The key holiday of Orthodox Christians is Easter. The celebration of this solemn day stands at the very origins of the birth of Christianity. If other holidays were gradually layered and acquired significance in the process of developing the structure of the liturgical life of the Church, then Easter is the axis on which they are gathered. This status is expressed in the definition “Easter is a holiday of holidays, a triumph of celebrations.” The onset of Easter is calculated not according to the solar calendar, but according to the lunisolar calendar, and therefore its date differs within different years. The technique that allows you to calculate what day Easter falls on in a particular year is called Paschalia. Briefly, the calculation rule can be expressed as follows: after the first full moon following the spring equinox, it is necessary to determine the first Sunday day. It will be the day of Easter. This is why we talk about the lunisolar calendar, because the equinox is an event in the solar cycle, while the full moon is an event in the lunar cycle. It is necessary to clearly distinguish the event celebrated by Orthodox Christians on Easter from the event celebrated by the Jews, despite the fact that on the very first day from which the tradition comes, these events coincided. In the year in which the action revered by the Orthodox took place (we are talking about the 33rd year of the new era), on the Sunday described, the Miracle of the Resurrection of Christ occurred. It coincided with the celebrations celebrated by the Jews on the occasion of the Exodus, here meaning the liberation of the Jews from Egyptian captivity. Further, these holidays diverged in dates, significance, and religion. The very meaning of the holiday has also changed, even in terms of the Easter sacrifice. For Jews it is the lamb, for Christians it is the Savior. Christians do not celebrate Passover, which is the name of the Jewish holiday, but Jews do Easter. However, the consonance remains and it is obvious. The word Passover from Hebrew is translated as “passed by, passed by.” We are talking about an incident that occurred in Egypt when God passed by the houses of the Jews and spared the firstborn. Further, the name of the holiday was borrowed and expanded with an alternative one - Bright Sunday of Christ. This day marks the culmination of Holy Week, as the culmination of a series of events that occurred in the last week of the life of Jesus Christ and are especially revered by Christians. This last week is the strictest in the Great Lent, known as Great Lent. Believers who observe it significantly limit themselves in food products and spend their days praying for repentance in memory of the Savior’s death on the cross. On Good Friday, the day when Christ was crucified, fasting is especially strict. And on Holy Saturday, Orthodox Christians go to churches to bless Easter foods: krashenki (colored eggs), Easter cottage cheese and Easter cakes. This is done in the vestibules, because such food cannot be brought inside. The eve of the holy night of Easter is marked by all-night vigils, special public services held before great church celebrations. The holiday is considered to come after the end of the service; at this moment you can break your fast, that is, start eating fast food. After which, during daylight hours, folk festivities begin.

Yom Hashoah - Jewish Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah)

The special day, which appeared in 1992, is aimed at drawing attention to the rights of people with disabilities. The lack of participation in solving the problems of this category of citizens led to the unification of a group of activists from 17 European countries. They held the first Day of Struggle for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on May 5, 1992. The event became a regular event and annually attracted more participating countries. Even in economically developed, civilized countries, people with impaired health, physical or mental, face discrimination and infringement of rights in education and employment. The purpose of this date is to encourage the creation of effective legal mechanisms against this. An example is the American ADA law, but this is an isolated case. An important event for people deprived of health was the 2006 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It was signed by a record number of parties on the day of its announcement. It ensures equal rights in all areas - from civil-political to cultural-social. According to WHO, more than 15% of the population have various forms of disability; The most unfortunate thing is that a tenth of them are children. These figures are growing every year. If the current topics on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated on December 3, are how to eradicate the causes that lead to disability, then on May 5 - how to specifically help. After all, only in some countries the rights of a particularly vulnerable group of people are fully protected by law, but even this does not guarantee their equal, comfortable existence along with other citizens. In Russia, which signed the Convention along with other countries, only in May 2012 a special law was introduced giving it legal force. But this was the beginning of providing guarantees, and the annual International Day reminds of the problems of 13 million disabled people in Russia. Charity events, public rallies, and lessons in tolerance are the main components of this day. The contribution of each person is valuable: it does not matter whether it is expressed in financial assistance or free participation as a volunteer. An important task on May 5 is to try to make people with disabilities understand that there is someone to fight for their rights, because the main achievement in the life of every member of society is the skill of empathy and participation.

The birth of a child is the most beautiful moment that can happen in the life of every person, especially a woman. Having offspring is a way not only to prolong your own family line, but also an opportunity to feel your importance on earth. One of the key roles in the implementation of the procedure for the immediate birth of a baby is played by the midwife. Representatives of this profession celebrate their professional date annually on May 5 - International Day of the Midwife. The idea of ​​establishing this holiday was first put forward by the World Organization of Midwives. This event took place in 1987 at a convention in the Netherlands. However, the holiday received official status only 5 years later. Currently, it is celebrated in more than 50 countries, in particular in our country. The key objective of the event is to inform society about the importance of the midwifery profession. The importance of this specialty is very difficult to overestimate, since the health and life of a woman and her baby often depends on the medical worker, on his practical experience and professional skills. The midwife helps the patient become a mother, accompanies her from the minutes of admission to the maternity ward until the final discharge. She takes care of paperwork, stays with the expectant mother before, after and during the birth of a child, provides medical support and moral assistance. In addition to professional skills, representatives of such a profession must have certain personal qualities. First of all, it is responsibility, responsiveness and compassion. The history of the emergence of this specialty dates back to ancient times, as clearly evidenced by all kinds of documents and sacred notes of different peoples. These include Jews and Egyptians. At first, special ladies were involved in providing medical care to women during the birth of children. According to mythological sources of all kinds of cultures, the highest patrons of pregnant women were not gods, but goddesses. Much later, around the middle of the 4th century BC. Men also began to engage in this business. As part of the events organized on the holiday in all countries, midwives organize street processions, set up tents in crowded places, where they conduct professional consultations, providing passers-by with useful information about their specialty. In addition, on May 5, meetings, congresses and seminars are organized where midwives share personal experiences and report on achievements in their field. Individual employees or entire teams are awarded certificates and bonuses. In countries with well-developed obstetrics, funds are being raised to help foreign colleagues (for example, money is spent on purchasing bicycles for health workers working in remote regions). Many midwives simply gather with colleagues for pleasant socializing in an informal setting.

Every year on May 5th Russia celebrates Diver Day. The holiday was officially included in the register of Russian memorable dates in 2002. It is not a public holiday. On May 5, 1882, the world's first diving school was opened. It was located in the port city of Kronstadt, located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. Emperor Alexander III took personal part in the creation of the educational institution, issuing a decree on its construction. The diving school has become a unique facility. There were no analogues to it in the whole world. Foreigners came to Russia to study here. The fame of Russian divers, graduates of the educational institution, thundered in all countries. Education at school was aimed at solving military problems. Students were taught not only how to work and stay under water for a long time, but also how to correctly set and remove mines. A highly paid job in the Russian Navy awaited each graduate of the educational institution. On Diver's Day, many sports competitions are held in professional circles. Both experienced diving specialists and “newbies” in their field participate in relay races for speed, agility, and endurance. One of the most common competitions on this day is the task of taking off a diving suit at speed. Whoever is first wins. Divers compete in distance running, dive in artificially created difficult conditions, and conduct competitive search activities under water. The winners of the tournaments receive certificates of honor, prizes, and commemorative cups. On May 5, the Ministry of Emergency Situations obligatorily congratulates divers and discusses with the management staff the successes, tasks and pressing problems of this professional field. In some schools and kindergartens, on the eve of the celebration, they draw thematic pictures and tell children about the hard work and daily heroism of representatives of this profession. In addition to the divers themselves, drivers also celebrate May 5, counting themselves among this group of professionals. Many of them even start their diving season on this day.

Russian cryptographers celebrate their professional holiday on May 5 - Cryptographic Day in Russia. It was on this May day that the first Soviet cryptography and encryption service was created. The main mission of the intelligence service remains unchanged - information protection and measures to block unauthorized access to the state security system. Common features of colleagues in the shop are high intelligence, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to “keep other people’s secrets.” The work of a cryptographer has always been highly valued and well paid. People who come up with their own coded language and can declassify other people's secret signs are a priori talented. Cryptography began the day a person first received a letter. He really didn't want his contents to become public. Then the question arose about the authorship and authenticity of the message. And thoughts on how to limit access to data. Cipher signs appeared, and people began to comprehend the basics of secret writing (cryptography). The ancient Greeks, who took the “baton” from the Egyptians, especially distinguished themselves in this skill. During the time of the pharaohs, strict orders reigned. The carriers of information were slaves. They shaved their heads, applied a message with permanent paint, and waited for their hair to grow back. The “overgrown” messenger was sent to the addressee, who, for ease of reading, cut off the slave’s head. We owe the appearance of the cryptographic key to Egypt. Messages were written on papyrus paper, which was wound around a stick. The tape was then rolled into a roll and sent to the recipient. To read the letter, you needed a stick of the same diameter. This was the key. Julius Caesar improved the Egyptian prototype of the key. He invented variable rod diameter. During the time of Caesar, the simplest encryption method appeared. Each letter was replaced in the text by the next one in alphabetical order. The method worked only because at that time few people knew how to read and write. Famous cryptologists of antiquity were Aristotle, Nero and Pythagoras. The authorship of the first apparatus for encoding words belongs to Leonardo da Vinci. The Louis dynasty was sensitive to the development of information decryption services. Letters and numbers of plain text were replaced with signs, according to certain laws. Religious and political leaders fled from the Inquisition and encrypted their works so that only a select few could read them, and scientists - to recognize the priority of the authorship of the discovery. This is what Galileo did. Shakespeare, Rabelais, and Edgar Allan Poe were considered great cryptanalysts. Cryptography was the intellectual pastime of the court. There was a real fashion for secret letters. Poets loved ciphers and anagrams. In Britain, the method of newspaper secret writing was popular. On the front page of the newspaper, barely noticeable dots were placed under the letters, which showed which letters needed to be read in order to receive the message. In the 16th century, the Vigenère cipher appeared, named after the French diplomat. It was based on a table of alphabets; it could not be cracked for a long time. Codebreakers were in the service of the Secret Chancellery, Freemasons, spies and diplomatic missions.

People are social creatures. It is very important for them to be in society and contact with others. Every day a person communicates with different groups of people, being in a work team, public transport and in a family environment at home. Communication is important not only for the exchange of information. Psychologists and gerontologists claim that the opportunity to communicate with relatives and like-minded people extends life for older people by an average of 10-15 years. French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry stated: “The only luxury I know is the luxury of human communication.” Exchange of opinions with interesting and congenial people, stories about sorrows and joys can relieve both stress and depression and cure physical ailments. Communication gives a person a feeling of satisfaction with himself and life, helps to gain knowledge, develop personal qualities and achieve success. The importance of verbal interaction was recognized by people who lived hundreds and thousands of years ago. The value of communication is not questioned today, in the age of the Internet, social networks and instant messengers. Therefore, May 5 is celebrated as World Communication Day. In honor of the holiday, lectures and seminars are held where psychologists and coaches talk about the secrets of communication. Achieving mutual understanding with loved ones, success in society, and career advancement depend on it. During a conversation, a person uses both verbal and nonverbal means of interaction - gestures, facial expressions, gaze. In order to win over your interlocutor and make communication effective, you need to maintain visual contact with him. At the same time, the gaze and body position should express sincere interest, radiate openness and friendliness. With a word you can both kill and save someone who is desperate and sees no meaning in life. In the 1979 French film “Speak, I'm Interested,” communicating with a stranger on the phone helped TV reporter François Perrin cope with depression after divorcing his wife, and his interlocutor Christina, played by actress Annie Girardot, with loneliness. Robinson Crusoe survived on a desert island after a shipwreck not only because he did not lose heart and learned to provide himself with everything he needed. An important component of his life was his acquaintance with an aborigine, whom the hero of Daniel Defoe’s novel taught his language. Communication with others like oneself is the basis for the development and formation of a person as an individual, the formation of the psyche for existence in society and salvation in critical situations. “It is not possible for us to predict how our word will respond,” wrote F.I. Tyutchev. Therefore, every person needs to develop empathy and spiritual sensitivity, broaden their horizons and train eloquence. These personal qualities and professionalism help negotiators in their work, who, by competently building communication with criminals, save hostages. Politicians, scientists, lawyers, agents representing the interests of athletes and creative people know the secrets of successful communication. The most successful speeches and speeches of speakers on May 5 become the object of close study in order to borrow experience from those who are just beginning to master the basics of communication. The art of successful verbal interaction can be learned by overcoming insecurities, fear and inferiority complex. World Communication Day suggests taking the first step in this direction.

Typhoid fever, hepatitis B, rotavirus infection, dysentery and cholera are the result of non-compliance with generally known hygiene rules. Therefore, on posters and propaganda of the Soviet years they printed calls: “Before eating, wash your hands with soap and water!”, “Are you in a hurry? Did you wash your hands poorly? Be afraid, comrade, of Koch’s wand!” Hand cleanliness is monitored by both cooks in the kitchen, surgeons in the operating room, nurses in manipulation rooms, and ordinary people in everyday life. Mankind has managed to defeat many diseases by finding ways to prevent and treat them. However, WHO insists that in the 21st century. It is necessary to pay daily attention to body hygiene as a way to control the spread of infectious diseases. "Cleanliness is the key to health!" - says a proverb familiar to everyone from childhood. At the initiative of WHO, World Hand Hygiene Day has been celebrated on May 5 since 2009. A lot of bacteria accumulate under the nails. About 840,000 different microorganisms live on the skin of the hands. Their number from fingertips to elbows varies between 2-140 million. The greatest danger is represented by salmonella, brucella, streptococcus, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella. Pathogenic bacteria cause diseases that require drug treatment. Germs get on the skin of the hands after contact with various surfaces in public places, banknotes, laptop keyboards, remote controls, etc. All family members need to be taught hygiene procedures, especially small children who learn about the world around them through tactile sensations. These are poetic lines by V. Mayakovsky, published in “Working Moscow” in 1927 with the aim of promoting cleanliness and a healthy lifestyle. Almost 100 years after the poem was written, the problem of maintaining hygiene rules is still relevant. Contrary to prejudice, the hands of people involved in physical labor are much cleaner than those of office workers. Women by nature tend to pay more attention to their appearance and body hygiene. However, their hands contain much more bacteria than men. The skin of the fair sex has low acidity and tends to sweat less. Therefore, more pathogens accumulate on women's hands than on men's. The international holiday encourages everyone to take care of themselves and others. To do this, you need to start washing your hands when you come home from the street, before eating, after handling raw foods, and after contact with sick people and animals. The skin should be cleansed with soap and warm water, towel dried, after changing a baby's diaper, taking out the trash, cleaning the cat's litter box, and other household chores. You should spend at least 20 seconds washing, taking care not to use an antiseptic unnecessarily, which will dry out the upper layer of the dermis. Experts talk about these and other nuances during events held for World Hand Hygiene Day.

Lelya, or Lyalya, is the daughter of the Slavic goddess Lada. Forever young Lelya was a gentle patroness of children and nulliparous women. It is enough to remember the Russian words with the same root for this name (lyalya, cherish) to understand how the Slavs treated this goddess. On May 5 a holiday is celebrated in her honor. It is called Lelnik (Lyalnik), sometimes - Krasnaya Gorka. In the morning, dressed up girls and young women went to meet the dawn on the hill behind the village. With the first rays of the sun, the most beautiful girl was chosen to portray Lelya; she was decorated with a wreath and multi-colored ribbons. She stood in the center of the round dance and recited a spell for love. The rest repeated after her, wanting to meet their betrothed, to find female happiness. After the bachelorette party, the boys joined the round dance. The girl, depicting the goddess of spring and women in labor, was seated on a bench made of turf and presented with treats, ribbons, and bells to appease her. She put a wreath on everyone who approached. Sometimes they dressed up another girl, considering her to be Lada, the goddess of love. A straw effigy was placed on the pole. Below him, the adults were setting the festive table. The youth led round dances and played “streams”. Many wrote their wishes on birch bark, burned it in a fire and scattered the ashes to the wind. In the evening, boys and men left the holiday, all female representatives dressed in white clothes, formed a round dance around the fire and sang a wedding song in honor of Lelya. Houses were decorated with images of birds, because they were considered Lelya’s servants. It was customary to bake lalemye - a loaf or cookies: this treat symbolized a woman's share. Married women suffering from infertility went to the field at dawn and performed a special ceremony glorifying the Bereginya of pregnancy. Men could give cut flowers to their lovers. Children played with painted eggs. On this day, girls and boys were not allowed to sit at home, as this symbolized an unhappy future married life.

The newspaper "Pravda" as a literary and journalistic magazine appeared in 1903. The publication became the mouthpiece of the ideas of Bolshevism, and later of the Communist Party of the USSR, in 1912. The founder of the printed organ of the RSDLP (b) and the Central Committee is V.I. Lenin. In 1917, the editorial office was headed by the sister of the leader of the world revolution, M.I. Ulyanov. The first issue of the “collective propagandist,” as Lenin called the newspaper, was published on May 5. In 1922, to mark the tenth anniversary of the publication of Pravda, a state holiday was established in the USSR - Soviet Press Day. Journalism of the world's first state of workers and peasants developed in many directions. The traditions of Soviet journalism originated in such publications as Izvestia, Trud, Moskovsky Komsomolets, Ogonyok, Krasnaya Zvezda, Komsomolskaya Pravda and others. Therefore, it would be wrong to talk about Soviet Press Day only in relation to Pravda. Moreover, it is not the oldest Russian publication. Long before the publication of the first issue of Pravda in 1861, the regional studies and popular science magazine Around the World appeared. However, this does not diminish the importance of the role of the newspaper, the publication of which did not stop even during the harsh years of the Great Patriotic War. Soviet printed publications were not only the mouthpiece of the ideas of socialism and communism, the propaganda of labor shock workers and the Stakhanov movement. “Soviet Sport” informed about the victories and achievements of athletes, “Inventor and Innovator” - about technical innovations and scientific achievements. "Ogonyok", "New World" and "Literaturnaya Gazeta" covered the development of education and culture in the USSR, publishing works of writers and poets. “Pionerskaya Pravda”, “Young Naturalist” and “Coeval” were produced for young audiences. Newspapers, magazines and almanacs contained both materials about the labor exploits of Soviet citizens and international events, such as, for example, the weekly publication “Abroad”. Soviet Press Day was celebrated in the USSR annually on May 5th. In 1991, it was renamed, replacing “Soviet” with “Russian” and began to be celebrated according to the decree of B.N. Yeltsin January 13. The date for setting the solemn day was the publication in 1703 of another oldest Russian newspaper - Vedomosti. Pravda became the main press organ of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, which is the heir to the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. The newspaper forged personnel throughout all the years of its existence: its staff formed journalistic schools, from which emerged professionals who make up the flower of modern journalism. Soviet Press Day is still dear and memorable to most Russians who lived during the Soviet Union. Therefore, editors, journalists and other employees of periodicals celebrate their professional holiday on May 5 in the old fashioned way.

Belarus celebrates Press Day on May 5th. This is a holiday for everyone involved in the compilation, design and publication of newspapers and magazines. The date was fixed by Presidential Decree No. 156 of May 2, 1996. Like any other holiday, Printing Day has its own history of creation, and an ambiguous one. There are two versions of what date the holiday is dedicated to. Supporters of the first believe that by the publication of the first issue of Lenin's Pravda on May 5, 1912. Pravda was a daily newspaper for workers published by the Bolsheviks. The initiator of its creation was V.I. Lenin. The appearance of the Bolshevik newspaper is associated with a scandal: the Social Democrats have already used this name for their publication. They tried to seek support from the German socialists, but this did not help them. The Bolsheviks were victorious in this conflict, and their newspaper retained its name. The release of Pravda was associated with many difficulties: it was repeatedly banned, publishers had to change the name. An interesting fact: part of the circulation, which consisted of 40-60 thousand copies, was brought to Russia in barrels of herring. The newspaper still exists. Issued in printed and electronic versions. In Soviet times, Press Day was celebrated on May 5th. Belarus, as part of the former Soviet Union, retained the date of the holiday. Supporters of the second version believe that Printing Day is dedicated to another historical event. On May 5, 1581, the first “Chronology” calendar was released in the printing house of the city of Ostrog (modern Ukraine), founded by Ivan Fedorov. The text listed all the months from September to August (at that time the new year began in the fall), and briefly described the most important events related to them. The document contained short poems by Andrei Rymsha, written in the Old Belarusian dialect. Until this day, neither calendars nor poetic works were printed in Russia, Ukraine, or Belarus, so such an event deserves to be immortalized in history. Press Day is celebrated by employees of newspapers, magazines, publishing houses, and printing houses. On this day, winners of various competitions are awarded, seminars and conferences are held. Currently, more than a thousand periodicals are published in Belarus, whose employees happily celebrate their professional holiday.

On May 5, Kyrgyzstan celebrates Constitution Day of the Kyrgyz Republic. This is the main law of the country, replacing the old one adopted in 1978 in 1993. The country's Constitution has been changed several times, reflecting new historical and political realities. In 1926, the Kirghiz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was formed. In 1929, the first Constitution was adopted in Kyrgyzstan. When the Kirghiz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic became a republic of the Soviet Union, there was a need to change the basic law. In 1937, a new Constitution came into force. It is characteristic that the Constitution of 1937, recognizing Kyrgyzstan as a union republic, took into account the national characteristics of life. In 1978, the country began to live under the new Constitution. It was published in Russian, Kyrgyz, and Uzbek languages. The document established the main aspects of the political system of the republic: - universal suffrage by secret ballot; - the rights, responsibilities, and freedoms of citizens are spelled out; - the political system of society is spelled out in detail. The document existed until 1993. The political changes that followed changed all aspects of life in the republic. On May 5, 1993, the country began to live according to the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic. It was a difficult period in the fate of the country. The main document was changed several times to strengthen presidential power. In 1994, a clause was introduced on holding referendums on significant issues of public life. Legislative power was delegated to a bicameral parliament, consisting of: - Legislative Assembly (35 people), - Assembly of People's Representatives (70 people). In 1996, amendments were adopted that assigned enormous rights to the President (to appoint officials, dissolve parliament, etc.). The opposition accused President Akaev of usurping power. In 2005, elections were held in Kyrgyzstan. Only pro-government forces entered parliament. Protests began and ended in a coup. Kurmanbek Bakiyev came to power and decided to develop a new Constitution. The law was adopted in 2006, but the Constitutional Court overturned it, leaving the old Constitution (as amended in 2003) in force. A new version of the basic law was adopted in a referendum and approved by the President in 2007. In 2010, a coup d'état (the second) took place in the country. The Provisional Government came to power. The country became a parliamentary republic. In the same year, a new Constitution was developed and introduced in Kyrgyzstan. Its main provisions: - The President is elected for 6 years, his rights are limited; - any party cannot occupy more than 65 seats in parliament (out of 120); - respect for human rights is declared. The Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic has such a difficult history. It reflects all the processes that have taken place in the country since the beginning of the 20th century.

World Laughter Day

Every year on the first Sunday in May, Lithuania celebrates Mother's Day. The holiday has a rich history and is celebrated in many countries, only the dates are different. Strengthening the family, supporting motherhood, recognizing the social importance of women and mothers - these are the main ideas on which the holiday is based. The history of the holiday goes back to antiquity. The cult of the mother goddess existed among many peoples (Greeks, Romans, Sumerians). In England in the 17th century, Mothering Sunday (the fourth Sunday of Lent) was celebrated. On this day, rich Englishmen sent their servants home so that they could be with their mothers. There was a tradition of giving mothers a cake and receiving a blessing in return. In addition, on this day the British went to “their” church, usually the one that was closer to home. At the end of the 19th century, American Julia Ward Howe proposed dedicating Mother's Day to the fight for peace. Its idea did not find wide support among citizens, since the idea of ​​the holiday was abstract. At the beginning of the 20th century, another American, Anna Jarvis, in memory of her mother, launched a campaign to introduce a new holiday in the country that would be dedicated to all mothers. The first state to support it was Virginia. In 1914, Mother's Day became a national holiday in America. It is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. This is one of the most favorite holidays among the citizens of the country. The tradition of celebrating Mother's Day has found a response in other countries, only some states chose a different date. This is a family holiday. Children of different ages, many of whom are already parents themselves, come to visit and give their mothers flowers and gifts. They congratulate not only real, but also future mothers - pregnant women. The government of the country does not stand aside either. The President makes a congratulatory speech. On Mother's Day, women who gave birth and raised seven children receive awards. Festive services are held in churches. Celebrating Mother's Day is a family tradition for many Lithuanians. This kind and touching holiday unites people of different generations and emphasizes the importance of family values.

Funny Holidays - International Princess Day

Russian Holidays - Kuban Journalism Day

On May 5, the people of Japan celebrate a wonderful holiday - Children's Day in Japan, because, as everyone well knows, they are our future. The significance of this event for the Japanese is evidenced by the fact that in 1948 the holiday received national status. The history of Children's Day goes back to the distant Middle Ages, then it was called Boys' Day (or in Japanese Tango no sekku, which translated means the celebration of the first day of the horse). This is all no coincidence, since it is the horse that has such qualities as courage, endurance and courage, and this is exactly what a boy should be in order to become a worthy warrior in the future, who is always ready to defend his homeland. During the Heian Dynasty, it was customary to organize military sports competitions on Boys' Day. Young men from the age of 15 took part in them. They competed in archery, fought with swords, and there was always sumo wrestling. Thus, the emperor tried to cultivate a real samurai spirit among the younger generation of Japan. Today, on Children's Day, it is customary to hang an image of a carp near houses, since this fish is incredibly resilient. It is able to live in fresh water and even in swampy areas. Thus, the Japanese express their wishes that their boys in the future grow up to be real and strong men, ready to overcome all difficulties. By the way, the length of the carp directly depends on the age of the boy: the longer the fish, the older the child. In addition, for this holiday, special, ritual food is necessarily prepared, which includes rice (koloboks, flatbreads), which, as residents of Japan believe, will help their sons always remain healthy. In the evening, everyone gathers to listen to stories about the heroes of Japan. Thus, although Children's Day is celebrated in the Land of the Rising Sun, clear preference is still given to boys.

Children's Day in South Korea is an annual holiday, a day off, fixed at the state level. The residents themselves call their holiday Orini Nal. Orini is a new word introduced into the language by Ban Jung Hwan, literally meaning “young man with equal rights.” This is a call to respect children's opinions, not to demand anything, but only to give love and care. Teacher P.Ch. Hwang was a writer of children's literature who published his works in the magazine Orini, which he published himself. May 1, 1923 is the date of the creation of the organization in which he acted as the main ideologist with the main task of conveying to all people the idea that children have their rights. From now on, the countdown begins for the official celebration of Korean Children's Day. Such concern for the lives of young residents did not arise without reason. At the beginning of the 20th century, Japan completely broke the sovereignty of Korea by seizing it by force. Gradually subjugating the inhabitants to their power, the Japanese actually turned them into slaves, not only taking away half of the food, but also forbidding Korean children to learn their native language. The future of the nation was under threat, and the activities of Hwang’s organization were precisely directed against the assimilation of local residents, the loss of identity, cultural values, and even the possible disappearance of the Korean people. The government, of course, did not like such activities: in 1937 the holiday was cancelled. Only after throwing off the shackles of colonial Japanese oppression in 1946, restoring independence through the division of the Korean Peninsula, South Korea was able to revive the tradition, but changed the date to May 5th. The mentality of Koreans gradually changed. Nowadays, children are loved and respected by everyone from teenagers to the older generation, without being divided into friends and foes, and the celebration of Children's Day is proof of this. On this day, theatrical performances based on fairy tales and stories by P.Ch. are popular. Hwana, where all the actors are schoolchildren. The book “The Gift of Love” by the main Korean ideologist of children's rights is of particular memorable value for Koreans. It is a special honor to read from the stage an excerpt from this work or any other that promotes children’s rights. Thematic show programs for little ones are organized: soap bubbles, kites; competitions and sports are for older children, but even babies in strollers are not left without attention. On May 5th, it is customary to decorate children's vehicles. They are especially numerous on the streets of the capital, because almost all roads lead to the most famous amusement park in Asia and the world-famous Lotte World. Mass entertainment: circuses, zoos, amusement parks are absolutely free all day long, which allows you to have fun like never before from morning until evening.

International holidays - Europe Day (Europe Day in the Council of Europe)

Every year on May 5, residents of the Netherlands celebrate a national date - Liberation Day of the Netherlands, established to commemorate the anniversary of the state's liberation from Nazi occupation. This event took place in 1945, at the Mir Hotel, located in the Dutch town of Wacheningen. On that spring day, an official agreement was concluded on the surrender of German soldiers from the territory of the country. In former times, it was customary to celebrate the holiday once every five years. Since 1990, it has been celebrated every year. Two dates are dedicated to this significant historical day: May 4 - Commemoration, the next day - Liberation. In fact, Memorial Day serves as a tribute of recognition to those who died during the Second World War. On this day, national flags are lowered to half-mast and commemorative events are held throughout the state. The Nazi occupation began in 1940 and continued until 1945. This day is considered a real holiday in the country. Thematic concerts are held in all cities, music is played everywhere. In Amsterdam, performances are organized along the banks of the Amstel River. Sometimes they are visited by members of the royal family, who are greeted with great excitement by the townspeople. Remembering the historical events of World War II on the territory of Holland, some facts should be noted. Initially, the Germans turned to the Dutch with a request not to resist the latter when the German army crossed their lands on the way to Belgium. However, the tiny state responded with a decisive refusal. Naturally, the tiny Dutch division, which its allies did not have time to help, had practically no chance. The Germans invaded the Netherlands on May 10, 1940, and 2 days later launched a heavy bombardment of the city of Rotterdam, where there were a large number of casualties. As a result, Holland capitulated. The attack was so large-scale that in fact not a single building from the pre-war years remained in the village. That is why today this ultra-modern metropolis with high-rise buildings has such a colossal contrast with other cities in the country. In the winter of 1944-1945, Dutch residents refused to maintain the railway transport hub, in order to avoid further assistance from the German division. In retaliation, the Germans blockaded the country, cutting it off from food routes. A terrible famine began, food was distributed using special cards. It is noteworthy that the country's Queen Wilhelmina spent all the war years in Great Britain, leaving her people. Meanwhile, England provided all possible assistance to its allies, dropping food from airplanes onto occupied Holland. Thanks to the Canadian army and their accomplices, the Netherlands gained freedom on May 5, 1945. Despite the fact that Holland owes its liberation to its allies in the form of the Canadians, Americans and British, it has not forgotten who won the final victory over the Nazis. It is for this reason that every year in early May, a royal guard of honor marches at the Soviet Field of Glory in Amersfoort at the graves of Soviet soldiers who died for the freedom of Holland, with the traditional laying of wreaths. In memory of this historical date, various events and numerous festivals are organized throughout the Netherlands with the participation of famous musical groups and vocalists. Festive events attract thousands of local residents, especially representatives of the younger generation. As a rule, the large-scale celebration ends late in the evening in Amsterdam, with mass festivities and performances on the Amstel coast. The concerts are attended by members of the monastic family and other influential people of the country.

Mexican Holidays - Cinco de Mayo (Victory Day at Pueblo)

According to the folk calendar, May 5 (April 22 according to the old style) is Luke's Day. The name of the holiday is given in honor of the holy apostle Luke from the 70, whose memory is revered in Orthodox churches on this day. Luke lived in the 1st century and practiced medicine. However, having learned about Christ, he came to him in Palestine for teachings and became an apostle of the 70. After the death of the Savior, he studied with the Apostle Paul, and then went to spread the faith in Egypt, Libya, Achaea and Thebaid. The saint was one of the first icon painters, as well as the patron of all medical workers. Popularly, on Luke Day, residents planted onions and prayed to St. Luke for a good harvest. The plant was valued for its beneficial medicinal properties; it was consumed fresh to protect against colds, especially in the off-season. In addition, onions were added to most dishes for a special taste. On Luke's Day they continued to celebrate Lyalnik, or Lelnik. This holiday was timed to celebrate the blossoming spring. The girls danced around the apple trees, chose one pretty girl, I associate her with spring, and danced around her. Then the boys joined the girls, and the round dances developed into general fun, dancing and games. On this day, strange fogs often descended on the clearings. The peasants said that it was pregnant witches circling in a round dance. The residents tried to avoid such fog, believing that, once there, they would be whirled and besotted by evil spirits, and then secretly put their children in the womb. However, if a woman could not conceive children for a long time, she went into the witch’s fog. She laid a linen on the grass, stripped naked and stood in the circle of the unclean. Then she wiped her body with a piece of linen and went home, hoping for a quick pregnancy. Only desperate people decided to undertake this ritual, because there was a risk of carrying a small witcher in their womb. By observing signs on Luke's Day, residents judged the future. If the weather was sunny in the morning, it meant that a fertile period for sowing cereals had begun; if it was foggy, the sowing was postponed to a later date. The cuckoo's cuckoo foreshadowed the end of the cold weather. The blossoming of the rowan promised prolonged warmth. Night frosts predicted unfavorable weather for the fields for the next forty days.

Every first Sunday in May, the American state of New York celebrates both fun and serious Bicycle Blessing Day. The celebration consists of the largest bicycle ride in the United States through the streets of New York, which has become a tradition in its almost 20-year history since 1999. The number of participants is constantly increasing: the last one already numbered about 30 thousand people. A special blessing ceremony takes place the day before in the largest and most majestic cathedral. Located in the upper part of Manhattan, the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist can accommodate everyone and their two-wheeled friends. By the way, the opportunity to receive a blessing in the first year of the introduction of the tradition attracted only 10 people. Such a ceremony may seem, to put it mildly, unusual for a temple rite, but its origins go back to the consecration of chariots, with special emphasis placed on the fact that this is a pious activity that does not bring harm to people. After sprinkling with holy water, the action ends with the most severe and sad moment - a minute of silence in memory of the tragically killed cyclists. The ceremony is popular not only among professional cyclists and courier service workers, but also among ordinary cycling enthusiasts. And the next day, everyone who wants to take part in the race chooses a section of the route for themselves or goes straight to the final, because not everyone can handle the 68 km route passing through the five boroughs of New York. Staten Island is the finish line of an exciting route. It is there that all fans of cycling can enjoy numerous entertainments - competitions, concerts, exhibitions, festive treats and, of course, children's show programs, because children of all ages are the most devoted fans. Those who are interested not only in cycling, but also in history, will be interested in the exhibition in the provincial town of Kopek. It can trace the evolution of this type of transport from its first appearance on the streets of New York in 1819. The exhibition includes not only two-wheeled vehicles, but also various interesting gizmos related to this topic. True fans of the cycling theme from all over the world not only watch, but also purchase unusual antique models and unique accessories at auction. Celebrating Blessing Day is accessible and fun for people of all ages. And this is another confirmation that the love for this environmentally friendly mode of transport is growing every year.

Orthodox holidays on May 5:

The key holiday of Orthodox Christians is Easter. The celebration of this solemn day stands at the very origins of the birth of Christianity. If other holidays were gradually layered and acquired significance in the process of developing the structure of the liturgical life of the Church, then Easter is the axis on which they are gathered. This status is expressed in the definition “Easter is a holiday of holidays, a triumph of celebrations.” The onset of Easter is calculated not according to the solar calendar, but according to the lunisolar calendar, and therefore its date differs within different years. The technique that allows you to calculate what day Easter falls on in a particular year is called Paschalia. Briefly, the calculation rule can be expressed as follows: after the first full moon following the spring equinox, it is necessary to determine the first Sunday day. It will be the day of Easter. This is why we talk about the lunisolar calendar, because the equinox is an event in the solar cycle, while the full moon is an event in the lunar cycle. It is necessary to clearly distinguish the event celebrated by Orthodox Christians on Easter from the event celebrated by the Jews, despite the fact that on the very first day from which the tradition comes, these events coincided. In the year in which the action revered by the Orthodox took place (we are talking about the 33rd year of the new era), on the Sunday described, the Miracle of the Resurrection of Christ occurred. It coincided with the celebrations celebrated by the Jews on the occasion of the Exodus, here meaning the liberation of the Jews from Egyptian captivity. Further, these holidays diverged in dates, significance, and religion. The very meaning of the holiday has also changed, even in terms of the Easter sacrifice. For Jews it is the lamb, for Christians it is the Savior. Christians do not celebrate Passover, which is the name of the Jewish holiday, but Jews do Easter. However, the consonance remains and it is obvious. The word Passover from Hebrew is translated as “passed by, passed by.” We are talking about an incident that occurred in Egypt when God passed by the houses of the Jews and spared the firstborn. Further, the name of the holiday was borrowed and expanded with an alternative one - Bright Sunday of Christ. This day marks the culmination of Holy Week, as the culmination of a series of events that occurred in the last week of the life of Jesus Christ and are especially revered by Christians. This last week is the strictest in the Great Lent, known as Great Lent. Believers who observe it significantly limit themselves in food products and spend their days praying for repentance in memory of the Savior’s death on the cross. On Good Friday, the day when Christ was crucified, fasting is especially strict. And on Holy Saturday, Orthodox Christians go to churches to bless Easter foods: krashenki (colored eggs), Easter cottage cheese and Easter cakes. This is done in the vestibules, because such food cannot be brought inside. The eve of the holy night of Easter is marked by all-night vigils, special public services held before great church celebrations. The holiday is considered to come after the end of the service; at this moment you can break your fast, that is, start eating fast food. After which, during daylight hours, folk festivities begin.

Memorial Day of St. Bartholomew the Apostle

Memorial Day of St. Theodore Sikeot