By a UN resolution in 2004, it was decided to celebrate May 8 and May 9 as the days of the end of the Second World War. Honoring official events related to the date are recommended to be held since 2005 in member countries of the UN community. The resolution was agreed upon in connection with the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II throughout the world.

May 8 is the International Day of the Red Cross and Red Crescent - an independent humanitarian organization founded in 1863 by Henri Dunant (Switzerland) to help victims of armed conflicts, terror and violence. The purpose of the committee is to protect the life, health and dignity of people who have become victims of hostilities. The background to the creation of the ICRC was the events of 1859 in southern Italy. In the suburb of Solferino, a bloody battle took place between the Austrians and the French army, which Europe had not seen since the Battle of Waterloo. Thousands of soldiers and officers were killed and maimed. By chance, Henri Dunant became an eyewitness to something that completely turned his consciousness and life upside down: people were abandoned in the open air to die from wounds, exhaustion and thirst. Upon returning home to Geneva, Dunant will write a book about those events, in which he will raise the problem of helping participants in military clashes. She made a strong impression on the chairman of the public charity organization, Gustav Moynier, and in 1863, through their joint efforts, the Committee was created. Dunon and Moynier called on the governments of all countries to create similar organizations with volunteer rescuers who were ready at any time to go to points of armed conflict to help the small medical hospitals. Later practice showed that fire was opened on enemy military doctors, despite their white coats. Thus was born the idea of ​​​​creating a special sign - a red cross, which would mark doctors, ambulances and field hospitals. The emblem was intended to distinguish those who, while in a conflict zone, are not participating in military operations on anyone's side, and, therefore, should not be attacked. In 1906, the first charitable organization appeared in a Muslim country - the Ottoman Empire, which was called the Red Crescent. Today these distinctive signs - the red cross and crescent - are known all over the world. Their use is governed by the legal instruments of the 1949 Geneva Convention. In 1901, Henry Dunant received the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work in the name of justice and humanity. Today, the ICRC has representative offices in almost 80 countries around the world. Their area of ​​responsibility includes not only zones of military conflicts. This includes comprehensive assistance to people with disabilities, mine action, ensuring the safety of medical units, visiting places of detention, humanitarian diplomacy and family reunification.

According to Russian legislation, military-technical cooperation is an activity of authorized organizations in the field of international relations. Such activities may be associated with mutual supplies, purchase or sale of military goods. A separate area is the development and production of military equipment and devices. Cooperation with foreign partners goes in three directions: • sale of military equipment and technologies; • joint development and production of the latest weapons; • purchases of military equipment and components. Military cooperation peaked in the post-war period. The Soviet Union actively supplied weapons and defensive equipment to Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Most supplies went to Europe, to the Warsaw Pact countries. At the beginning of May 1953, the Council of Ministers, by its decree, created the Main Engineering Directorate (GED), which became the state's intermediary with foreign partners. The State Administration assumes the functions of coordinator of the activities of individual departments and services in the field of military-technical cooperation. In parallel with the formation of the head structure, a staff of representatives of State Institutions in other countries is being created. There were only 9 first partners, but by the beginning of 1992 there were 70 of them. Relationships with suppliers are quickly being established. Authorized representatives resolve controversial issues and political nuances. Despite the growing number of partners, the main direction of military-technical cooperation was supplies to the Warsaw Pact countries. In the 80s, a third of all supplies went to Eastern Europe. A significant number of different equipment was supplied to the Middle East, Cuba and South Asia. The collapse of the Union had a detrimental effect on this area of ​​international relations. The country was losing dozens of partners. Some began to buy weapons in the United States, others in Europe or Israel. Russia has lost huge amounts of money. But the difficult internal situation also affected arms manufacturers. These reasons forced us to reconsider the principles of military cooperation with foreign partners. But the main thing remains – the principle of the primacy of the country’s foreign policy. This was complicated by international obligations to ban the supply of military equipment and dual-use goods to some countries. As old trade relations were restored and new ones were developed, instead of the SMI, two new structures were created in 1992: Oboronexport and Spetsvneshtekhnika. The 90s became a period of formation and development of these organizations. The result of the development is the creation of a single federal intermediary in the field of military-technical cooperation - Rosoboronexport. At the same time, a Committee was created in the military-technical cooperation with foreign countries. It becomes the main government body in the field of military-technical cooperation. His competencies included: control and regulation of any activity in the field of military-technical cooperation. Two years later, the Committee will be transformed into the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation. The service becomes subordinate to the Ministry of Defense, which controls its actions. The holiday date chosen was the day of creation of the Main Engineering Directorate - May 8. For more than ten years, the service has been developing and finding new ways in its activities. Russia is once again becoming a leader in the export of weapons and military equipment. We have expanded the geography of supplies and strengthened relationships with regular partners. The share of Rosoboronexport, one of the world's leading companies, accounts for 80% of the export of our weapons and equipment. On this day, we congratulate the employees and veterans of the FSVTS on their professional holiday. Their work is a worthy contribution to the defense capability and prestige of the country.

The phrase “Our service is both dangerous and difficult” applies most appropriately to employees of the Russian penal system. These people sometimes risk their lives and nerves, conducting internal investigations, finding out the truth, and performing dangerous service. The operatives quite rightly deserve the universal attention that they receive annually on the 8th of May. Despite the fact that the Day of the Investigative Officer of the Penitentiary System in Russia is not one of the official memorial dates, its significance in the professional circle is very noticeable. Back in 1935, it was on May 8 that the first units of the penal system were created. Prior to this, investigative measures were intensively carried out with political prisoners for 10 years. The detectives identified criminals so competently and quickly and prevented new crimes that it was decided to create a special structure - the penal system. This event laid the foundation for consolidating annual incentives and rewards among operational employees. Simply put, they approved, albeit not an official, but still a holiday on May 8th. To be admitted to the service in the penal system, applicants must have a certain set of qualities: logical thinking, quick reaction, enormous endurance, perseverance in achieving goals, discipline, immense fortitude, incorruptibility and impartiality. Completing compulsory military service, receiving special education in the structural institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, skills in handling weapons, knowledge of the laws are essential conditions for enrollment in the ranks of the penal system. After a court verdict, criminals bear punishment, the execution of which is monitored by operatives in prisons, pre-trial detention centers, and colonies. The work is associated with great risk, nervous stress and tension. Therefore, composure and vigilance are important assistants in such a difficult profession. After all, maintaining law and order in correctional facilities is a rather serious matter. Russia has significant indicators in terms of the number of prisoners. In this regard, the personnel services of the executive inspection are constantly in need of new employees, which indicates the high demand for the profession of an operational worker. May 8 is celebrated not only by current employees of the executive system. On this day, congratulations are received from veterans of this structure and future employees undergoing training in specialized educational institutions. The teams gather together in large halls and accept awards, encouragements, medals, and thanks. As a rule, banquets are organized with intimate conversations and interesting stories. Concerts are held with invited artists, singers, and photographers. Collective photographs are taken as a souvenir, and memorable gifts are distributed. Older generation colleagues share their experience with the younger generation. In addition, thematic documentaries and feature films are shown on central television. Newspapers and magazines publish interesting facts from the life of operational workers. Radio channels run order tables with musical greetings. On the Day of the Operative Worker of the Penitentiary System, the population of Russia admires those who play an overwhelming, dangerous, courageous role in society. So let's congratulate these courageous employees and wish them good luck in such difficult work.

International holidays - World Donkey Day

Funny holidays - Birthday of the Coca-Cola drink

Norway Holidays - Women's Night (Kvinnehistorisk natt)

The wisdom of Zoroastrianism originates from the teachings of the prophet Zarathustra. One of the most ancient and venerable religious and philosophical teachings on earth, which became a direct source for the development of the dogmas of Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and even Christianity. The followers of the great Zarathustra call themselves Parsis. Like the great prophet, they share their revelations, sacredly honor the Avesta, completely based on the laws of astrology and guided by the model of the earthly world order. A special place in religion is occupied by the division of everything tangible according to the principle of movement of the Zodiac circle. The 12 signs of the Zodiac, which are constantly under the influence of moving planets, have truly magical significance. Their subtle interaction and connection with human life, caused by the influence of space objects, is examined. As a result, it turns out that the wisdom of the Zoroastrians is based on a magical relationship, on the other hand, it is based on fairly clear scientific works and discoveries of astrology. Each holiday of Zoroastrianism is marked by the magical presence of cosmic energy, the search for harmony and the awareness of one’s own place in the boundless Universe. The Gahanbar holiday is dedicated to honoring the spirit of Spenta Manyu - the Holy Spirit for Zoroastrians. The event acquires the highest power at the moment the Sun enters 19 degrees Taurus (May 8-9). For religious adherents, this moment is the most sacred, which emphasizes the special significance of the Gahanbar holiday. It is believed that the first followers of Zarathustra were pagan fire worshipers. In Zoroastrianism, fire is the most important symbol of the universe, the structure of all things and the complete purification of soul and body. Gahanbar is associated with the veneration of the primary light, the vital energy of fire, the power of eternity, which is capable of defeating time. On this day, religious adherents engage in rejuvenating procedures and resort to cleansing practices. One of the simplest and most accessible methods of joining the holiday traditions is visiting a bathhouse, washing the body, as a symbol of getting rid of worldly burdens. Zoroastrians consider the Peacock to be the true personification of the Spirit on earth. The constant symbol of Gahanbar is the motley Firebird, a fiery Phoenix that attracts with its incredible plumage, playing with radiant light. At its core, the holiday is very bright and joyful. It is customary to meet him in high spirits, an elevated and inspiring state of bliss, joy, and freedom of thought. On this day, a person opens his heart to new beginnings, love and creative development. For each individual holiday there is its own special ritual drink and dishes. Gahanbar's favorite ritual drink is sparkling beer, which is brewed especially for the holiday. Pyramids of halva are used for communion. The unchanging sacrament of Gahanbar is the lighting of ritual bonfires, a sparkling miracle that everyone can touch. Traditionally, large fires are prepared for the holiday, which flare up at sunset, carrying their sparks into the sky. The enchanting effect signifies purification and honoring the power of the Spirit. A living flame is the very essence of life, a symbol of animate nature, a sacred source of energy in man and the world around him.

May 8 and 9 are a national holiday for every Armenian, which consists of three significant events of the past: the victory in the Second World War, the liberation of the city of Shushi and the key victory in the military conflict that broke out between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 92-94. The older generation will always remember those times as if it were yesterday. Young people will not be able to forget about this, because on May 8 the country celebrates Yerkrapah Day, the military education of volunteer soldiers. Yerkrapah emerged in 1993 after the unification of small volunteer units formed in the area of ​​military operations. At that time, Armenia did not have military potential or a full-fledged fighting army, so the Armenians voluntarily defended their borders. Vazgen Sargsyan was elected commander of this combat unit. Subsequently, Vazgen Sargsyan was elected to the post of Minister of Defense, but died during a terrorist attack in 1999. This loss was a real blow to many, and his military comrades decided to appoint him as the eternal commander of Yerkrapah. After all, it was he who led them to victory. The turning point in that military conflict was the military battle that lasted on May 8-9. As a result of the military assault, Yerkrapah soldiers liberated the city of Shushi. There was a stronghold there, from which the opponents fired at the city of Stepanakert. It was thanks to this small victory that the outcome of this military conflict was predetermined. Now in this significant place for Armenians there is a monument to Vazgen Sargsyan, and at the site of the battle, a T-72 tank was installed, which was a participant in those hostilities. Later, the Yerkrapah military alliance became the basis for the formation of the fighting army of Armenia. Currently, Yerkrapah volunteers are doing an important job: developing patriotism, love for their homeland among young people and helping families who have lost their breadwinner after these military clashes, and are still ready to take up arms to protect their families.

On May 8 (April 25 according to the old calendar style), people celebrate Mark Klyuchnik. So the day was named in honor of St. Mark of Alexandria, an apostle of the 70 and an evangelist, whose memory is venerated by Christians on this date. Mark was from Jerusalem and was raised with the Christian faith in his heart. During his lifetime, he found Christ and was a disciple of the apostles Paul, Peter and his uncle Barnabas. The saint went to preach the faith of Christ in Cyprus, Libya and Egypt. In Alexandria, Mark organized the construction of a temple, after which he was elected to the post of Bishop of Alexandria. However, for his active preaching, he was captured by the pagans and tortured to death. The people called Mark the Keymaker, believing that he comes in the spring with the keys to open the heavens for heavy rains. The peasants in the fields read special spells for rain, prayed to the saint for moisture for the sown seeds so that they would not dry out. They just needed abundant watering from the rain, since applying water from the well to the entire field was unrealistic work. The day was also called a bird holiday, or bird fasting. It was believed that songbirds returned from warm regions on Mark's day. After the flight, they were tired, so their caring owners prepared a treat for them in the morning: hemp seeds were scattered in the yard. To ensure that the birds stayed nearby and did not fly away into the forest, men knocked together bird houses and mounted them higher. In some regions, residents went to catch siskins, believing that they would bring happiness to their owners. The housewives were busy with housekeeping that day - they cleaned the house, swept the floors with nettles, and wiped the shelves with its tincture. They said that nettle helped get rid of evil spirits. All clothes were taken out into the fresh air to air. In the fields on Mark's Day, peasants were sowing buckwheat. If you watched songbirds fly to a hemp field on Mark Klyuchnik, you were preparing for its bountiful harvest. Heavy rains also promised a high harvest. The sunny weather on this day foreshadowed a hot summer season. Seeing a high rainbow meant the onset of fine days, and a low rainbow meant bad days. The cuckoo's cuckooing signaled the end of the cold weather.

Orthodox holidays on May 8:

The Easter holiday among Orthodox believers lasts a whole week, which is called Bright Week. Each year it falls on different dates in April and May, starting immediately after the Resurrection of Christ and ending on Krasnaya Gorka. Divine services in churches in honor of the holiday are held with the Royal Doors open, joyful church chants and bells are constantly heard. All believers are allowed to call them at any time of the day for seven days. Baptisms, weddings and funeral services are not held on Bright Week. After the liturgy, a procession of the cross takes place around the temple. Bright Week is dedicated to doing good deeds - helping others, which includes giving alms to the poor and needy. It was believed that these days the Lord and the apostles wander the earth under the guise of beggars, so donations take on a special meaning. Orthodox Christians try to give up hard work, which is not associated with celebration and fun, and, if possible, perform simple household chores. Throughout Bright Week, also called Easter, the greeting “Christ is Risen!” is heard. The origins of such a long celebration lie in the Bible and religious canons. So, according to the Old Testament, God needed 7 days to create the world and man. Bright Week passes “as one day,” which symbolizes eternal salvation. Each day of Easter week is unique and, according to folk traditions, has a name and rules of celebration. In honor of the holiday, our ancestors went on this day to visit relatives and friends with cottage cheese Easter cakes, Easter cakes on dough with candied fruits and raisins, as well as colored eggs. This promised the owners of the house good luck and prosperity throughout the year until next Easter. On this day, girls gave colored eggs to the boys, and they doused them with water to make their lovers even more beautiful and healthy. Each religious procession around the temple after the service ends with the sprinkling of the believers. On Wet Monday, young and old alike poured themselves at wells and springs to improve their health and wash away illness. In honor of the holiday, latecomers were doused with cold water during morning prayer, as it was believed that absence from church for the liturgy could bring trouble to the family. Women went to visit with Easter cakes and eggs, while men and children stayed at home to farm. On Tuesday, like other days, it is forbidden to swear, overeat and drink a lot of alcohol. Throughout Bright Week, it is customary to read the troparion, kontakion and ipaka of the Hours of Easter. Visiting cemeteries and commemorating the dead is not encouraged. On this day, various fun activities were arranged, swinging on a swing, which, according to popular belief, was supposed to remove all negativity from a person. The girls danced in circles and sang songs. Wednesday was also called "Gradova". It was believed that hard work done on this day could cause hail and destroy the harvest. On Bright Wednesday, candles were placed in churches to protect crops from this natural phenomenon. On this day, the ban on remembering the dead was lifted, but this had to be done without grief, with light sadness. To visit the souls of the dead, doors were opened wide and towels hung on the windows. According to tradition, they went to cemeteries and left Easter eggs and colored eggs there on the graves. The ancient Slavs called Thursday “Navsky” because of the symbolic arrival of the departed from the world of Navi. Bridal viewings were held in the villages. The girls dressed up in their best clothes, the guys put on beautiful shirts. In addition to the shows, spring calls were traditionally held. The girls climbed the hills and hills and invited the warm sun, which would give a good harvest. On this day, it is customary to make peace and forgive offenders. On Bright Friday, the icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Spring” is venerated, so the church illuminates the believers with water and sprinkles the gardens and orchards with it. Relatives come to the homes of recently married couples. The young hostess sets the table and generously treats the guests. On Bright Friday, girls wash their faces with ice water to preserve their beauty. On this day, after the service, believers are given special bread with the image of a cross - artos. Pieces of it are kept at home near the icons until next Easter. Artos is given little by little to a sick person for healing. On the evening of Bright Saturday, the Royal Doors in the temple are closed. On this joyful and festive day, any work is postponed, people take to the streets and take part in noisy festivities. The ancient Slavs completed all rituals dedicated to the arrival of spring. On the first Sunday after Easter, Thomas met with the resurrected Jesus, hence the name of this day according to Christian traditions.

Cathedral of the Saints of Sinai

Memorial Day of the Apostle and Evangelist Mark

Feast of the Constantinople Icon of the Mother of God