Shopaholics look forward to the last Friday of November every year. After all, the famous Black Friday begins, the favorite holiday of everyone who wants to save money on purchases. On this day, all retail outlets are crowded with people, from hypermarkets to small shops, because only one day a year an incredible sale of all goods, from matches to furniture and household appliances, starts. Discounts from 30% to 90% force people to take time off from work and line up at the store early in the night, since the walls of the sales floors usually do not accommodate those who want to purchase promotional goods. People buy everything they come across, very often completely unnecessary and unplanned things. The forefather of such a worldwide campaign is America; the sales boom there began in the 19th century. And the name “Black Friday” itself appeared much later, in 1966. The last Friday of November was called “Black” because sellers used black ink on this day to record sales, and red ink to record losses. No matter how ominous the name may sound, people simply adore it. On this day, all goods are sold at a fabulous discount, not old or defective ones. But returning a defective product or simply an unnecessary item to the seller on Black Friday is considered bad manners. Both sellers and buyers benefit from such a promotion. Sellers make huge profits, up to several tens of billions of dollars, due to rapid turnover of goods and money, and buyers save from 50 dollars to several thousand. But in America, maximum discounts last for several days, while in Russia, which joined the general holiday policy in 2013, this is only one day. In addition, in our country, price stability before the start of the promotion is strictly controlled by the state. Careless sellers trying to profit from the general sales craze are severely punished, including deprivation of the right to trade. On this day only fair discounts apply. Online stores are also actively participating in Black Friday, so you can purchase all the goods you need and are interested in without leaving your home. All participating stores declare their intention to the organizers, and after checking the availability of goods, the quality of discounts and other parameters, they enter them on a special website, where customers learn about them. Black Friday is an opportunity to buy more than you would like, however, do not forget about the downside. More than 40% of purchased items end up in the trash. Therefore, it is better to plan your purchases carefully, then the promotions will bring joy and benefit.

Every year on the fourth Friday of November, more than 60 countries around the world celebrate World Shopping Stop Day. Russia has not yet officially recognized such a holiday, but some regions are already supporting the idea proposed in 1992 by Canadian journalist Kalle Lasna. The purpose of holding such a holiday-action is the desire to attract people's attention to the state of their consumer basket. According to statistics, 40% of goods are purchased spontaneously, thoughtlessly, and, accordingly, unnecessary. More than half of the goods purchased in a hurry are thrown away as unnecessary. Activists of World Stop Shopping Day are trying to convey to citizens the problems of depletion of natural resources. Huge reserves of the Earth's subsoil are spent to produce unnecessary goods. Often these riches are irreplaceable. In North America, this date is celebrated on the first Friday after Thanksgiving. In Europe it is Saturday. These are the days when Christmas sales begin, during which people die every year due to mass stampedes. World Stop Shopping Day encourages people to stop spending without control. On this day, large supermarkets, markets and just on the street hold a large number of promotions, flash mobs, theatrical skits and rallies calling for people to give up impulse purchases. Activists are distributing leaflets to passers-by, urging them to overcome themselves and refrain for a day from any purchases, whether necessary or not. City residents are offered to cut up a credit card, give jackets and hats to those in need, walk around the store with an empty cart for a bet, dance at the cash register instead of buying, etc. City residents willingly participate in prepared events. The media are actively involved in what is happening. Radio and television broadcast commercials ridiculing advertising and unnecessary products. World Stop Shopping Day only gained popularity in 2001. Despite this, every year there are more and more countries celebrating the holiday. More and more people are thinking about the reason for the appearance of such a day and the amount of food they personally throw away. Every year the organizers of this holiday event are one step closer to their goal.

In 2008, nature connoisseurs and environmentalists, deciding to mobilize attention to the dwindling species of the largest pinnipeds, declared November 24 – Walrus Day. The date was not chosen by chance, since this is the period when mammals travel to the wintering shores and walruses become most vulnerable. Carrying out a difficult journey from the Chukotka coast to the Bering Strait, pinnipeds expose themselves to incredible danger. Two clear and irreconcilable enemies are pursuing these unfortunate animals. This is man and planetary warming. The rapid decline in ice cover forces mammals to develop new coastal zones, forming rookeries for themselves. The home of walruses is coastal areas, so crossing the surface of the sea for them is tantamount to great danger. Basically, a large number of young animals die. Melting ice deprives pinnipeds of their usual, cozy and peaceful rest. Seized by the desire for profit, human beings unceremoniously invade the territory belonging to walruses. While dynamically developing territories, they pollute them along the way. Without taking into account the consequences, they extract minerals, violating the integrity of the earth and ice cover. This especially affects the shallow coastal zone of the Arctic Ocean, which is rich in hydrocarbons. Forcing representatives of an endangered, rare breed of fauna to leave their native lands. The meaning and purpose of the date being celebrated is to attract the attention of the largest number of public to the current problems of endangered species of Pacific pinnipeds. We must not forget that due to uncontrolled fishing, both the Atlantic and Laptev subspecies of mammals have already been included in the Red Book. Arctic regions celebrate Walrus Day every year. Everyone who is not indifferent to the fate of clumsy, defenseless pinnipeds hopes for widespread recognition of this date. Commissioners from WWF (World Wildlife Fund) and the non-profit Marine Mammal Council are calling on all people to take responsibility for the endangered Arctic fauna of our small planet.

The question of how man appeared has excited the minds of scientists since ancient times. Where did we come from, when did we become aware of ourselves, and why did we rise so high above other species? Unraveling these mysteries could also tell us what awaits us in the future. In attempts to find answers and explain the inexplicable, people created various religious theories in which man was viewed as a creation of God. Creationism grew stronger and became the only hypothesis, which over time ceased to be such and turned into an axiom that does not require proof, but claims to be the unconditional truth. On November 24, 1859, a revolution occurred in the scientific world. Charles Darwin's book on the origin of species has been published. This publication was the result of the author's painstaking work and careful observations, to which he devoted almost two decades of his life. The book about evolution provided answers to many questions and became the very stone that smashed the ideas of creationists to smithereens, leaving them no chance. The theory of evolution remains only a theory today, but it has accumulated such an evidence base that modern science no longer considers it the truth without reservations. Her “birthday” is celebrated every year on November 24th. Today only the lazy have not heard of Charles Darwin. He is recognized as one of the greatest scientists who created the theory of evolution, which explains the laws of the origin of species. During his time at school, Darwin did not make much progress because he did not make any effort in those sciences that interested him little. Darwin had a slight interest in chemistry, but he quickly lost interest in it. Then the future naturalist planned to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a doctor, but this was not destined to happen. In the future, he studied not only biology, but also created several scientific works on geology, which, by the way, did not interest him at all. Darwin began keeping his famous diary in 1837. In it he recorded data about the species of plants and domestic animals. These observations prompted him to think about natural selection, a mechanism that is the main “engine” of evolution. The first publication of "The Origin of Species" was a small essay that did not make much noise, but was noticed by some prominent scientists of the time. Subsequently, Darwin corresponded with many of them, and expressed his ideas in letters. To date, more than 15 volumes of Darwin's correspondence have been published. It is also noteworthy that he was not the only one who began to develop the idea of ​​evolution. Darwin came to it in parallel with the English naturalist Alfred Wallace. It turned out that both independently came to the same conclusion under the influence of the works of Thomas Malthus. Wallace sent the manuscript of his article to Darwin, who in turn forwarded it, along with his own work, to Charles Lyell, who subsequently presented both works simultaneously to the Linean Society. In 1859, Darwin published his already expanded work, in which he clearly showed the principle by which different species of animals and plants changed from generation to generation. The theory of evolution provides comprehensive explanations for the amazing diversity of flora and fauna on the planet. The very first small edition of Darwin's monograph was swept off the shelves in record time - just two days. His work is still published to this day. In fact, the roots of Darwin's theory of evolution grew deep into ancient cosmogonic myths. In ancient documents one can even find interesting hypotheses about the origin of man from fish. Some ancient scientists also found and recorded in written sources “traces” of evolution—fossils with imprints of ancient animals and plants. Darwin never claimed that man descended from apes. According to the scientist, humans and monkeys simply have a common ancestor, which became the progenitor of these species. A similar situation occurs with dogs and wolves. Many still mistakenly consider the first to be domesticated “renegades” who used to hunt for prey in the forests and howl at the moon with ecstasy. In fact, dogs did not descend from wolves, this has been proven by scientists. Dogs and wolves share a common ancestor, as do humans and apes. Today there are three major classes of observations that provide unequivocal support for Darwin's hypothesis. It also formed the basis of the synthetic theory of evolution along with genetics, paleontology, microbiology and a number of other disciplines.

People have long revered the guardians of the hearth - representatives of the subtle plane who live side by side with them in the house. Culturologists, ethnographers and literary scholars have collected a large amount of information about beliefs in the infernal entity, which in different regions of Rus' is called grandfather, susek, lizun and posten. But most often, a shaggy little man, a cunning man and a lover of mischief, is called a brownie. It plays an important role in maintaining order and comfort in the home, protecting the owners from evil spirits, slander and unkind people who come to visit. November 24 is celebrated annually as the Day of Treating Brownies with Milk. According to tradition, this inhabitant, invisible to the human eye, should be treated as a sign of respect, recognition and love. It is believed that the brownie prefers porridge, cookies, sugar, candy and other sweets. Similar dishes are offered to the bannik - the spirit of the bathhouse, the closest relative of the brownie. The shaggy little man, who often lives underground or in the kitchen, is also treated to milk with the addition of honey. In honor of this tradition, a funny holiday was invented, which falls on November 24th. According to popular beliefs, brownies can predict the future. To do fortune telling with its help, the owner of the home should pour milk into three wooden spoons in the evening. Based on their contents, upside-down appearance, and other signs that the brownie has tasted the treat, in the morning the answer to the question asked is obtained. To summon the spirit, a spell is used: “Grandfather-seed, all-knowing, walking to Veles, try some milk and honey. Tell me how to eat and show me.” Sweets and porridge are also offered if someone is noisy and disorderly in the house at night, strangling the owner in his sleep, and things often get lost. It is believed that the treat will appease the spirit and it will stop playing pranks. When changing their place of residence, our ancestors took with them not only their utensils and belongings, but also their brownie. If contact was established with him, then the sucker was offered to jump into a chest or box, inside of which lay a sweet treat, a piece of fabric or fur. Before leaving the room, one of the family members would pronounce a spell: “Grandfather Brownie, move with me. We’ll live and get along and make good in the new place. When you set off, don’t forget anything. Get ready calmly, don’t be shy about your new home.” ". Sometimes the brownie was asked to jump on a broom placed with the broom down in an empty bag. The keeper of the family hearth loves to live where it is clean and tidy, no one scolds or quarrels. Therefore, the owners not only fed this delicacy with sweets, but also kept order in the residential and utility rooms. In a house where a well-fed brownie lives, the dishes shine especially brightly, and dirt and dust do not accumulate in the corners. Respect for the keeper of the hearth was an important part of the culture and beliefs of the Eastern Slavs. He was responsible for the friendly atmosphere of his place of residence and helped maintain peace and harmony in the family. As a sign of respect for the traditions of our ancestors, an unusual holiday was established - the Day of Treating Brownies with Milk.

Friends are the people who surround us, the souls close to us, whom we ourselves chose - and not those who came to us through kinship. Of course, it often happens that relatives become friends, but still more often friends are acquired in the process of life, study, work or other common activities. A significant criterion in finding loved ones is communication, the ability to speak, negotiate, and avoid conflicts. In America there is a special day - Friends Day, celebrated on November 24th. The fact is that on November 24, 1888, one famous psychologist was born, whom most educated people on Earth know - we are talking about Dale Carnegie. One of his main and popular works is the book “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” It’s funny that the holiday – Friendship Day – has the same name as this book. Americans are proud of the psychologist who has gained worldwide fame thanks to his sociability and ability to find a common language with people. Dale Carnegie came from a poor family, but he found the opportunity and studied at the Pedagogical University and then became quite famous for his works. Dale Carnegie is an example of a person who, thanks to communication, friendly relations and his oratory abilities, thanks to the ability to understand people, became not only famous in his industry, but also taught hundreds of thousands of other people how to behave correctly with others. For quite a long time, a book dedicated to communication was compulsory study in US schools. Traditionally, in the USA, on November 24, sales of Dale Carnegie’s books increase in all bookstores - after all, on this day they are displayed in the most prominent places on bookshelves. At universities and colleges, lectures are held for young people that are aimed at finding oneself. In these lectures you can learn the main theses of Carnegie’s teachings, gain important information that will help you successfully communicate with people around you, gain the trust of others and exert influence. One of the popular comedy series “Friends” was also filmed in America, jokes from which became the prototype for jokes in many films and TV series later. This series was filmed for 10 years, and the beloved characters became recognizable in every American and other families. In a word, on November 24 in the United States they celebrate a special holiday - a holiday of communication, warmth and general conversations - Friends Day.

National Flag Day of Tajikistan

Mankind has long known methods of treating acute and chronic diseases through surgical intervention. Primitive people performed craniotomy back in Neolithic times. Ancient Greek and Roman aesculapians saved patients by resection of ribs, setting dislocations and broken bones, amputating limbs and crushing bladder stones. Over time, surgeons learned to perform operations on the field - removing bullets from gunshot wounds and applying stitches on the battlefield. The development of medicine and science did not stand still. In the 20th century Endoscopic operations on internal organs began to be performed - surgical interventions through small holes without cutting tissue. Laparoscopy has become a real breakthrough in surgery, which has begun to actively use modern medical devices equipped with digital cameras. However, human participation and its role in the successful outcome of the operation is still very high. A holiday has been established in honor of the professionals to whom hundreds of thousands of people owe their health and lives. International Surgeons Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of September. Russian specialists receive congratulations from colleagues, grateful patients and loved ones twice a year. The September celebration appeared in 2014 thanks to the initiative of the International Association of Surgeons, which thus called on society to express respect and gratitude to doctors for their hard work. In honor of the holiday, lectures, seminars, symposiums and other events are held, where medical specialists come to exchange experience and knowledge. Russian Surgeon's Day is celebrated on the last Friday of November. The holiday was established in memory of the great naturalist, doctor and teacher N.I. Pirogov. The initiator of the celebration was the Russian Society of Surgeons. The founder of the Russian school of anesthesia and military field surgery was born in Moscow on November 13, 1810, old style. Thanks to Pirogov, doctors began to use anesthesia during operations and apply plaster casts to broken limbs instead of wooden splints. The scientist opened the country's first Sunday school, organized the work of a medical service at the front and an institute of nurses, whose graduates participated in the Crimean military campaign of 1853-1856. The cohort of great Russian surgeons also includes N.V. Sklifosovsky, A.N. Bakulev, N.N. Burdenko, V.P. Filatov, B.V. Petrovsky, L.A. Boqueria and other professionals. Domestic doctors have made a significant contribution to the development of one of the most extensive branches of world medicine. International Surgeons Day not only brings together specialists from all countries, but is also a good reason for patients to thank doctors for their professional skills and dedicated work.

International Carmenere Wine Day

November 24 is the day of remembrance of Fyodor the Studite, a Byzantine monk, preacher of Christianity, prominent church figure, and ascetic. His nickname “Studit”, which he received while managing the Studite monastery, was misinterpreted in Rus'. Memorial Day coincided with the beginning of the winter cold, so the monk began to be called Fyodor Moroz. A proverb appeared among the people: “Fedor Chills the earth,” and with the inevitable onset of winter, people added to it: “With Studit, the cold is worse every day.” Signs of the weather: if it was wet snow on Fedor Studit, then winter receded until the end of December and the weather remained warm for a whole month.

Orthodox holidays November 24:

In the Orthodox calendar, November 24 (11 Old Style) marks the feast of the Byzantine saint Theodore the Studite, confessor. Despite the fact that the monk lived in a state where the Christian religion had long become the only and official religion, he suffered many persecutions and torments from the imperial power. Being a true Christian, the saint spoke the truth without fear to the faces of the rulers, denouncing their unrighteous actions. Theodore was born in 758 into a wealthy Constantinople family, thanks to which he received an excellent upbringing and education. But approaching the age of Christ, Theodore decides to devote himself to monastic life. Without seeking honors or recognition, he was appointed to the position of abbot. The future saint could have lived a calm, prosperous life, setting an example of a humble Christian, but fate prepared tests for his faith and fortitude. Emperor Constantine, disregarding all church laws, gets rid of his lawful wife, sending her to a monastery. Soon a new empress appeared - a young relative of Constantine. Many courtiers were sent to follow the emperor’s example, and divorces and illegal marriages became the norm. The only voice of truth, among the increasing sin, was Theodore's accusatory speeches. Konstantin took the words of the Studite as the greatest insolence. Theodore faced prison, cruel torture and exile. After the death of the emperor, Studite was released and appointed abbot of the monastery, where he worked tirelessly to improve the monastery walls, wrote church works and introduced a pious strict charter, called Studite. And again, testing times came for the righteous Theodore. In Byzantium, the time of iconoclasm began; icons were designated as idolatry and were destroyed. The saint did not stand aside; he fiercely resisted the iconoclasts, standing up to defend Orthodox shrines. Even persecution and imprisonment did not silence him. Seven long years in prison, beatings and hunger did not break Theodore’s spirit. He outlived another emperor and returned to his native Constantinople. And again he was disappointed; the icons were no longer persecuted, but they did not return to their rightful places in the churches. As before, everyone was afraid to speak in defense of icon veneration. With a sorrowful heart, the Monk Theodore the Studite decides to leave for a secluded place, where he tirelessly served the Orthodox faith together with his faithful disciples until his own death at the age of 68. The saint left behind an example of steadfast faith; he is one of the main teachers and righteous teachers of asceticism and a defender of icon veneration. Theodore is known for his literary works; his monastic rule was spread throughout all Christian countries, including Rus'. He saw one of the most important moments of his Christian service in the unity of faith between East and West.

Feast of the myrrh-streaming Iveron Montreal Icon of the Mother of God

Memorial Day of Blessed Maxim of Moscow, Christ the Fool for the Fool, Wonderworker

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyrs Victor and Stefanida

Memorial Day of the Great Martyr Mina of Cotuan