Every year on May 20, an international holiday is celebrated - World Metrology Day. Every year it takes place under its own original motto, reflecting the thematic focus of the professional celebration. The creation of innovative products in the field of engineering and technology is impossible to imagine without accurate measurements. Even D. Mendeleev believed that exact science cannot exist without “measure”. The relationship between theory and practice of all fields of knowledge is ensured by a single “science of measurement” - metrology. It covers those areas of activity that require accurate measurements in the practical implementation of theoretical calculations. Like many other practical areas of human activity, metrology originated in ancient times. Since ancient times, measurements have been used in the relationship between man and nature, surrounding objects and phenomena. As society developed, the need for measurements arose in the relationships of its members (in trade, construction, crafts). Even in the times of Ancient Greece and Rome, people began to systematize their ideas about the forms, properties, sizes of objects and phenomena, their comparison and comparison. Similar attempts were made by other nations. Units of measurement received their names based on the possibility of using them without the use of special devices. In Rus' these were cubit, tithe, glass, barrel, pood, dozen, etc. The fragmentation and remoteness of territories led to the emergence of different units that measured the same parameters according to different rules. These rules were of value only for a specific territory. Therefore, to maintain uniformity, they began to use exemplary (reference) measures that were kept in churches. In 1736, the Russian Commission of Weights and Measures was formed, which was supposed to develop standards and their relationships with each other. In 1841, the first Russian system of weights and measures was legalized by royal decree. And at the mint in St. Petersburg, the first state institution was organized to verify compliance with measures of length, weight and volume. This laid the foundation for a unified metrological service of the Russian state. On May 20, 1875, an international diplomatic conference took place. During the meeting, 17 participating countries (including Russia) signed the first international agreement on intergovernmental cooperation in the field of creating a single metrological space. Subsequently, more than 30 countries joined the Meter Convention. At the same time, the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences proposed the creation of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, which would ensure the use of uniform measuring instruments on an international scale and store their standards. To this day, this intergovernmental organization ensures the implementation of the decisions of that conference, taking into account new scientific achievements. At its 88th meeting in 1999, on the initiative of scientists from Russia and Japan, May 20 received the official status of a professional holiday for all metrologists in the world.

The Volga is the pride of the country, a storehouse of natural resources, a breadwinner. Songs and poems are dedicated to her. The beauty of this river resonates with the soul of a Russian person. The holiday in question is intended to draw attention to its environmental vulnerability. There really are problems. The development of the Volga regions depends on their solution. Near the Volga, chemical fertilizers are used on farmland, industrial complexes and cascades of hydroelectric power stations are located. Hundreds of cubic meters of garbage are left behind by vacationers during the summer season, car owners wash their cars near the river - all this contributes to pollution, shallowing, flowering and a decrease in fish populations. Volga Day began in 2008. It was timed to coincide with the X International Scientific and Industrial Forum “Great Rivers – 2008” in Nizhny Novgorod. The idea was brought to life by the UNESCO capital office, the International Social-Ecological Union and the Russian division of the Coca-Cola concern. In honor of the holiday, residents of Samara, Volgograd, Yaroslavl, Ulyanovsk and other coastal regions organize cleanup days and celebrations. In the Volga regions, on May 20, there are: - concerts, - fairs of local craftsmen, - exhibitions of paintings, photographs, children's drawings, - events to clean up the river from garbage. Educational activities dedicated to Volga Day include: - scientific conferences, - seminars, - thematic school lessons, - round tables, - discussions. The organizers of the festival set global goals: to unite efforts aimed at preserving the Volga in its current state and to rehabilitate those sections of the river that can still be restored. Mother Volga is a national treasure, its natural gifts are the most important strategic resources of Russia. Thanks to caring organizations and volunteers, the value of the river is cultivated year after year - on May 20, attracting the attention of authorities and ordinary citizens.

Due to carelessness, excessive haste and as a result of accidents, the inhabitants of the planet every minute find themselves in situations that result in fractures of joints and bones, sprains of muscles and ligaments. All these injuries can be combined into one word “trauma”. Naturally, in such cases, people turn to a special department - traumatology, where they receive emergency medical care. If during the examination it turns out that the injury is too severe, the patient is given a referral to a traumatologist. On May 20, World Trauma Day is celebrated all over the world. This event provides an excellent opportunity to express gratitude to all who fight for human life every day. This science would never have been able to form into a separately developed branch of medicine if it were not for the reliable foundation laid by the famous ancient scientist and philosopher Hippocrates. He is the author of the original work “On Joints” and the essay “On Fractures”. In his works, the famous ancient Greek healer described his own views on methods of treating injuries of this kind. In modern medicine, doctors today still use the expression “to set a dislocation using the Hippocratic method.” In addition, the great scientist made his contribution to the orthopedic industry by performing many successful experiments. There were a large number of other medical figures who influenced the successful development of the traumatological field. First of all, this is Celsus Aulus Cornelius, who studied dislocations and fractures. G.I. Turner is the first person to found a specialized orthopedic hospital. N.I. deserves special attention. Pirogov, who told the public about methods of treating open fractures. The list of innovations created by scientists in the field of traumatology includes the well-known plaster cast. As for our state, chiropractors appeared in Rus' already in ancient times. The first evidence of their work was recorded in 1655 and dated back to the era of the Russian-Polish military conflict. The documents note the name of Doctor Pervushka Petrov, who served in the tsar’s unit. This indicates a highly qualified chiropractor. In 1654, the capital's school of medicine was opened in Moscow. In the first years of the institution’s existence, the educational part took place with the participation of foreign specialists. Today, in order to become a traumatologist, you will first need to enroll in a university at the appropriate faculty. The training lasts 6 years. After receiving a diploma, the graduate goes to an internship. On this special day, traumatologists accept sincere words of gratitude and memorable gifts. Everyone involved in this industry participates in the celebration. These include traumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, drug and equipment developers, and additional personnel. The event is celebrated by teachers and their students, graduates of specialized universities. Grateful patients, colleagues, friends, relatives, loved ones and simply caring people join the celebration. Radio and television channels broadcast stories about prominent personalities in this area. Specialists who performed complex operations participate in interviews. They talk about their workdays and share recommendations for strengthening and restoring their health. They also talk about the results of the latest research, innovative achievements, and the most serious problems at the moment. Congresses, courses and seminars are organized. Lectures are organized on the state of affairs in the healthcare sector. Celebrations often take place outdoors, provided the weather is good, of course.

Jeans, chewing gum and Coca-Cola were symbols of success and freedom and were considered part of Western life forbidden for Soviet people. Branded denim first appeared in the USSR in 1957, when the International Festival of Youth and Students was held in the capital. However, due to their high cost and scarcity, not every Soviet person could afford jeans, but only diplomats, artists, pilots and sailors who traveled abroad. They fought against denim trousers in the USSR, they were banned, and they could be kicked out of work or college for wearing them. However, this only fueled people's interest in the "forbidden fruit." Citizens of Europe and America were in a completely different situation. Trousers with studded pockets, which were classified as “strapless work overalls with pockets for a knife, money and watch,” were available to them from the end of the 19th century. On May 20, 1873, Levi Strauss & Co received a patent for the production of jeans. This date is considered their birthday. Initially, jeans were made from canvas; pants were worn by gold miners from California, sailors and port workers. Later, the manufacturer began to use durable blue fabric - cotton with twill or plain weave threads. Over time, denim trousers began to be worn by representatives of all classes and ages. To reduce the cost of jeans, the fabric began to be dyed with a synthetic substitute instead of natural indigo. But the seams were still reinforced with double stitching, and rivets were placed on the pockets. The famous Levi's leather label with the image of two horses trying to tear the trousers was attached to the belt. The Levi Strauss brand and company were unrivaled until the mid-twentieth century. and the moment of the appearance of the Lee, Wrangler and Cooper brands. In 1926, the first jeans appeared with a zipper instead of traditional buttons. Not only trousers, but also shirts, overalls, jackets and skirts began to be made from denim. Over time, Diesel, Calvin Klein, Gap, Mustang, Guess, Polo, Tommy Hilfinger and other manufacturers mastered the production of denim clothing. In 1981, Levi's was the first to release pants for women. Jeans with flared legs, fringes, scuffs at the knees and spectacular white stains alternately came into fashion. Soviet dudes who wanted to meet Western fashion standards made “dumplings” at home. To obtain trousers with stains, they were boiled in water with whiteness. The “firms” secretly imported from abroad were not enough for all the citizens of the USSR. Therefore, jeans were sewn at home and sold through black marketeers. To give a fashionable look, the trousers were rubbed with pumice, soaked in acid and other manipulations were performed. Today, ripped jeans decorated with rhinestones, beads and embroidery, with holes in the legs and stretch products that fit the figure are popular today. Pants are worn both for a walk and at a party; they look equally at home at a rock star concert and in a pretentious restaurant. Connoisseurs of stylish and comfortable denim clothing remember who they owe their appearance to, so on May 20th they annually celebrate the Birthday of Jeans.

“Every thing is either there or not. And honey - I just don’t understand what the secret is - if it exists, then it’s immediately gone!” - sang Winnie the Pooh in the popular Soviet cartoon. The bear loved honey, but wild bees prevented him from enjoying the delicacy. Insects resisted entering their hives in tree hollows. And this is not surprising, because the ancestors of bees that lived on Earth more than 50 million years ago are considered to be wild wasps. As a result of evolution, they lost their hunting instincts and began to feed their offspring with plant foods - nectar and pollen. People appreciated the nutritional and other qualities of honey and bee products. Initially, people were engaged in bee farming, breeding insects in tree hollows. After a while, it was replaced by beekeeping in logs and hives. They were not located in forests, but in apiaries not far from the homes of their owners. Anton Janša (1734-1773) is considered the founder of modern beekeeping. He owns many achievements and discoveries in this branch of the economy. Therefore, on Anton Jansch's birthday, May 20, World Bee Day is celebrated. In honor of World Bee Day, exhibitions and fairs are held where they sell not only honey, but also propolis, royal jelly and beeswax. Each of these products has long been used by traditional medicine for medicinal purposes. Avicenna and Pythagoras also spoke about the beneficial properties of honey. The ancient Greek philosopher owed his longevity to its daily use. Honey is known not only as a natural substitute for refined sugar and the basis for intoxicating drinks, such as sbiten or beer, but also as a medicinal product. It helps get rid of gastritis and stomach ulcers, fungal and infectious diseases, wounds and burns. Honey also nourishes the skin, cleanses the blood and strengthens the immune system. Today, science knows more than 15 thousand varieties of bees. One hive produces up to 150 kg of honey during the year. When producing it, bees fly around more than 8 million plants to collect nectar - linden, acacia, rapeseed, buckwheat, sweet clover, etc. In addition to flower honey, insects also produce honeydew honey from dew from leaves and honeydew on leaves - a product of animal origin. A worker flying with a load can reach speeds of up to 65 km/h. During one honey collection, it covers a path equal to the distance from the Earth to the Moon. If the flight to the hive or log is very long, the bee can eat up to half of the collected nectar. World Bee Day has been celebrated annually on May 20 since 2017. The holiday encourages farmers and the government to work on preserving the natural habitats of bees and hives in hollows, and reducing the level of pesticides used to grow honey plants. To increase the rate of pollination, it is recommended to plant crops attractive to insects around fields. World Bee Day is a great time to remind people of the contribution these hard-working insects make to maintaining the biodiversity of local ecosystems.

Fun Holidays - Spill Festival

European Maritime Day

Cameroon Holidays - Unitary State Day (National Day)

One more was added to the list of Ukrainian holidays dedicated to various professions in 2004. This holiday is the Day of Bank Workers of Ukraine, which is celebrated annually on May 20. These people know the real value of finance and the importance it has not only for each individual, but for the entire state. The banking system is headed by the main financial institution, the National Bank of Ukraine, which ensures the stability of the official currency and the safety of the state's gold and foreign currency reserves. The NBU also issues licenses to financial organizations to conduct banking activities on the territory of Ukraine and supervises their activities. The main functions of Ukrainian banks include the following operations: The National Bank is located in Kyiv (Institutskaya St.), in a building built in the 20th century. The building was built for the needs of the State Commercial Bank, when there was a need for a larger premises. Among the many projects, the architectural design of Alexander Kobelev was approved, and the foreign sculptor Elio Salya was entrusted with the interior decoration of the premises. Construction began in 1902 and lasted for three years. In connection with the transfer of the capital of the Ukrainian SSR from Kharkov to Kyiv in 1933, the building had to be reconstructed and two more floors added to it, without disturbing the architectural style. Over the years of independence, Ukrainian banks have managed to gain the trust of their citizens, and this is due to the merit of every employee working in this area. Bank Worker's Day will allow us to congratulate all those involved in this activity, as well as wish them to grow and develop professionally in the future.

Representatives of many professions are marked with a special day on the calendar to celebrate their successes in the work field. One of the most unusual and rare occupations is a specialist in the field of sign language interpretation, a sign language interpreter or a fingerprint interpreter. All these complex definitions characterize the work activities of people who, in their daily work, help the hard of hearing and deaf to perceive the world around them, express their thoughts using gestures, conduct a dialogue, understand phrases addressed to them and communicate freely in society. Thanks to their knowledge and well-honed skills, sign language interpreters are transforming the way of communication, replacing words with a set of gestures. This is a very responsible and difficult job. Scientists have recognized the profession of a translator-dactylologist as one of the most difficult and dangerous for health, because you have to be under tiring physical stress. In order for speech for the deaf to be coherent and clear, a specialist must reproduce active gestures, conveying certain concepts. This is the continuous work of muscles that are constantly in good shape. In addition, with constant concentration of attention, facial expressions are also involved, as an integral part of sign language, which leads to various diseases and disorders. To celebrate the services of sign language interpreters to society, on May 25, 2009, at a plenum of the central administration of the Ukrainian Society of the Deaf, a professional holiday was officially approved. Representatives from the European Commonwealth and the World Association of Dactylologist Translators enthusiastically greeted the desire of Ukrainian society to celebrate such an important and difficult profession. Since then, the holiday of the translator-dactylologist has been celebrated annually on May 20. The new holiday is largely social and educational in nature. It is important to awaken public interest in the everyday problems of people with hearing loss and to draw attention to their special needs. This is the key to success on the path to ensuring normal living conditions, communication and self-expression of each individual citizen. Statistics say that out of 1.5 million people who have problems with the auditory system, 150 thousand cannot do without the help of a qualified interpreter. However, there is a catastrophic shortage of representatives of the profession. The reason is the lack of prospects in training and low wages. According to statistics, there are slightly more than three hundred professional sign language interpreters in Ukraine. These people make a great contribution to social projects for the deaf and hard of hearing, helping people with special needs adapt to modern life. The modest history of celebrating Sign Language Interpreter Day nevertheless contributed to the formation of individual traditions. As a rule, the holiday includes mass celebrations and various events that are designed to recognize the best specialists and professionals in their field. Since 2009, festive ceremonies have been held every year. In 2011, the All-Ukrainian Conference of Sign Language Interpreters was held. It was attended by eminent representatives of the profession from Europe and around the world. The participants outlined prospects for the development of social programs for people with hearing diseases, and the best translators and dactylologists were awarded.

Lithuanian holidays - Kaunas City Day

May 20 (May 7, old style) according to the folk calendar, Bathing Day is celebrated. The holiday is so named for the ritual of bathing horses in rivers. People believed that the water at Bath was endowed with miraculous properties, so the owners drove their horses to the reservoirs and led them into knee-deep water. Horses could also be doused with water collected in a bucket, believing that this would give them strength and endurance. Residents also used the healing properties of water. In the morning, water was collected from the rivers into a tub and placed in an open area so that it warmed up and gained solar energy. At lunchtime they washed themselves and the children with water. The children were allowed to play with heated water and dousing. This ritual gave residents strength in their work and improved their health for the whole year. Sometimes the day was called Kupavnitsa, in honor of a short plant with yellow flowers. People called it differently: kupavnitsa, bathing suit, frying or spring bells. The plant began to bloom by this day, and moist soils or reservoirs were considered the best places for its habitat. The men continued to sow the fields on Bathing Day. If there was a new moon, the sowing was postponed to more prosperous dates, otherwise the crops could be eaten by worms. The same applied to the winds - the north and south winds did not bode well for good yields, but the east or west, on the contrary, contributed to it. However, their seeds were considered not entirely suitable for sowing. On this day, there was a tradition of stealing some grains from neighbors, because they believed that the neighbor’s seeds would give a better harvest. To do this, women went to visit and secretly brought out a bunch of seeds. Usually they didn’t hold a grudge against such theft, since it was done everywhere. If rainy weather happened on Kupalnitsa, then September was expected to be fine. The reddish moon predicted rain the next day, but its horns pointing down meant the arrival of warming. A crimson sunset was observed for the upcoming windy day. The abundance of bees on the acacia tree in the morning foreshadowed an approaching thunderstorm.

Queen Victoria Day in Canada

Orthodox holidays on May 20:

Feast of the Zhirovitsk Icon of the Mother of God

Feast of the Lyubech Icon of the Mother of God

Memorial Day of St. John of Zedazni and his 12 disciples

Feast of the miraculous appearance of the Holy Cross in the sky in Jerusalem

Memorial Day of St. Nil of Sorsky

Memorial Day of St. Jesse of Tsilkansky

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr Akakios