In honor of the birthday of the American amateur mathematician and polymath Martin Gardner, a Holiday of Reason was established on October 21. Sobriety of mind and good memory are associated with the activity of neurons in the brain, which must be constantly trained. Traditionally, the holiday is celebrated by solving mathematical problems, assembling puzzles, playing Rubik's cubes and solving puzzles. Martin Gardner was born back in 1914 in Oklahoma. The scientist, who had a master's degree in philosophy, wrote books, essays and articles on entertaining mathematics for various periodicals. He is also known as a writer of fantasy stories and the founder of the Paranormal Investigation Committee. Gardner served as host of Scientific American's math games and entertainment section, publishing interesting games, magic tricks, mental challenges, and puzzles. His essays and articles are distinguished by an intelligible style of presentation, brightness, paradoxicality and novelty of thoughts. The scientist is also known as the popularizer of the Soma cube puzzle, flexagons (flexible paper polygons), and the game "Life", invented in 1970 by mathematician D. Convoy. Gardner died of sound mind and memory at the age of 95. He owed this, not least, to constant brain training. The idea to establish the Festival of Reason belongs to the M. Gardner Foundation "Meeting 4". In honor of the Festival of Reason, which is celebrated by fans of the scientist and philosopher all over the world, it is customary to solve logical puzzles and solve magical illusions and visual paradoxes. At the initiative of the World Psychiatric Association, World Mind Day began to be celebrated in 2015. The holiday, which falls on September 4, promotes mental health and access to medical care for people with mental problems. Doctors participating in World Mind Matters Day support social justice in the field of psychiatry and insist on including psychotherapy in university curricula. These events have nothing to do with the initiative of the M. Gardner Foundation aimed at popularizing mathematics in science. However, the Festival of Reason is also a celebration of sober assessments and a rational approach to life. On October 21, you can begin to cleanse your mind of bad thoughts and depressing memories. Celebration of the Mind Day encourages you to start your life from scratch without waiting for Monday. And, of course, stimulate the activity of nerve cells in the brain by solving tricks, puzzles and puzzles.

Russia includes many regions that have a distinctive culture, are proud of their national traditions and linguistic diversity. One of them is Dagestan. The peoples of the North Caucasus, their traditions and customs are the main value of the multinational republic.

The human body needs a daily supply of vitamins, minerals and trace elements. One of the most important is iodine, which is responsible for the production of thyroid hormones. Its deficiency leads to the development of hypothyroidism, diffuse goiter, endemic cretinism and other dangerous diseases. According to WHO, more than 1.6 million people on earth live in iodine-deficient areas. About 2 billion people lack it. To draw attention to the problems that arise due to the lack of an essential microelement, World Iodine Deficiency Prevention Day was established, celebrated on October 21. During World Iodine Deficiency Day, lectures, seminars and other educational events are held. In their speeches, experts talk about the global problem of iodine deficiency and ways to overcome it. It is possible to prevent disruptions in the hormonal system and disturbances in mental activity if you follow the recommendations of doctors. Regular consumption of iodized salt, other fortified foods and dietary supplements allows you to compensate for the deficiency of the chemical substance. Signs and symptoms of a deficiency of a valuable micronutrient include swelling, muscle weakness, dry skin, weight gain, brittle nails and hair, and high cholesterol. In children and adolescents, iodine deficiency manifests itself in delayed mental development and puberty, dental problems, and impaired cognitive functions. In adults, due to an enlarged thyroid gland, a goiter is often visualized, a decrease in heart rate, chronic fatigue and depression are observed. A deficiency of an element with atomic number 53 from group 17 of the periodic table occurs in people living far from the seas, in mountainous areas and in territories whose soil practically does not contain iodine. Its deficiency is diagnosed in citizens of New Zealand, countries of Africa and Southeast Asia, and the island states of Haiti and Madagascar. The most iodine is found in seaweed, cod, shrimp and other seafood. Therefore, people living in the Mediterranean and on the ocean coasts do not suffer from its deficiency in the body. Risk factors that can cause iodine deficiency in the body include selenium deficiency, radiation, taking oral contraceptives, living in environmentally unfavorable areas, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. Vegans, vegetarians and pregnant women are most at risk of deficiency. According to WHO observations, 6 million people suffer from cretinism due to iodine deficiency. The diagnosis of “congenital mental retardation” is made to 1 in 4 thousand infants due to its deficiency during intrauterine development of the fetus. World Iodine Deficiency Day is designed to prevent these and other consequences of a lack of microelement in the body.

One of the most popular building materials appeared approximately 2,200 years ago. In ancient times, cement was prepared from lime, tuff, pumice and volcanic ash. The Romans used the mixture as a mortar for masonry. The material, which is characterized by high strength and astringent effect, is still used today as a fastening agent in the construction of building structures. The solution is also in demand in the production of concrete and FBS blocks, exterior and interior decoration of buildings. October 21 is Cement Day. The date of the holiday was not chosen by chance. On October 21, 1824, Scotsman Joseph Aspdin registered a patent for a quickly hardening material with high performance characteristics. Due to its similarity to the limestone rock mined on the Isle of Portland in Great Britain, the mixture was called Portland cement. Today, 70% of material production is concentrated in China, India, Brazil, the USA and Western Europe. About 4.4 billion tons of solution are produced annually at factories. 90% comes from developing countries, 10% from European countries and the USA. By 2030, global production is expected to reach 4.8 billion tons. The building material is easy to prepare - to obtain it, just dilute the mixture with water. The powder is made from lime, silica, iron ore, alumina and gypsum, and may also include shells, slate, blast furnace slag and marl. The composition of the mixture depends on the scope of application. Alumina cement is used for the construction of structures at sub-zero air temperatures, sulfate-resistant cement is used for structures that will be regularly exposed to aggressive environments, and white cement is used for constructing self-leveling floors. The material, depending on its composition, is characterized by frost resistance, strength and water resistance. Dry powder varies in grinding fineness, percentage of components and strength class. Cement grade M50 is used for plastering surfaces, M200 - floor screeds, M300 - foundation construction, M500 - construction of stone and monolithic buildings, bridges and columns. The M600 class material is considered the most durable. It is able to withstand strong mechanical loads, therefore it is used for the production of “military concrete”, the construction of hydraulic structures (locks, dams, dams) and other structures that are installed on the seas and rivers. The plastic and viscous solution has not lost its relevance over several thousand years of use. To pay tribute to the wear-resistant and durable material, without which it is impossible to imagine a construction site, an unusual holiday is called - Cement Day.

Scientists claim that the accessory that modern people use to protect themselves from rain and sun rays originated in ancient China. In Europe, umbrellas gained popularity in the 18th century. For a long time they were considered a ladies' trinket, which, together with gloves and a handbag, complemented the created fashionable image. Silk umbrellas decorated with ribbons, lace and precious stones were used to protect themselves from the sun. Later they began to be used in inclement weather to protect against rain. In honor of this irreplaceable thing, a funny holiday was invented - the Day of Multi-Colored Umbrellas, celebrated on October 21. In ancient times, the accessory was considered a symbol of wealth and power. In Egypt and India, only pharaohs, royalty and nobility had umbrellas. In Ancient Rome they were used by emperors and Venetian doges. At the end of the 13th century. The Umbraculum umbrella became a symbol of papal power and appeared on the coat of arms of the Catholic Church. Over time, a device for protection from the sun and rain became available to ordinary people. The umbrellas of the Chinese emperors, 1.5 m long, weighed 2 kg. Modern accessories can be folded and have compact dimensions, due to the use of fiberglass and plastic in the production - a weight of 140-200 grams. Men's umbrellas are traditionally produced in dark colors - black or gray. Representatives of the stronger sex most often choose cane models that can be used to lean on when walking. Women's umbrellas are very diverse due to the wide range of colors. Ladies prefer folding compact models with stylish handles and drawings - paintings by Claude Monet, Alphonse Mucha and other artists. Umbrellas that are brightly colored or change color in the rain are very popular. Devices in the form of a folding canopy are actively used to protect golfers and cafe visitors sitting on the veranda from the sun. As an indispensable attribute of the beach area, they are installed near sun loungers on the sea coast. The accessory not only protects against streams of water pouring from heaven and helps in creating a stylish look, but also becomes an object of inspiration for writers. Under its dome, the ideal nanny Mary Poppins from the story by P. Travers flew along with the east wind. Multi-colored umbrellas were used by Ole Lukoje in Anderson's fairy tale to inspire sweet dreams in children. The device, whose history goes back more than three thousand years, has been caught on camera more than once. In honor of the holiday, it is worth re-watching the musical “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”, the films “The Bridal Umbrella” and “Two Under One Umbrella” to be inspired by the romantic mood of autumn. Everyone knows the poetic lines of Pushkin: “A sad time! The charm of the eyes!” Colorful Umbrella Day will help you overcome depression and blues due to rainy and cold weather by adding color to your autumn routine.

One legend says that “Four Seasons” pizza owes its recipe to the contents of Italians’ pantries and refrigerators. To prepare the dish, all the products that the housewife currently has in stock and are suitable as a filling for a flour product are used. The history of the appearance of “Four Seasons” pizza in Italy is in many ways similar to the emergence of the traditional snack nachos. Preparing the snack is somewhat reminiscent of a Russian fairy tale, in which the grandmother “scraped the bottom of the barrel, broomed the barn, and scraped some flour into a bun.” A thin tortilla made from corn or wheat flour, served with cheese, sauces and other additives, is one of the most famous dishes of Mexican cuisine. Nachos, according to legend, appeared in 1940 (according to another version - in 1943) thanks to the resourcefulness of Ignacio Anaya Garcia, who worked as a head waiter at the Victory Club restaurant, located 2 miles from Texas. A Mexican came up with the idea of ​​serving the wives of American soldiers who were stationed at the military base at Fort Duncan with a fried corn tortita with cheddar and finely chopped jalapeño cheese. The story goes that before the restaurant closed, there was no food left in the kitchen to prepare dishes, and the cooks went home. Therefore, Ignacio Anaya was forced to show quick wit and ingenuity, especially since the oven had not yet cooled down. In it, he heated the dried tortilla and served it with topping, calling the dish Nachos especiales. What was originally an improvisation, a hastily invented treat for guests of the establishment, has become a symbol of Mexican cuisine. The appetizer was named after the nickname of the head waiter from the town of Piedras Negras, whom everyone called Nacho (a diminutive name for Ignacio). In honor of the snack, a holiday has been established - International Day of the Nacho, which is celebrated on October 21. Mexican cuisine, and with it nachos, are included in the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Corn tortillas are the basis of national cuisine. They are used to make burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, tacos and, of course, nachos. In 1976, 5 years after the death of the creator and the invention of processed cheese sauce, the American magazine Smithsonianmag recognized nachos as the favorite of sports competitions, or rather, the favorite dish of fans in the United States, who actively bought it at the stadium. Today, the appetizer is prepared according to the classic recipe and served with cheddar and hot peppers, as well as with salsa, guacamole, pesto, cheese and other types of sauce, chopped meat and vegetables. Chips in the form of triangles made from corn flour are added to the first and second courses. The crispy tortilla itself has a neutral taste. Toppings add piquancy to the dish. Those who celebrate the gastronomic holiday - International Nacho Day - practice their preparation and pouring out of flatbreads every year.

World Singing Day

Amateur filming and film production are no less valuable than Hollywood blockbusters and other box office films released worldwide. Images from the birth of a child, a family vacation by the sea and gatherings with friends around the fire, captured on film or a smartphone camera, evoke aching sadness and give pleasant memories of the past. The creators of the unusual holiday decided that a special day should be set aside for watching videos and amateur films. This is how Home Movie Day appeared, which is celebrated on the third Saturday of October. The first events in honor of Home Movie Day were held in 2003. Screening sessions for amateur recordings are traditionally held not only at home, but also in cinemas and open-air venues. Until 2008, the holiday was celebrated on the second Saturday of August. Therefore, the initiative of its founders was supported by spectators of summer cinemas located in many countries around the world. The celebration calls on people not only to reconsider the footage from home chronicles, but also to begin to take care of evidence of past events. Thus, few people know that recordings on film can be stored for decades, unlike digital file media. Therefore, you should not rush and transfer home videos to memory cards and external storage devices. The museum and archives are interested in collecting a collection of exhibits not only related to famous personalities, but also to ordinary people. Amateur photography reveals pages of the past, providing invaluable information about the life of society, fashion trends, the appearance of cities and other populated areas, and the design of vehicles. From home chronicles you can learn about how the life of people who lived 30, 50 and even 100 years ago was organized. Amateur films are a source of endless discoveries for historians, sociologists, architects and representatives of other professions. These videos provide an inextricable connection between generations, so it is important to preserve them for posterity. Arthouse cinema, not intended for wide release, has its own audience, just like films made not by professionals, but by amateurs. The creators of these films do not strive for box office success, making art in its purest form. Directors and screenwriters working in the arthouse genre experiment with styles and innovative filming techniques, focusing their film plots not on the entertainment side, but on social themes and the psychological component. Home Movie Day is a great opportunity to watch amateur videos from your home archive and get acquainted with original films. Watching comedies and films from the “family films” category brings together representatives of different generations. Therefore, in honor of the holiday, it is also customary to gather with loved ones and watch your favorite films of all genres and trends in a cozy home environment.

Furniture, household appliances, cars and houses need to be maintained in working order because... during operation they lose their original properties. Repair not only solves this problem, but also saves the planet’s resources, which are spent on the production of new electrode devices and other products. Thanks to repairs, smartphones, computers and other equipment, shoes and clothes are not thrown into the trash, but continue to serve their owners. A holiday has been established in honor of the processes of renewal and restoration of things, cars and housing. International Renovation Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of October. International Repair Day was first held in 2017. The holiday appeared in the calendar of special dates on the initiative of the Open Repair Alliance, an international group of repair organizations from the USA, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Germany. Businesses are collaborating to make electronic products easier to repair and extending their service life. The first initiative in this direction was holding Restart parties and opening cafes staffed by volunteers with experience in repairing equipment. People concerned about environmental problems and the state of the environment turned to the craftsmen. Over time, the tradition, which began with the Repair Café Foundation, where household items were repaired, grew into an annual event. The initiators of the holiday call not only consumers of goods, but also producers to take care of the planet’s natural resources. Electronics manufacturers can also help with this if they begin to produce more durable, repairable gadgets and devices, and provide craftsmen with information and resources to restore the functionality of equipment. In honor of the holiday, everyone who shares this eco-friendly approach to life shares stories of fixing electronic devices on social networks and demonstrates the results of their labor. On the third Saturday of October, master classes, exhibitions and seminars are held on the restoration and repair of equipment. The holiday encourages any environmental initiatives - installing solar panels on the roof of a house, repairing waterproofing, etc. Restoration work has long been successfully used in the reconstruction of antique furniture and other antiques. International Repair Days are dictated by people's desire to extend the life of any product - from a bicycle, iron and hair dryer to a winter jacket and bar stool. In honor of the holiday, groups of activists organize collection points for broken equipment and other types of products, to which craftsmen give a second life, preserving the nature of the Earth for future generations.

Sweets Day in the USA (Sweet Day, Sweetest Day)

Trafalgar Day in the UK

Apple Day in the UK

Day of Remembrance for the Victims of World War II in Serbia

Every year on October 21, the Orthodox Church and all believers remember all the righteous deeds of Saints Tryphon and Pelageya. Tryphon Vyatsky lived in the 16th century in the Arkhangelsk province, was a simple and modest young man. After the death of his father, he left his parental home and went to the Perm province, where he decided to serve the Lord in a local monastery and took monastic vows with the name Tryphon. At the hour of his serious illness, Saint Nicholas appeared to Tryphon, accompanied by an angel, who helped him not only to heal, but also awarded him the gift of a miracle worker. The news of Tryphon's miraculous abilities quickly spread throughout the area, but not wanting fame, and also in order not to arouse the envy of his fellow monastery members, the monk decided to leave the monastery. In search of solitude, he preached the word of God to the remaining pagans, and by inspiration from above, Tryphon founded the monastery of the Assumption of the Most Holy Theotokos in Vyatka. Pelagia of Antioch, who is also revered on this day, lived in the 3rd century in Antioch. The girl had a very beautiful appearance, but led a dissolute lifestyle. The local bishop was very shocked by the inappropriate behavior of the young girl and prayed all night for the salvation of her soul, and in the morning an unprecedented force itself brought the girl to the temple. After standing through the entire service and sermon, Pelageya had an epiphany, and she was horrified by her way of life and turned to the bishop with a request to baptize her. After this, the girl decided to leave the city, distributed all her property to the poor and, disguised as a young man, took monastic vows. She spent the rest of her life in solitude and repentance. According to the folk calendar, at this time people began to prepare for real winter, since it was already becoming much colder, the peasants were preparing warm clothes for themselves. They took out old fur coats and sheepskin coats and checked whether the old clothes needed repairs or whether new things needed to be prepared. Before severe frost hit, barrels with pickles and other homemade preparations were sent to the bottom of the rivers. According to popular legends, October 21 was also called Pochinki, since from that day on, trees were burned and cut down in the forests to build new huts and to prepare land for agricultural fields. Based on the weather on this day, forecasts were made for the coming winter; if the clouds dropped too low, it meant that severe cold would soon come. If mice dig holes in the warm side, you need to wait for a harsh winter. And if the moon is in circles at night, then next summer will be dry. It was believed that people who gave birth on this day would have a calm disposition and be inclined to shoe making.

Orthodox holidays on October 21:

Memorial Day of St. Taisia ​​of Egypt

Cathedral of Vyatka Saints

Memorial Day of Venerable Pelagia of Antioch