When we meet someone we know, we always exchange greetings with him. At the same time, we can share a smile with a friend or wave our hand, and by inertia we will say “Good afternoon” to an acquaintance with whom we don’t want to communicate. After all, all over the world, people are taught the act of greeting from childhood. It is difficult to avoid; it occurs in any communication between people, even writing a letter. During the Cold War, relations between Israel and Egypt became tense. To defuse the situation, in 1973, two enterprising brothers from the United States, Brian and Michael McComan, came up with the idea of ​​​​reducing aggression between warring states. The idea was to send letters to residents of different countries of the world. They contained a kind greeting and a request to send similar messages to ten of your friends. So the brothers became the organizers of the Day of Greetings, and chose November 21 as the date. The world liked the idea of ​​Greetings Day so much that now there are about 180 countries celebrating the holiday. What made this celebration different was the voluntary wish of health and a good day to the people around us. On this day, many influential personalities, as well as those simply wishing to have a good mood, greet close and distant acquaintances. And in return come smiles, friendly handshakes, and a positive charge of mood for the day. In a civilized society, there is a certain etiquette when meeting. It is common among men to shake hands, sometimes even with a pat on the shoulder, if they are good friends. Women just need to smile and nod their heads; there is an unspoken rule between friends to exchange kisses on the cheek. If close or dear people have not seen each other for a long time, the meeting begins with a tight hug. In military affairs, there is a rule to salute the person with the highest rank. But teenagers or team groups come up with unusual greetings, consisting of several extraordinary movements. But different parts of the planet have their own greeting rituals. For example, the French, not being very familiar, lean their cheeks against each other as a sign of greeting, kissing the air. Residents of Japan join their palms at chest level, making a slight bow. Hindus also fold their hands, only at head level. Tibetans exchange greeting pleasantries with their tongues hanging out. The tribes of the Arctic lands have a tradition of rubbing noses together. But Indian tribes show their love of peace by squatting in front of a stranger. Some peoples of African countries, to say hello, extend their hand first to the forehead, then to the lips, and finally to the chest. Despite the fact that different peoples of the world have unique customs when meeting, they are united by the desire to wish goodness and all sorts of blessings when they meet. International Greetings Day will help not only strengthen relationships between people, but also make gray everyday life a little brighter.

On November 21, 1996, the world's first television forum took place, at which television problems were discussed, experiences were exchanged, and issues regarding broadcasting of programs were resolved. Therefore, by the UN Resolution of December 17 of the same year, November 21 was declared a holiday, World Television Day. In Russia, it is not yet included in the list of official dates and does not have the status of a day off, however, everyone who is directly related to the world of blue screens accepts well-deserved congratulations on this day. Television is firmly rooted in modern life. Television has become an ordinary part of every home, and it comes as no surprise at all. The variety of channels and programs is growing every day; anyone can choose broadcasts to suit their taste and lifestyle. But just a century ago this might have seemed borderline fantastic. The history of modern television began in the 20s of the last century. At that time, only the first scientific experiments were being carried out. The Soviet Union also took part in the development. In 1933, engineer V. Zvorykin made a scientific breakthrough by inventing a cathode tube, which is still used today. Television began to spread confidently throughout Europe, the USA, and the Soviet Union. State and private television companies began to appear. Broadcasts began with one show per week, gradually gaining momentum. Since Russia participated in the technical process, experimental programs were broadcast in Moscow back in the 20s and 30s. And the first television center was opened in 1937 on Shabolovka, from where weekly mass broadcasts began in 1939. At first these were demonstrations at congresses, then programs about agriculture. The Great Patriotic War made its own adjustments, and the development of television was interrupted. At the end of the war, the television center on Shabolovka resumed its work. Since then, there has been an evolution in the life of blue screens. Today television is a huge force that can influence people. This is a way of forming society. One of the goals of the November 21 holiday is to call for problems with the uninformative use of television broadcasting, the refusal of propaganda and closer attention to the crude themes of violence, genocide, etc. used. On November 21, everyone who is related, both direct and indirect, to television celebrates their professional holiday. Usually on this day noisy tables are set for television workers. Congratulations, toasts, songs, a joyful atmosphere reigns in every team. Distinguished employees are rewarded with certificates, diplomas, and valuable gifts. Universities host master classes from professionals, exhibitions of creative works on the theme of the holiday, special reports are read, seminars and conferences are held on the topics of television broadcasts.

Every year, since 2000, on November 21, employees and employees of the Federal Tax Service of the Russian Federation accept congratulations on their professional holiday. This date was chosen because it was on this day in 1991 that Decree No. 229 of the President of the RSFSR was signed on the formation of the State Tax Service of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. The first to introduce a structure similar to the modern taxation system was Peter the Great. During the reign of Alexander the Second, this structure was reformed: taxes were imposed on the land, an income tax was introduced, and others. Subsequently, with the direct participation of P.A. Stolypin developed a draft tax system, the main elements of which have been preserved to this day. The revolution of 1917 almost completely destroyed the system of taxes and fees in the country, but by 1930 it was debugged: excise taxes were introduced on consumer goods and essential products (textiles, tea, sugar, vodka, salt, coffee and tobacco), and a system of tax inspectorates was created in cities, villages, regions. The Federal Tax Service of the Russian Federation today consists of more than one hundred and fifty thousand specialists monitoring compliance with Russian legislation on taxes and fees, both in relation to large city-forming organizations and in relation to citizens - individual entrepreneurs. It is impossible to overestimate the effectiveness and influence of the tax system on the financial situation of our country, including the formation of the budget. A well-functioning taxation system is a guarantee of the economic security of citizens and a stable social policy in Russia. The Federal Tax Service plays a major role in ensuring our rights to free education and medical care, payment of wages, scholarships and pensions.

On November 21, 3.5 million Russian accountants celebrate their professional holiday. It is not marked with a red day on the calendar and has not been given official status, but this does not prevent debit-credit employees from setting tables and congratulating each other. In 1996, on this day, Boris Yeltsin signed the decree “On Accounting”, so this date is considered to be the Day of the Russian Accountant. There are some disagreements on this matter, and therefore November 21 is not the only date for the celebration. November 10th is International Accountant Day, and November 16th is Moscow Accountant Day. The profession appeared in ancient Indian communities, when the number of heads of livestock and farmland was counted. Mention of it is found on the pages of the first printed books. It is believed that the term “accountant” came from Germany and is translated as “book holder”. On February 13, 1498, the Emperor of the Roman Empire Maximilian I issued a decree according to which the trustees of the state who kept special books of accounts began to be called accountants. In Russia, the profession appeared with the decree of Peter I at the beginning of the 18th century. On November 21, the holiday is also celebrated by auditors, whose activities are closely related to accounting. This is practically one friendly family. Students of specialized educational institutions and future specialists also join in the celebration. Each enterprise has its own accounting department. A department where work is in full swing from morning to evening. Every piece of paper, every penny is under the close attention of masters of their craft. Responsibility, scrupulousness, accuracy, painstaking and hard work are the main motto of the department. Before the holiday, seminars, advanced training courses, and conferences are usually held to discuss the problems of record keeping, the intricacies of accounting, and changes in legislation concerning the work of accountants. There is an exchange of experience and replenishment of knowledge. Corporate events are held on Accountant's Day. The bosses congratulate their wards on the holiday, present flowers, bonuses, and gifts. Some cities hold concerts dedicated to this day. Congratulations are heard from TV screens and on the radio. On November 21, family and friends do not stand aside. In the family of every accountant, warm words, toasts, and congratulations are said. And this is right, because such a necessary and such a difficult profession should not be left without deserved attention.

Music appeared during the Paleolithic period - about 300 thousand years ago. Throughout the existence of mankind, this type of art has undergone various changes - folklore was replaced by original works, harp and flute - bass guitar and synthesizer, classics and church singing - rock and jazz. November 21 is the Day Without Music, calling attention to its low quality and thoughtless use by modern society. The initiator of the No Music Day celebration is the Scottish artist, writer and musician William Drummond. He proposed in 2005 to begin celebrating the Day Without Music on November 21, choosing this date not by chance. The patroness of the most ancient form of art, in particular chorales, liturgies, masses and other genres of church chant, is Cecilia of Rome. The Day of Remembrance of the Great Martyr falls on November 22. Therefore, No Music Day on the 21st becomes a kind of fast before the Catholic holiday. W. Drummond, like many of his contemporaries, believe that the low quality standards of music of the XX-XXI centuries. devalue it as an art form. Classic works, in addition to aesthetic pleasure, have a beneficial effect on the human body and animals. Music improves memory, treats mental trauma and physical illnesses. According to scientists, 10 minutes of listening to Mozart’s works increases the speed of solving spatial thinking problems. To increase milk yield, barns are equipped with speakers to broadcast slow classical music. The favorite genre of our smaller friends, dogs, is reggae. It is known that indoor flowers begin to grow quickly to the sounds of classical music. Music inspires and motivates to great achievements, relaxes and calms, lifts your mood and vitality, makes you think, helps you cope with difficulties and adversity. How is No Music Day celebrated? The radio stations that take part in the holiday do not play classical and modern compositions, incl. jingles. Cafes, restaurants and shops are refusing to broadcast musical works, and in some countries cinemas are showing films without soundtracks. It is known that none of the members of the Beatles group knew musical notation. Most modern pop singers, including hip-hop, soft rock and other genres, do not even have a basic musical education. An amateurish approach has a bad effect on the results of both creativity and any other type of activity. A day without music calls for attention to the low level of poetry of modern songs and their sound accompaniment. The alarm melody, the phone ringing, audio recordings with tracks coming from everywhere have become part of our daily life. The perception of classical works requires the application of mental effort and a thoughtful approach to what is heard, a melody sounding in the background does not. Modern music has lost touch with cultural tradition and art - No Music Day encourages people to think about this.

Michaelmas Day is celebrated on November 21st in the folk calendar. This bright holiday in honor of Archangel Michael in many regions marked the beginning of winter. The field work had already been completed by this time. The cellars were still bursting with winter supplies, and the money received from the sale of oats and hemp had not yet been spent. On Michaelmas Day, family and public holidays associated with the cult of the clan were usually held. Thus, pagan beliefs were closely intertwined with Orthodox traditions. Saint Michael is one of the most revered Archangels in Orthodoxy. He was considered the head of the heavenly army and is also known as the Archangel. In the Old Testament the names of angels are not mentioned at all. Mikhail became an exception to this rule. His name appears in scripture several times. The word “angel” itself is a Greek translation of the Hebrew malakh. That's what the messengers were called. The prefix "arch" means "elder". It turns out that the archangel is a senior messenger who occupies a high step in the hierarchical ladder in heaven. Michael is an adaptation of the original three-part name Mikael. Literally from the Hebrew, “Mi ka El” is translated as the interrogative sentence “Who is like God?”, which can be paraphrased into “no one is equal to God.” There is another interesting interpretation of the name Mikael, which arose due to the ambiguity of the component “El” or “El” - an abbreviation for “Elohim”. That's what the Jews called God. Some suggest that Archangel Mikael is a senior messenger who is empowered by God. It is noteworthy that Michael is not only present in Christian scriptures. Mikail or Michael is one of the four muqarrabuns in Islam. The highest angel of mercy who distributes spiritual and bodily food to the creations of Allah. Mikail is mentioned in the Koran. Together with Jibril (Gabriel), he opened the chest of the little prophet Muhammad to cleanse his heart. In Islam, Mikail is responsible for thunder and rain, and also controls the angels who carry the laws of nature. It is believed that he stopped laughing forever when he saw hell with his own eyes immediately after its creation, but let’s return to Christian traditions. At the very beginning of time, God created a huge number of angels. They became his assistants, but someone still had to supervise their work. To make it easier to manage the heavenly army, God established a strict hierarchy. The lower ranks were subordinate to the higher ones, and they were all ruled by Dennitsa, the most beautiful angel who was first created by God. He had outstanding abilities and inspired others, but his high position gave him many temptations and Dennitsa succumbed to the sin of pride. Although the angels carried God's will, they were not deprived of freedom of choice. His belief that he could replace his creator grew stronger. Gradually, the most beautiful heavenly warrior stopped obeying God and began to incite others to do so. A riot was brewing, but one of the honest angels loudly exclaimed, “Who is like God?” (“Mi ka El?”). It was a call to the most powerful among them, who could overthrow the traitor. With the help of divine support, Mikael won the duel with Dennitsa, who later became the devil. Everyone who came over to his side during the failed rebellion, and this was a good third of the angels, turned into demons and demons - the minions of Satan. After this, the heavenly army began to be led by two archangels - Gabriel and Michael. Because of what happened to Dennitsa, Michael became the personification of the “militant Church” and the patrons of all believers who fight the forces of evil. It was to Michael that God entrusted the souls of the Virgin Mary and Abraham. At the Last Judgment, this Archangel acts as the intercessor of the souls of the dead. There is a parallel here with the Islamic Mikail, who was the most merciful of the muqarrabun. November 21 was often popularly called “Mikhailovsky mud” or “Mikhailovsky thaw”. On this well-fed holiday, village residents set lavish tables and gathered with whole families. Soon the Nativity Fast and severe frosts began, so Michaelmas became the last opportunity to have a good rest. On the holiday, everyone's eyes were directed to the heavens, since on this day the sun always appeared. Michael is not only a threat to evil spirits, but also the ruler of the elements. It became a little warmer outside and a short-term thaw set in, even if severe frosts had already passed the day before, which is why the holiday was called “Mikhailovsky mud.” On this day, meat dishes were always placed on the table. Almost every house cooked jellied meat from beef or pork the day before. A week after Michaelmas, the fast before Christmas began, so believers did not deny themselves the pleasure of enjoying the dishes before it. It was believed that the more satisfying the table for this holiday was, the happier Mikhail was. The villagers had been brewing beer the day before. It was even called “Mikhailovsky”, since the drink was prepared specially for the holiday. Almost everyone invited guests to the house. It was not customary to refuse those who knocked on the door. In Rus', on this day they appeased the courtyards - small spirits who protected rural yards. They were considered the “younger brothers” of the brownies. On this holiday you cannot quarrel, work (for profit), cut, sew, saw, do laundry or heat a bathhouse. After Michaelmas it usually gets colder. If the next morning the ground is covered with a crust of frost, then the winter will be snowy. A clear morning was considered a harbinger of severe frosts. The fog predicted a mild winter.

The celebration of the Day of Dignity and Freedom in Ukraine takes place on November 21. This date is associated with two revolutions, which took place in 2004 and 2013. In 2004, popular uprisings began on November 22, 2004 to protest the rigging of the presidential election results. Then the victory was given to Yanukovych, not Yushchenko. The opposition saw obvious fraud in the voting results, which were made public to the general public. This sparked protests across the country, and a tent city was set up on Independence Square in Kyiv. In 2013, on November 21, the Cabinet of Ministers, headed by Azarov, stated that it did not want to develop the vector of European integration of Ukraine. This led to peaceful protests, with groups of young people taking to the streets with flags and posters. One of these protests in Kyiv was brutally dispersed by security forces. The students suffered minor injuries, which led to outrage among Kiev residents. Residents of the city considered the incident a personal insult, so they decided to demand comments from the authorities regarding what happened. Therefore, already on the next day off, Kyiv residents decided to come out en masse to the main square of the city to declare their dissatisfaction with the policies of the president and the government. Calls to take to the streets were spread on social networks, by word of mouth, and through leaflets. Thousands of people came to the main square, some of them were armed with iron chains and took cobblestones and paving slabs in their hands. This entire arsenal was intended for the security forces who offended peacefully protesting students. People demanded that the president deal with the situation of the dispersal of the peaceful protest of students and the resignation of the chief of the Kyiv police. But the government and the president did not pay enough attention to the situation; instead, they brought out the Berkut security unit to guard government buildings. The situation was heating up, and already in February there was a coup d’état and a change of power in the country. Hundreds of people were killed, and security forces also suffered losses. The holiday of November 21 was introduced by Petro Poroshenko by decree; this day became a day of remembrance of the events of two democratic revolutions. The holiday immortalized the patriotism and courage of those citizens who could not remain indifferent when a gross violation of rights and freedoms occurred in the country. People came to Independence Square to defend the European choice of the people of Ukraine, as well as the national interests of the state.

Greek Armed Forces Day

General Peace Treaty Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Dayton Peace Agreement Day)

The holiday of Zervana-Akarana in Zoroastrianism

Orthodox holidays November 21:

Established at the beginning of the 4th century, the celebration of the Council of the Archangel Michael and other disembodied Heavenly Powers is currently celebrated on November 21 (November 8, old style). The date has a special meaning, which ceased to be so obvious with the transition to the new style. Previously, the year began in March, and November according to this account, the ninth month, symbolizes 9 angelic ranks, and the number “8” - “eighth day” testifies to the onset of the Last Judgment, at which everyone will be divided into sinners and righteous. The decision to celebrate was made at the Council of Laodicea, which decided to worship angels only as messengers of God's will, and condemned their veneration as creators. This heretical recognition of them as superior to the Lord himself became very widespread by the 4th century in some areas and required measures to be taken to prevent idolatry. The condemnation of those who do not pray to God, but only to angels, is formulated in the 35th paragraph of the rules of the Council of Laodicea. According to the Holy Scriptures, the desire to rule was not alien to the angels. Even before the creation of our world, the strongest of them decided to become like God and found support among some celestials. But the devoted warrior of Christ, Archangel Michael gathered that part of the heavenly army that remained faithful to the Creator, and expelled the traitor, who began to be called Satan, and his minions - demons. Michael himself began to be called the Archangel (literal translation from Greek - commander-in-chief) - the devoted leader of the Heavenly Forces, which continue their just cause, faithfully serving God. According to legends, he performed many other miracles, always fighting evil together with other archangels, the most revered of which are Gabriel, Jehudiel, Barachiel, Jeremiel, Uriel, Selaphiel, Raphael. They all have their own mission, and demonstrate through themselves the different power of the Lord, which is reflected in the iconographic images. Thus, Gabriel is depicted with a branch, associated with the Divine secrets that he conveys to the chosen ones, and for example, Raphael - with a vessel containing a healing potion, because he was sent by God to relieve diseases. Michael himself often tramples on the devil in icons and has a sword, which personifies his readiness to fight the dark forces. In Russian Orthodoxy, Saint Michael has been revered since ancient times. By analogy with his heavenly status, he was the patron of princes and warriors in their military exploits. Confirmation of the respectful attitude are the temples in his honor, erected in all major cities. One of the most important buildings is the Archangel Cathedral in Moscow. It was erected in the 14th century under Ivan Kalita as the tomb of the great princes. Later, by order of John III, it was rebuilt from a cramped and modest structure into a majestic structure, which became a role model in Orthodox architecture. It became a worthy tomb for Moscow rulers, including the Rurik and Romanov dynasties. The cathedral's paintings reflect not only the exploits of Archangel Michael and his army, waging an invisible eternal struggle against the forces of hell, but also include compositions reflecting earthly reality. They narrate in images the struggle of Rus' with the Tatars, which symbolizes the connection between the heavenly and the earthly and is a distinctive feature of Orthodoxy. Today, in honor of this bright holiday, believers can not only come to the temple, but also take part in the religious procession. Other events dedicated to November 21 will not leave anyone indifferent. These are “Mikhailovsky Days” - an international initiative against abortion and for the preservation of family values. There are special prayers to the heavenly army and its leader in order to protect and deliver from troubles and any evil.