Russian Holidays - Patron and Philanthropist Day

The date of birth of Gaius Cylnius Maecenas is generally considered to be April 13, although even the year of his birth is not known for certain. This ancient Roman statesman lived in the first century BC and was a bosom friend of Emperor Augustus Octavian. So close that he could allow himself the exclamation: “Stop already, butcher!”, addressed to the monarch at the moment the latter showed particular cruelty. Octavian Augustus was famous for his impulsiveness and easily signed death sentences. Including people of art. Guy Tsilniy believed that all creative citizens needed special care and protection. Much later, such people will be called artists, that is, those involved in “art”, art. Even during his lifetime, poets, artists, sculptors, philosophers, and writers found a caring intercessor in Maecenas. The name of the figure has become a household name. At first, it was customary to call all those patrons and donors who direct their philanthropy to artists and help creative people as patrons of the arts. Later, this term began to be used to refer to philanthropists of a broader profile. Therefore, the founders of the non-state holiday chose April 13, the birthday of Guy Tsilnius Maecenas, as the Day of Maecenas and Philanthropist in Russia. If someone took up philanthropy in this aspect, it was out of an exceptionally noble impulse and on their own initiative, because it is impossible to force such donations. It is impossible to force someone to voluntarily give anything without expecting anything in return. This means that it is necessary to express gratitude for the gratuitousness. The celebration has been held since 2005, the main events take place in the State Hermitage, where Giovanni Battista Tiepolo’s painting “Patron Presents the Liberal Arts to Emperor Augustus” is kept and exhibited. The painting is used as a symbolic background for the holiday, which calls for teaching society to express gratitude to donors and donors. The initiators of the founding of the date also include representatives of the Culture Committee in the government of St. Petersburg, as well as the editors of “Russian Maecenas,” an almanac of social partnership. Children must take part in the events. These are children from orphanages, boarding schools and shelters that are supported by charitable foundations. One of the traditions of the holiday, in addition to presenting memorable gifts, was the introduction of the Peacock clock, a mechanism with more than two centuries of history. It is necessary to clearly distinguish a philanthropist from a sponsor. If the first gives his property, time and energy selflessly, then the second does the same in exchange for advertising his goods or services. On Patron and Philanthropist Day, scientists and artists, government officials express gratitude only to those donors who donated their resources free of charge. This signifies gratitude for indifference, compassion and empathy, sensitivity and kindness, for that subtle essence, which, as L. Tolstoy put it, is an analogue of health, imperceptible and at the same time the key to success in any endeavor.