships were developed by engineer Wilhelm Meibach. His division of the company became the Maybach Motornbau company at the end of the First World War. In 1917, under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany, which owned more than 100 airships, was prohibited from using Zeppelins. However, balloons began to be produced for customers from the USA. Their balloons were not filled with highly flammable hydrogen, but with safer helium. The heyday of airship aeronautics came in 1929, when one of them, the Graf Zeppelin, made a 21-day trip around the world. The tragic death in 1937 of the largest balloon, the Hindenburg, the height of a 13-story building, led to the end of the era of giant airships. According to official data, the disaster occurred due to a hydrogen leak and explosion during the landing of the zeppelin. Conspiracy theories suggest that this and similar incidents with balloons were acts of sabotage, behind which stood the oil king of the 19th century. D. Rockefeller. The "Heavenly Titanics" were to be replaced by airplanes with gasoline engines and further enrich the Anglo-Saxon empire. Today, in honor of Balloon Ascension Day, thousands of people around the world take to the air in baskets of hot air balloons for scenic flights. On January 9 and other days, airship travel over the savannahs of South Africa and Kenya, the valleys of New Mexico and Turkish Cappadocia are very popular. And only the cigar-shaped shape of the balloons rising above Rio de Janeiro reminds us of the zeppelins that became victims of the Rockefellers' development of the oil industry.

Once upon a time, all people living on Earth belonged to the pagans and worshiped the forces of nature, mysterious natural phenomena, and so on. Today the situation has changed and most people have converted to Christianity or Islam, while a number of people continue to worship pagan deities. However, the smaller number of followers of the “ancestral faith” is not proof that “paganism” is unimportant compared to the generally accepted world religions. Pagan celebrations were not just special days on the calendar. Each of them carried a hidden meaning and served as certain milestones in the life of society. One of these holidays is the day of Raud the Strong, who during his lifetime was a Norwegian priest and navigator. At the dawn of the march of Christianity around the world, he stubbornly resisted conversion to this faith, for which he was executed. Pagans commemorate him on January 9. Olaf Haraldson (Olaf II or Olaf the Saint), with the help of bonds and provincial rulers, became king of Norway in 1015. During his thirteen-year reign, he made many mistakes as he sought to expand his own powers by reducing traditional freedoms, changing tax collection, and introducing other innovations. As a result, a riot broke out, because of which he was forced to flee first to Sweden, from where he moved to Ancient Rus', to Novgorod. Two years later, he tried to regain his kingdom, but died in the battle of Stiklastadir. In addition to the attack on the freedoms of the Norwegian ancestors, in the life of Olaf Haraldson, a bright thread runs through his struggle to convert the pagans of Norway to Christianity. The king began his “crusade” with a trip to the lands of modern Norway, which were then under the rule of the Danish king. However, this attempt to convey the true faith to the pagans was unsuccessful, since the ancient Vikings were extremely reluctant to agree to undergo the rite of Baptism. Therefore, to intimidate the disobedient, Saint Olaf not only resorted to executions, but in addition to the existing ones, he invented new tortures. One of those resisting the Baptism was a large landowner, seafarer and leader-priest of the Norse pagan faith of Asatru, based on belief in the forces of nature, Raud the Strong. This brave man was known to the Norwegians and the inhabitants of the coast for his raids on the ship "Dragon" or "Snake". This ship was larger than any of the ships in Olaf the Saint's fleet, but in the naval battle the victory went to the current king of Norway. However, Raud the Strong was able to escape pursuit and survived. The landowner and navigator, hiding from the royal wrath, was eventually tracked down and captured. He was brought to the Norwegian king, who promised him not only his friendship and the preservation of all property and lands, but also a lot of other gifts if he became a Christian. But Raud the Strong, faithful to the ancient Norse doctrine, refused this generous offer and said that he would not betray the faith of his ancestors and did not believe in Christ, and also began to mock Olaf’s faith. Even under the threat of death, the priest Asatru remained adamant. The enraged king ordered his execution in the worst execution in Norway at that time. Raud the Strong was tied to a post and an iron funnel was inserted into his throat, through which a poisonous snake was sent. Such a terrible death made Raud the Strong a martyr of Asartu and the reason for the establishment of a day of his remembrance. Those living in Iceland, Denmark and other Scandinavian countries, as well as in Russia, commemorate the martyr by drinking a horn of wine or brandy in his honor.

One of the most unusual holidays of the Slavs is the Day of Hide and Seek with Winter, which is usually celebrated every year on January 9. Our ancestors celebrated it on a grand scale. This tradition originated in ancient times, when it was believed that the frosty winter could be outwitted if you hid well from it. There is a belief that light clothing instead of sheepskin coats and fur coats can confuse winter and make it want to run away faster, giving way to the spring sun. Both adults and children liked the folk entertainments that were held on this day. In Rus', they began to prepare for the holiday in advance. To do this, they built high slides, which were then filled with water to make the ride faster and more fun. In order for the Day of Hide and Seek with Winter to help bring spring closer, our ancestors tried to decorate their houses using symbols of the sun. Women baked pancakes and treated them to their households and guests. It was believed that this would help change the course of time and bring summer closer. Of course, the celebration was not complete without a game of hide and seek. People believed that those who hid in the most secluded place would have good luck throughout the year. There are much more winter fun in the modern world than before, so Winter Hide and Seek Day can be celebrated with the whole family so that it will be remembered for the whole year. For example, you can go to the skating rink or slides, taking skates, sleds or cheesecakes with you. Having gone outside the city into nature, you can go snowmobiling or skiing, and those who do not have sports equipment can simply play in the snow and admire the beautiful winter landscape. Also, do not forget that the atmosphere in the house should be festive. By decorating your home with figures of bright butterflies or birds, you can get a lot of vivid impressions. A good end to family holiday festivities will be a delicious dinner, during which you can remember summer travels, beach holidays, and the best moments in life. This Slavic holiday, forgotten by many, can add variety to everyday family life and relieve boredom. You can spend a day of playing hide and seek in winter according to your own scenario, devoting time to your favorite activities and fun to recharge yourself with the spring mood, regardless of the time of year.

The main religions of Japan are Buddhism and Shintoism. The second faith is based on the worship of the souls of the dead (kami) and numerous deities. One of them is Ebisu, who patronizes fishermen, farmers and traders. In honor of this god, the Land of the Rising Sun celebrates the Festival of Good Luck and Happiness on January 9. In the largest cities, musical processions are held, services in temples are held, and bamboo branches are sold - a symbol of prosperity and wealth. Buddhism came to Japan from China and Korea in the 6th century AD, while Shintoism arose much earlier - in the 3rd BC. Ebisu is the only one of the seven gods of happiness, worshiped for over a thousand years, who is of Japanese origin. The other six are borrowed from Hinduism, Taoism and Buddhism. Initially, Ebisu was an impersonal deity; later he became a canonical figure - a symbol of certain professions. According to one legend, the prototype of the god of luck was a real person from the ruling class who loved to fish. According to another, Ebisu is the fruit of the love of Izanagi and Izanagi, the ancestors of the Japanese archipelago. As a child, his name was Hariko ("tadpole"), because... he was born without arms and legs. At the age of 3, the boy was carried away on a reed boat, which washed up on the shores of Hokkaido. Ebisu was able to grow his missing limbs, overcame many other trials in life and became the god of happiness. The Japanese are very close to this resilient and hardworking character, so they annually set aside 3 whole days to honor him. The festival-procession is especially magnificent in Osaka, Kyoto and Fukuoka. In front and behind the columns with businessmen, sellers and ordinary people, musicians solemnly walk. In the center of the procession is a stretcher with a statue of the god Ebisu. Usually his figure resembles a bearded smiling Japanese peasant or a hunter in a hat with a fishing rod in his right hand. On its back it carries a large golden-red sea bream (tay). It symbolizes good luck in Japan. Sometimes the god is dressed in national clothes - kimono, hakama (wide trousers) and sashinuki (pants tied at the ankles). Ebisu-sama (Mr. Ebisu) is worshiped not only by merchants and farmers. In Fukuoka, a separate procession is organized by geishas. They offer prayers and ask god for favor and success in their field of work. Merchants sell various talismans in honor of the holiday: drums, bags made of rice straws and rakes made of bamboo for symbolic “raking” of wealth. These souvenirs are attached to bamboo branches, which promise great income and brisk trade throughout the year.

On January 9, residents of Serbia celebrate their main national holiday. The date of this memorable event was not chosen by chance. It was on this day back in 1992 that the Serbian Republic was proclaimed. On February 29 of the same year, the Constitution was adopted, which stated that from that moment on, the republican lands included a full list of Serbian independent districts, communities and other ethnic territories located on the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Meanwhile, the newly proclaimed republic included some lands belonging to Yugoslavia. In the spring of 1992, BiH gained full independence from the Yugoslav Republic. SRBiH then separated from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in addition a message was published stating that it would continue to remain part of the Yugoslav Republic. Already in August of the same year, the republic began to be called the Serbian Republic. In accordance with the developed plans, by 1995 the RS was supposed to unite with the Serbian Krajina, which already existed in those years, located on the Croatian border. As a result, the West Serbian Federation was to be formed. However, this was not destined to happen due to global pressure. In 1995, the Dayton International Treaties were signed, under the terms of which the SR retained its new name, but lost part of the Serbian-controlled land. The territory currently at the disposal of BiH is the result of the Dayton Treaties. It was divided into separate sections, 51% went to BiH, 49% went to the SR. In 2008, the Serbian resolution was adopted. It stated that the Bosnian Serbs have the right to secede from BiH at any time if a majority of UN participants and members of the European Union recognize the independence of Kosovo. Every year on January 9, in the capital of the state - Banja Luka, as well as in virtually all residential regions of Serbia, ceremonial events are held to mark the memorable date. These are all kinds of competitions, music concerts, interesting quizzes and much more. The local government congratulates residents on gaining independence and offers to pay their last respects to the heroes who gave their lives for the freedom of the Motherland.

People who are unhappy with their lives and the status quo often want to change the world. Only God can make it better and fairer, punish criminals and heal the terminally ill, comfort the suffering and feed all the hungry. An unusual holiday celebrated on January 9 - Playing God Day - encourages you to be in his place and try to influence the world around you. Taking the reins of power and trying on the role of the Almighty is not an easy task. Human society exists by its own rules and lives according to patterns that cannot be violated even as a being endowed with enormous power and capabilities. In the socio-fiction story "It's Hard to Be a God", written in 1963, Arkady and Boris Strugatsky raise various topics. One of them is the problem of choice facing a person who, like the Lord, has power and authority over other people. The main character of the story, Don Rumata, was unable to maintain neutrality and disrupted the course of the historical process of an alien civilization. It is difficult to remain indifferent and indifferent when you see the suffering of other people. But sometimes it is better to give a hungry person a fish, not a fishing rod - to give him the opportunity to solve the problem himself, to create conditions for development, providing all possible assistance only at the initial stage. Play God Day is a great opportunity to feel and behave like God: to make someone’s life filled with positive emotions and events, joyful and happy. At the same time, everyone who decides to act as a Higher Power must understand the full degree of responsibility that falls on his shoulders. Great power also means great responsibility for your actions. Becoming God, you will have to make a choice and rise above the situation so as not to “do good” and not “cause irreparable harm.” The plot of ancient Greek myths and poems centered not only on the inhabitants of Olympus, natural spirits and ordinary mortals. The main characters were often heroes - children of deities and people - Achilles, Hercules, Theseus, Odysseus, Perseus... The status of demigods imposed special obligations on them: it required them to perform feats, to carry out the will of the Olympians on earth, ordering the lives of people and bringing justice into it in spite of ancient disharmony and spontaneity of the world. To solve the tasks assigned to them, the heroes were endowed with superhuman capabilities and strength. An ordinary person who decided to celebrate Play God Day did not receive such gifts from the gods. Therefore, on January 9, there is no need to try to embrace the immensity and make a large number of people happy at once. Give a pleasant surprise to a friend, fulfill a long-standing request of a child, provide all possible assistance to a stranger you meet on the street, making your contribution to maintaining harmony in the world around you, thus celebrating the Day of Playing God.

Day of adoption of the Resolution on the separation of Međimurje from the Hungarian state in Croatia

National Martyrs Day in Panama

According to the folk calendar, Stepanov Day is celebrated on January 9 (December 27, old style). In the church calendar, this day is dedicated to honoring the memory of St. Stephen the First Martyr, who lived in the 1st century. According to legend, the Jew Stephen witnessed the crucifixion and resurrection of God's son, after which the need to take care of the disadvantaged and weak Christians increased. The apostles appointed Stephen to this role as archdeacon. In addition to helping, he preached sermons about God, for which he was slandered by envious Pharisees and taken into custody. At his trial, Stephen was sentenced to death by stoning. Thus he became the first martyr to suffer for Christianity. Since then, persecution of believers in God began; they were forced to leave their land and go to other countries. Together with them, Christianity spread across the earth. St. Stepan was the people's patron of horses, so the owners organized a holiday for the horses. They were fed to their fill and given silver-plated water to drink. A silver coin was placed in a bucket of water for a day. Then she was hidden in the manger of the barn, and aspen stakes were driven into the corners of the barn. This ritual protected horses from illness, the evil eye and scared away evil spirits. Stepanov's day was also popularly called the feast of the shepherds. Of the applicants for shepherds, one was determined at the general council of the village. His duties included walking and looking after cattle, for which his fellow villagers paid him well. On Stepanov's day, the girls continued to tell fortunes about their betrothed. And girls suffering from sadness in their souls got rid of it through the ritual of pouring water. They took turns going to a common vat and pouring out bowls of water, symbolizing spiritual despondency. The older woman carried the vat out the gate, spilling it away. The children ran around the village, knocking on houses with songs and carols, wishing them well and good health. They were thanked and treated to gingerbread and sweets, and given small money. It was impossible to kick out the carolers, believing that then luck would bypass the house. If people noticed a horse’s legs wet with sweat on Stepanov’s day, then they foreshadowed an early spring. A lull in birds was observed before the snowfall. If a poultry hid its paws in its down, frosts were expected. The fog predicted the coming thaw. A blizzard meant a bountiful forest harvest in the summer, and a three-day frost on the trees meant a large grain harvest.

Orthodox holidays on January 9:

Memorial Day of the First Martyr and Archdeacon Stephen

Memorial Day of St. Theodore the Inscribed

Memorial Day of Saint Theodore of Constantinople