One for all and all for one - the motto of the three musketeers and D'Artagnan, heroes of the novel by A. Dumas. Strong friendship and solidarity are still the basis of relationships between men centuries later. Each of them will always lend a helping hand to a friend, understanding that in difficult times they will do the same for him. On March 23, the Festival of Male Solidarity is celebrated - the anthem of community of interests and mutual assistance of the strong half of humanity. A brotherhood of like-minded people and unbreakable friendship arises regardless of age and interests. Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, characters in M. Twain's novels, Timur and his team, heroes in A. Gaidar's book, demonstrated loyalty to their comrades and their given word. Male solidarity was sung in their works by D. London, E.M. Remarque, V. Kaverin and other writers. Not only in literature, but also in reality, there are many examples of how a friend’s shoulder at the right time saved a life, both literally and figuratively. True comrades will never hand over a friend to his wife who did not come home, citing a bachelor party that lasted until the morning. Each of them will assure the friend’s spouse that he drank with them in company until the morning. An army friend will never tell the squad commander about being AWOL, he will share rations and stand next to him in a wall-to-wall fist fight on Maslenitsa. Borrowing money and fixing a car are more examples of mutual assistance than male solidarity. And it is most often associated with the unbreakable brotherhood and unity of the strong half of humanity in deep opposition to women. True friends will never betray a friend by telling their spouse the cost of fishing gear and equipment. Just like a new car, bought for my wife for a few pennies. Well, why should she be nervous about finding out the real cost of the car? And these are not the only examples of male mutual assistance and unity. If necessary, a comrade will always “take the fire upon himself” and boldly walk headlong into the cannonade of screams of a friend’s wife, who unexpectedly materialized in the morning on the threshold of his apartment. Yes, he will say, the lovely nymph was with him, and not with her beloved. So what if he’s lying naked in bed with her now? They let me warm up under the blanket. Before this, the husband who had had too much sex spent the whole night hugging the toilet and sleeping on the cold tiled floor. Frozen. We remembered camping trips, our youth and decided to warm each other with our bodies as if in a sleeping bag. The holiday of male solidarity is not just an excuse to drink on March 22 in the company of fellow unfortunates who have been pecked by their other halves, worn down by jealousy and endless claims. Uniting and mutual assistance in the course of confrontation with the weak half of humanity is the law if you need to “get rid of” a comrade by protecting your missus from thunder and lightning. “Alager com alager,” sang the heroes of the film “D’Artagnan and the Three Musketeers.” In ordinary life, fortitude and a friendly shoulder are no less important than during battles. That is why the Festival of Male Solidarity appeared on the calendar.

North Americans are known for their optimistic approach to life. The philosophy of behavior of US citizens is based on the famous keep smile (“Keep a smile!”) and OK - an abbreviation that stands for “everything is fine.” Americans promote a lifestyle that is associated with continued success and prosperity in a land of endless opportunity. Every year on March 23rd we celebrate the birthday of the phrase “OK” - an expression that appeared more than 180 years ago! A person who radiates joy and confidence attracts successful people and good events. All doors open to an optimist, he evokes positive emotions and wins over those around him. Psychologists advise maintaining a positive attitude and self-confidence even in the most critical situations. Esotericists are convinced that a person can influence reality, attracting the necessary events and people into life, depending on what he transmits to the world around him. Therefore, the use of the phrase OK or other expressions with the meaning “Everything is wonderful!”, “Wonderful!” and others is so important. Body language expresses a person's emotions and feelings no worse than words. The thumb and index fingers of the hand connected in a ring are a non-verbal symbol of a phrase meaning “I understand,” “I agree,” or “I like.” Long before the advent of OK, this gesture was used in Hinduism and Buddhism as a symbol of inner perfection. The circle formed by placing the fingers means “everything is right” and “perfect”, helping to create a positive attitude. There are more than 40 versions of the origin of the most popular abbreviation on the planet. It is used daily by millions of people to express agreement or to answer the question “How are you?” The most popular versions of the appearance of OK include the following: 1. The expression is the result of 2 errors in the spelling of the phrase All correct, which on March 23, 1839 was used in an article in the Boston Morning Post as Oll correct and shortened to OK. According to another version, the same mistake was made by the illiterate US President Andrew Jackson (1829-1937). 2. Representatives of the Democratic Party in New York called their club The Democratic OK Club in honor of their leader, Martin Van Buren. He was born in the town of Old Kinderhook in northern Columbia County. The re-election slogan of Van Buren, who won the US presidential election in 1837, was the phrase “Old Kinderhook is O.K.” 3. The French claim that the expression appeared due to the literal translation of 0 killed (“zero killed”), used in wartime reporting. 4. A Jamaican planter in 1816 quoted an expression from his slave in his own diary. He said OK when he agreed with the owner. 5. The abbreviation is the result of an abbreviation of the Indian okeh, which means "yes", the Greek ολα καλα ("all is well"), the Finnish oikea ("correct"), the German signature under orders Oberkommando ("Head Command"), which was abbreviated to OK. It is believed that the gesture in the form of fingers folded into a ring became a symbol of the OK in 1836. It was used by supporters of Martin Van Buren during the 1837 presidential race in the United States. Interestingly, another gesture denoting triumph - raised fingers in the form of an English V (victory) - was introduced into use by Winston Churchill. The US President used this sign as a symbol of victory in World War II. Today OK is one of the most common abbreviations throughout the world. Okay's birthday is celebrated on March 23, when, according to legend, an error was made in the Boston Morning Post. Any version of the origin of OK has the right to exist and does not in any way detract from the symbolic meaning of the expression.

At the end of March, namely on the 23rd, it is customary to celebrate World Meteorology Day. The holiday is celebrated on this day, taking into account the date of adoption of the World Meteorological Organization convention in 1950. The World Meteorological Organization is made up of 185 different countries. Until this time, the International Meteorological Organization operated. The weather is constantly changing, its changes are determined by complex laws. No matter how quiet she is, surprises can be expected from her at any moment. Agriculture, aviation, sailors depend on hydrometeorological conditions, and we all need to know whether it will rain today. Carrying out weather observations, collecting, distributing and processing hydrometeorological information is impossible without international cooperation. Weather phenomena develop over the earth's surface, regardless of state borders, and require the exchange and comparison of readings. The profession of a hydrometeorologist is one of the rather rare, not widespread, professions. The main conditions for working as a meteorologist are objectivity and continuous attention to the object of study. Meteorologists are people with special education. This profession includes weather observers, technicians, scientists, weather radar operators and engineers. Forecasters make weather forecasts, aerologists study the state of the atmosphere at altitude, marine hydrometeorologists provide hydrometeorological information to sea transport, and aviation meteorologists provide air transport, respectively. The work of a meteorologist is very precise and painstaking. Timely and relevant predictions help protect our property and lives. On March 23, we can say thank you to those people, thanks to whom we have the opportunity to prepare for weather conditions and reduce damage from hurricanes, storms, and tsunamis.

Nature, water, changes in weather conditions have long been closely examined and studied by humanity. For this purpose, there are institutes of hydrometeorological services that warn the population in time about impending changes in weather conditions. Transport communications between countries and continents - planes, trains and ships, their movement and routes often directly depend on weather conditions. Climate change has a major impact on crops, tourism and sporting events and the life of society as a whole. In short, modern society is accustomed to knowing about changes in weather conditions in advance. People who study the movements of air and water on our planet help with this; they know how to calculate and predict the appearance of precipitation in one side or another of our planet, and report on cold snaps and warmings. The Day of Workers of the Hydrometeorological Service of Russia is celebrated on March 23. On this day, at various conferences, questions are raised about the possibility of various kinds of environmental disasters, about the influence of the human factor on climate change. They are looking for ways to solve problems, exchange experiences, and organize educational activities both for specialists in this field and for other citizens of the country. Today, every smartphone has an application that can be used to find out the weather for tomorrow. Whether to prepare an umbrella or sunglasses, whether to wear rubber boots for a child in the garden - you can find out about everything in advance, for this you should thank the specialists - meteorologists who study, research, and conduct experiments with weather conditions day and night. So, science has reached such heights that the hydrometeorological service can help delay the rain for a while if, for example, a large-scale outdoor event is planned. During impending hurricanes, professionals in their field, with the help of the media, warn the public that it is better not to leave the house, a storm warning is announced. Do not neglect such information - it is quite possible that it will preserve your health or even save your life.

Defender from evil forces, guardian of the hearth, symbol of the sun, personification of fertility, sacred messenger of the gods - whatever these animals were called in ancient times. Cats have been human companions since ancient times. Like dogs, they went through a long process of domestication. As a result, these once wild animals have become constant companions of humans. If a dog can be called a model of devotion, then with cats everything is not so simple. They do not bow down to man. Sometimes you get the feeling that the cat has become the master, and everyone in the household is dancing to its tune. If there was a cat paradise somewhere, it was definitely located on the territory of Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians treated cats with incredible respect. They believed that these animals were messengers of the gods who protected from evil forces. For intentionally killing a cat, a person could be sentenced to death, and if unintentionally, he was required to pay a large fine. The goddess Bastet was not part of the Heliopolitan Ennead, but she occupied a special place in the ancient Egyptian pantheon. Even before the domestication of the cat, she was depicted as a woman with a lion's head, holding a sister in her hand. Bastet was the goddess of fertility, protector of the hearth, the personification of spring, joy, and rebirth. After the cat was domesticated, she became the patroness of these animals. Bastet began to be depicted with the head of a cat, and kittens always hovered at her feet. The ancient Egyptians raised various animals, but cats had a special place in the house. These animals killed mice and rats - carriers of dangerous diseases. There are references to the fact that cats, like mongooses, even hunted snakes. They truly stood guard over their own home. Herodotus writes that in case of fire, the Egyptians first of all saved cats. If a pet died, then all family members shaved off their eyebrows as a sign of grief, and the pet’s body was handed over to the priests for mummification. Cats were buried with honors, just like people. In Japan, cats were also treated with respect, because they were believed to bring good luck. Perhaps the tradition of being the first to welcome a cat into a new home came to us precisely from the land of the rising sun. The Japanese still believe that a place chosen by a pet is ideal for sleeping. Maneki-neko figurines, which depict a cat with its paw raised, are considered powerful talismans for good luck. Cats in Japan even have their own islands - Tashiro and Aoshima. In Japanese mythology, there are also demons into which cats are reborn. Bakeneko and nekomata are mystical creatures with enormous power. On March 23, a funny holiday is celebrated - Affectionate Kitten Day. Mysterious, elegant, graceful, funny, independent, a little mischievous and charming - no matter how cats seem to us, they never leave people indifferent. A faithful companion and companion, a capricious pet to whom everything is forgiven - many find an outlet in them. There is still an opinion that contact with them not only calms the nerves, but also heals. Today there are more than 500,000,000 cats living on the planet. These pets have literally taken the world by storm. They become the heroes of videos and gain millions of views. Some of them bring crazy popularity to their owners. Although times have long changed, people still continue to worship cats as little household gods who faithfully wait for their owners at home. Who could be more beautiful than a cat? Of course, a little kitten! On March 23, you should pay special attention to your pets, surround them with care and affection in gratitude for the warmth they give you. If you don't have a cat yet, maybe this holiday will be a great opportunity to bring a little bundle of charm into your home?

One of the most striking folk holidays in Bulgaria, Todorov's Day, is celebrated every year on the first Saturday of Lent (Great Easter). Before this date, Todor's week takes place, during which strict fasting is observed. According to ancient beliefs, this is a time period when the health of every person and animal, as well as the upcoming harvest, are in danger, since evil spirits and other evil spirits walk at night. In some regions, such creatures are called nothing more than “Saint Todor on a snow-white horse and Baba Tudoritsa.” These graceful animals are especially revered among local residents. And on the day of the celebration, horses are given special attention; at this time, all rituals are aimed at caring for the horses. With the first rays of sunshine, men go to the stables, where the preparation of horses for the celebration begins. Animals have their manes and tails beautifully braided and decorated with colored stones. Then the horses are taken to watering. At this time, women traditionally prepare ritual bread in the shape of a horse or horseshoe. Salt, a few garlic cloves and a walnut are placed on them. While baked goods are distributed to relatives and friends, women run and neigh, pretending to be horses. In ancient times, there was a belief that this ritual increases the fertility of not only horses, but also people. The most interesting and memorable part of the holiday is the hound tournaments. Just like many years ago, today the owners of horses demonstrate their riding skills. During Todor's week there are many restrictions, primarily concerning the fairer sex. Women should not walk down the street late or organize gatherings. In addition, washing, plowing and sowing are prohibited before the holiday in order to protect residents and crops from bad weather. Todorov's Day is one of the holiday dates associated with the transition from the winter to the summer season. As an old folk legend says, on this day Saint Todor hammered a smoldering log into the ground to warm it. Then he pulled off 9 sheepskin coats and went to God to beg for summer days. It was not for nothing that Todor was considered the patron saint of horses; he himself was often depicted riding a horse with silver hooves and a golden bridle. This is also associated with the promise that men make to their horses, preparing them for competitions traditional for the holiday. If they won, they promised to silver the horse's hooves and gild the bridle. Todorov's Day is still considered one of the most revered events. After horse races held near populated areas, the winners traditionally invite their friends and relatives, as well as rivals, to visit. In some places, a ritual meal is prepared and guests are treated.

Funny holidays - Beautiful Look Day (Eyebrow and Eyelash Specialist Day)

On March 23 (March 10, old style), according to the folk calendar, Vasilisa is celebrated - the indicator of spring water. In the church calendar, on this date, the memory of several martyrs is honored, but the name of the national event is given in honor of Saint Basilissa of Corinth. In the 3rd century, Christians were severely persecuted by pagans. In the desert near the city of Corinth in Greece, a group of Christians was captured, among whom was a nine-year-old girl, Vasilisa. The group’s mentor was Kodrat, he supported friends and guided them to lead a righteous life. The idolaters subjected believers to torture, trying to force them to renounce their faith in the Lord and sacrifice to pagan idols. But the Christians refused, for which they were executed by beheading. On Vasilisa, the daylight hours were already becoming longer than the night. Spring was fully on its way to the earth: the snow was melting, the grass was turning green, and birds were nesting. The period of March thunderstorms was approaching. Sometimes spring waters could flood houses. To protect their homes from destruction, peasants dug drainage ditches. Saint Vasilisa was called the patroness of spring waters, which means spring waters. They prayed to her for the safety of houses from the water that overflowed the banks of the river. They believed that its waters were capable of remembering information and learning hidden secrets. If a certain house, barn or cellar was flooded with spring water, they said that the owners had sinned last year. Melted snow flowed into reservoirs, the waters became free of ice and the men went fishing. This day was good for catching roach and ram. But the healers treated night blindness, a disease in which the patient saw well during the day, but poorly at night. If cranes flew to Vasilisa, the peasants prepared for a fine spring season. The return of starlings predicted the final melting of the snow. Seeing hares near the village meant a temporary cold snap. Cloudiness before lunch or a cold wind foreshadowed frost. A halo around the moon was observed before rains.

Atheist Day

Orthodox holidays on March 23:

Every year on March 23, the Orthodox community celebrates the day of remembrance of St. Anastasia Patricia, who voluntarily left worldly life for the sake of serving God. The holy ascetic lived in Constantinople and had aristocratic roots. The pious girl was an example of goodness for most people and enjoyed special respect from the ruler of the Empire, Justinian. An attractive and well-educated woman was a real decoration of the imperial palace. Having lost her husband as a girl, she managed to maintain her piety. Somehow, for no particular reason, the empress became jealous of her husband towards Anastasia. She had to leave the house and hide. She left the city in secret. Her final destination was Alexandria. Near the settlement, the lady opened a tiny monastery, where she spent days reading prayers, asking the Lord to forgive her sins. A few years later, disaster struck the house of Emperor Justinian - his beloved wife died. After the funeral, the ruler went in search of Anastasia to take her as his wife. When Anastasia found out about this, she immediately went to a distant monastery to see Father Daniel for support. To help the novice, he put a man’s cassock on her, calling her Anastasius the eunuch. After this, the elder settled the ascetic in one of the most distant caves, giving her a word of prayer and a covenant: under no circumstances should she leave the cave and not allow anyone to come to her. Only one monk knew this place. He had to come to the cave every week to leave a loaf of bread and water at its entrance. Anastasia had to spend a little less than 30 years in such a strict seclusion. People were sure that a eunuch lived in the cave, and they never went there. One day God appeared to the blessed woman and named the day of her death. Having learned about his imminent death, she scratched a few words on a shard and placed it near the cave. After some time, Daniel found the message and brought everything necessary for the funeral ceremony. He found the saint already in a dying state, after which he read a confession and asked Anastasia to bless him and the assistant who came with him. The saint fulfilled the request, after which she died quietly. When the burial place was ready, Daniel handed over the cassock to his assistant, ordering him to dress the deceased. While putting on his clothes, the monk saw that what was lying in front of him was not a man, but a woman. However, the young man was afraid to talk about what he saw. After Anastasia’s funeral, on the way to his monastery, the young man asked the abbot if he knew that the deceased eunuch was actually a woman. Then Daniel told the student the story of the ascetic. In the future, the Abba's confession was recorded and became very popular. The relics of Anastasia were transferred to her homeland in Constantinople and placed near the temple named after Hagia Sophia.

Memorial Day of Righteous Pavel of Taganrog