Halloween is a night when the spirits of the dead can freely visit the world of the living. This holiday comes from Celtic pagan culture, and is inextricably linked with Samhain, which divides the year into two parts. Numerous tribes of Celts who lived at the turn of the century in Scotland and Ireland believed in the transmigration of souls, the afterlife, and had an extensive pantheon of gods. Numerous beliefs and pagan cults, conventionally dividing the world into dark and light forces, have been able to survive for centuries. With the adoption of Christianity and the displacement of idolatry, Samhain was transformed from a pagan holiday into All Saints' Day. This happened in the 7-8 centuries, when such religious figures of the Roman church as Saint Boniface convinced tribal leaders of the advantages of the new religion. Pope Gregory III decided that All Saints' Day would be celebrated on November 1, although previously the celebration fell on May 13. The commemoration of the dead began to be celebrated on November 2. But such a rethink did not bring the desired result. Halloween, condemned by Christianity, remained in the hearts of people - the belief in evil spirits that need to be appeased turned out to be stronger. Gradually, the holiday began to be entertaining in nature and acquired new modern symbols. One of these is the jack-o-lantern. Initially, lanterns that helped lost souls find their way to another world were made from turnips. The migration of the descendants of the ancient Celts to America changed the ritual symbol to a more accessible one. The first mention of a jack-o'-lantern dates back to 1837, and subsequently it became the main attribute of the holiday, just like costumes. Surviving photographs of Halloween masks and costumes from the early 20th century are striking in their terrifying verisimilitude. Today anyone can find a suitable image and take part in a bright and memorable holiday. The holiday has found its niche in the entertainment industry not only in English-speaking countries, but also in Japan, South Korea, CIS countries, and of course, Russia. And although the Orthodox and Muslim religions do not recognize or approve of Halloween, its popularity is gaining momentum. This is also facilitated by the commercial approach to the holiday - the sale of current paraphernalia, which can easily be purchased in specialized stores. Entertainment centers and complexes, especially in megacities, are preparing their own programs, quests, competitions and movie marathons. The younger generation is always ready to take part in this holiday, because its motto “trick or treat” will appeal to brave pranksters. Dressed up children go from house to house, accepting treats in the form of candy. Halloween is quite capable of becoming a family holiday, because decorating the house together with interesting thematic symbols is “scary” fun.

The last day of October was officially declared World Savings Day in 1989. This name of the date was voiced by the Italian professor Ravvitsa instead of the World Savings Day proposed by financial institutions. The prerequisites for the emergence of a memorable date arose back in 1924 at the first world congress of savings banks, where representatives of 29 countries gathered to listen to each other. Indeed, the concept of “savings” is broader than “savings,” especially in light of the designation of the current generation of people as a consumer society. And if savings banks of developing countries stimulate the population for residential construction, expansion of agricultural production, and introduction of social programs; For developed industrial countries, the banking system is primarily credit operations. Unlimited lending, in addition to its positive aspects, has negative consequences in the form of creating conditions for the purchase of more advertising products, which are often imposed on the consumer and have no real need. Thus, the date October 31 is dedicated to saving in a very broad sense, this means saving time, energy resources, minerals, and natural resources. Economy and savings are acquiring the status of international problems, talking about the depletion of natural resources, the wasteful use of the benefits of civilization, and social inequality. Scientists claim that if the whole world matches the United States in consumerism, then resources will be exhausted in 40-50 years. Savings Day is a serious reason to raise the topic of equating personal happiness with the level of consumption of material goods in modern society. We are talking about a change in moral guidelines, and religious organizations were among the first to talk about this phenomenon. Consumerism in modern society replaces family values, friendly connections, and personal achievements. The pursuit of material status is considered the highest good, to the detriment of health, family and normal human joys. The best pastime is considered to be shopping and then demonstrating what you have purchased to users of social networks. The success of studies and professional activities is devalued. Commercial advertising and the desire for profit of manufacturing companies play a negative role in the spread of consumer sentiment. For advertising purposes, manipulative technologies are used, leading to a decrease in the cultural level of society. Such a society loses the concept of personal responsibility, all blame for environmental pollution or destruction of natural resources is shifted to producers, the individual does not recognize his involvement and does not feel guilty. Savings Day is celebrated everywhere in many developed countries, including Germany, whose citizens’ mentality is particularly thrifty. The desire for frugality has nothing in common with greed; this phenomenon is based on rational, intelligent use and consumption. Explanatory conversations and events are held in schools, banks and other public organizations in Germany. The government of the country is confident that nurturing a culture of consumption and an understanding of the importance of thrift must be instilled from a very young age.

Urbanization is the outflow of population from villages to cities or simply an increase in the number of city residents. This event has a lot of side effects that few people think about. On the one hand, this is very good - the more residents in the city, the more labor force, the city develops in socio-economic terms. However, problems are also growing - for example, people often have nowhere to live - they arrange their lives in slums, which are not suitable for a normal way of life. Man-made smog is growing - toxic emissions from cars, motorcycles - in some countries this is a real problem - for example, in Thailand, people wear special masks on the street in order to somehow protect their lungs. An important problem of cities is the problem of territories - cities grow, absorbing nearby settlements. These and other problems accompany the increase in the number of residents in the city. Relatively recently, in 2014, the UN General Assembly decided to establish World Cities Day as a way to increase public attention to the problems of megacities. The fact is that the number of city dwellers increases greatly every year - let’s say, if in the 50s of the last century they were about 30% of the total number of inhabitants of the Earth, then today it is already about 50% with an increasing tendency. However, the problems of megacities are not being solved as quickly as their population is growing. So, it was decided to celebrate World Cities Day on October 31 every year. On this day, problems of urban development are raised with particular activity and ways to solve them are sought. They organize events aimed at improving some areas of social life. World Cities Day was first celebrated in 2014 - that is, it is a very young holiday and, naturally, has not yet gained the necessary popularity. However, already in the first year of its celebration, a forum dedicated to this event was held in Russia. And in the future, the main goal of Cities Day is to raise the issue of megacities, prove its relevance and necessity, and inform society about it. So, every year on October 31, from now on, we - people of cities - must think about how to develop our home - our city. Of course, using the amenities of the urban environment is pleasant and comfortable, however, maintaining them at the required level, thinking through other things that develop society, and also cleaning up environmental “tails” is the main task of every city dweller.

It is difficult to meet a person indifferent to the sea. The love for the sea coast unites us during the summer holidays, and it just so happens that the most accessible vacation spot for the countries of the post-Soviet space was and is the Black Sea. But few people know that October 31 has been proclaimed International Black Sea Day. On this date in 1996, in the Turkish port city of Istanbul, representatives of the Russian Federation, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Georgia and Turkey signed a plan for the strategic rescue of the Black Sea. The importance of this plan has become urgent due to the increasing threat of destruction of the unique natural complexes of the water area. This date is not just a celebration, it is an occasion to think about the importance of maintaining a normal ecosystem of the most important natural object for the life of people and the entire planet. Due to its geographical position, being the inland waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Black Sea is under the influence of human activity along the entire coast. Its waters wash the shores of 6 states: Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Bulgaria, Georgia and Abkhazia. The Black Sea territories developed under the direct influence of the maritime neighborhood, providing: - trade routes, - strategic location, - economic basis, - cultural exchange. These truths were known to the ancient Greeks, who founded their colonies on the coast of Pontus Aksinsky. Greek sailors named the formidable waters Pontus Aksinsky or the Inhospitable Sea. Other ancient Greek sources indicate the name - Scythian, and Arabic records mention the designation Russian. But the Russians did not have the sea for long, and throughout the 18th century the Russian Empire participated in numerous battles, victories in which made it possible to seize access to the Black Sea. Since the 18th century, scientific study of marine geography, currents, flora and fauna began. Research continued throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. By the end of the 20th century, a collection of detailed navigation maps was released, an oceanographic platform was erected, and international environmental monitoring became mandatory. A detailed study of the sea has shown that the human factor does not always have a positive effect on its ecological condition. And under the influence of the technological revolution of recent decades, the Black Sea has become the most polluted in the world. The most dangerous polluting factors include: - the condition of river arteries carrying fertilizers from fields; - oil and petroleum products carried from port waters and by carrier tankers; - human waste, including wastewater. In addition, the normal ecosystem of the Black Sea basin is disrupted by bottom trawling, mass fishing, mutations of marine life under the influence of human activity. All of the above together makes us think about the inevitability of forecasters about the complete disappearance of the sea in its original form in the near future, as well as about its complete unsuitability for proximity to people. The threat of a possible catastrophe becomes more obvious every year, so on October 31, environmental campaigns, cleanup companies, and beach flash mobs are held along the entire Black Sea coast. But the main actions should be the education of environmental ethics among all residents of coastal zones, as well as among vacationers and tourists who fill the still attractive beaches of the Black Sea basin in the warm season. After all, if we don’t come to our senses now, the common misfortune will affect the current younger generation. And today’s children will no longer have access to a wonderful holiday on the Black Sea coast.

October 31 is Sign Language Interpreter Day in Russia, and it has been celebrated since 2003. However, over the decades of its existence, the holiday has not become widely known, and this suggests that insufficient attention is paid to this problem in the country. Thus, in Finland there are three hundred specialists per thousand deaf-mute people, and in Russia their number is tens of times less. Perhaps the popularization of this holiday can change the situation for the better. At the very beginning of 2003, the date was established by law, and the initiative was taken by the All-Russian Society of the Deaf (VOG). Sign language interpreters are needed not only for comfortable communication. Sometimes, they are simply vital for people when it comes, for example, to communicating with law enforcement agencies and courts. Only a certified specialist whose knowledge has been confirmed in practice has the right to represent the legitimate interests of such a person in court and other authorities. Unfortunately, there are really few such specialists today. Traditionally, on this day it is customary to popularize this profession, as well as tell people about how to become sign language interpreters and what qualities are required from a person. By the way, such specialists first began to appear under Peter the Great. The Russian sovereign, as you know, modernized many areas, including this industry. Big changes affected, in particular, the standards of training of translators or sign language interpreters, who in those days were called “readers”. Yes, learning these skills requires diligence, attentiveness, and good memory. However, such a profession is by no means considered highly paid. Perhaps this explains the huge shortage of personnel, although recently there are hopes for an improvement in the situation. Very often, master classes are held on October 31, where specialists share their experience and talk about interesting cases from practice. In addition, institutions where sign language interpreters are trained conduct excursions and open days to attract those wishing to acquire this specialty. But it’s worth taking a broader look at this date. On October 31, it is customary to pay increased attention not only to hard of hearing, deaf, and deaf-mute people, but also to all disabled people in general. Often, private donors or companies, business representatives mark October 31 with events and promotions aimed at supporting both deaf people and people with disabilities in general. On October 31, some organizations provide special benefits for hearing-impaired people to visit public places. Museums and theaters open their doors, and events dedicated to the date are held. Also, sign language interpreters compete in professionalism, participate in competitions and competitions. The VOG organization itself was created back in 1926 on the initiative of the Soviet government. Then it was called the All-Union Society of the Deaf, but with the collapse of the USSR the traditions were preserved. Of course, the history of the profession is rooted deep in time. In addition to Peter, the Russian Empress Catherine II also made a significant contribution, who invited specialists from Europe to train deaf-mute subjects, their children and family members. Unfortunately, the specifics of the profession are such that the language of the deaf has not become universal in all countries. It cannot be compared, for example, with Esperanto, although both of these languages ​​were created artificially and pursue the goal of unhindered communication between people with different linguistic skills. Sign language interpreters working in one country may not always be competent when working with disabled people and people with disabilities from other countries. Of course, there are some similarities, but there is a large layer of gestures, the meaning of which is interpreted differently in different countries. Gradually, sign language interpreter day is becoming more popular, supported by media coverage, so there is hope that the profession will become more respected and prestigious over time.

The Day of Workers of Pre-trial Detention Centers and Prisons in Russia is classified as a professional holiday and applies to workers of all levels who carry out their activities in prisons or pre-trial detention centers in our country. This holiday has been celebrated since 2006 on October 31 and owes its appearance to the head of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia Kalinin Yuri Ivanovich. The choice of such a date for celebration is associated with the creation of such an institution as a pre-trial detention center, which occurred in 1963. As a rule, on this day, various ceremonial events are held annually for employees of these institutions, at which a large number of congratulations and words of gratitude are heard, various kinds of certificates and other awards are presented, announcements of the special merits of individual citizens and other wishes take place. Very often, former employees who dedicated their lives to working in the penal system and retired to a well-deserved retirement are also invited to such celebrations. The penal system consists of a large number of institutions, which, unfortunately, are never empty. Therefore, to service them, as well as to protect the people they contain, a fairly large number of employees are required, whose work activity is inextricably linked with constant stress and risk. Such people have a persistent character, great endurance and a host of other important qualities that they need to properly perform service and protect law and order. The main purpose of pre-trial detention centers and prisons is to detain lawbreakers and securely isolate them from the rest of society. This guarantees the safety of not only citizens who are at large, but also the prisoners themselves, the observance and enforcement of their legal rights. In addition to the main institutions for holding prisoners, there are a fairly large number of educational institutions, as well as religious organizations. They were created to organize vocational education for people in custody and ensure their rights to freedom of religion. All this also requires the participation of certain personnel with appropriate qualifications. Since this type of activity is related to ensuring compliance with the law, the work of employees of such institutions is very important at any time, since law and order in the country depends on it.

In addition to the cognitive function, literature also plays another role - it involves the reader in the artistic world of the work, helping to restore internal harmony and mental balance. Poetry, with its refined artistic images and rhymes, gives people aesthetic pleasure. Reading is akin to communicating with an interesting interlocutor who shares his life experiences and acts as a guide to unknown worlds.

On October 31, the Orthodox and Catholic churches celebrate the feast of St. Luke, who is considered a companion of the Apostle Paul. According to legend, Luke was from Syrian Antioch. He belonged to the environment of trained people who knew a lot about Jewish laws, Greek philosophy, medicine, painting, and the Egyptian language. Luke is considered the best student in the study of the Christian faith. He was among the 70 disciples sent to preach the first sermon about the Kingdom of Heaven during Jesus’ earthly life. He is considered one of the faithful followers of Christ's teaching. Thanks to his devotion to the Christian faith, Luke came to see the resurrected Jesus Christ on his way to the village of Emmaus. Saint Luke was considered a comrade-in-arms of the Apostle Paul and his close friend. He took part in Paul's missionary journey, and after his martyrdom, he left Rome, traveling with sermons in different countries. The outcome of his earthly life ended in the city of Thebes at the age of 85. Due to the fact that there was no cross, the idolaters crucified him on an olive tree. Today the holy relics of the Evangelist Luke are kept in the Basilica of Santa Giustina in Italy. On Lukov Day, peasants paid increased attention to onions with their healing and taste characteristics. On this day, villages began selling onions at local bazaars. Although onions did not generate much income, they were considered the main vegetable sold. On this day, every person should eat at least one onion. By doing this, he will strengthen his immune system and protect himself from diseases. It was believed that onions eaten on Lukov Day, October 31, could cure not only colds, but also chronic ones. Among the people, Saint Luke is revered as the patron saint of fishermen. On this day, fishermen went out to sea or other bodies of water for a successful catch. They believed that turning to Saint Luke with prayers would protect them from dangers and bring them a good catch, consisting of pike, roach, ide, sterlet, bream, perch, catfish, chub, and carp. Fish was caught with nets and other methods. One of the most profitable methods was beaming, in which a special device with a burning torch was mounted on the bow of the boat. The fish swam to the clarified area, where it became a quick catch for the fishermen. Luke is considered the decisive icon painter in history. Tradition says that he created the first icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary. That is why he is considered the patron saint of painters. On the Feast of Luke, special respect was given to people of these professions. The prayers of icon painters were addressed to Saint Luke, who began painting churches and painting holy images. In addition, there is information that Saint Luke is the author of one of the 4 Gospels. We learned above about what to do on the feast of St. Luke. In addition, young girls and boys in Rus' danced, danced, sang, and had fun. It was believed that along with the public festivities, evil spirits were having fun. The witches danced naked on a white cloth spread in a forest clearing. People believed that by this day the witches were pregnant. Those women who wanted to conceive a child could go into the forest, naked and dance, in the so-called “witch’s circle.” But at the same time, there was a fear that some witch might plant her embryo in the womb of a peasant woman. They prayed to Saint Luke with requests for the safety of winter crops and trees from severe frosts. As on any holy holiday, it was forbidden to use foul language, swear, shout, or lie. The peasants love their patron saints and pay close attention to the weather on these days:• the day of the Evangelist Luke without snow, winter is not expected soon;• dim stars are visible in the sky and the same month - there will be rain or snow;• when a horse snores, it means inclement weather is expected , and if it snorts, it will be warm;• a poultry is cocked, which means there will be rain;• a cat scratches the floor - a strong wind;• when foxes howl are heard from the forest, it means the weather will deteriorate in the coming days;• when clouds are floating from north to south – You should expect sunny weather. On October 31, winter began in many regions of the country.

Pumpkin rescue

International Hockey Goalie Day

Physicists claim that the Universe is 85% (according to another version - 95%) composed of dark matter - a substance that can only be seen when observing the phenomenon of gravity. The holiday established in 2017, which is celebrated every year on October 31, is intended to draw attention to the importance of studying one of the mysteries of the Universe.

Day of red rowan and flying tits

Day of Seven Billion

Celebration of the end of the harvest in Ireland (Samhain)

Lutheran Reformation Day

Orthodox holidays on October 31:

Memorial Day of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke

Memorial Day of St. Julian the Persian