Holidays In Russia. Holidays in Russia. Public holidays in Russia - brief description

Every person, having worked hard for some time, looks forward to the weekend, or better yet, the holidays. Why? Because a holiday creates a special mood, adds variety to life, and leaves behind many pleasant impressions.

The word “holiday” itself comes from the phrase “holy day.” Because the first of the human holidays that our distant ancestors celebrated were purely religious. Most modern holidays have a secular overtone. Today, each country has its own red days of the calendar, associated with historical events or cultural features of the state. Let's figure out which holidays are most loved in Russia.

Naturally, this is not a purely Russian holiday - it is celebrated all over the world. In our country, New Year is celebrated at night from December 31 to January 1. First, a live or artificial Christmas tree is brought to each house and decorated with rain, toys and candies. Traditionally, in the evening, Russians gather with family and friends at a sumptuous table, exchange gifts and open champagne at the twelfth stroke of the chimes. Father Frost and Snow Maiden come to little citizens, and gifts await them under a decorated Christmas tree.

Our Orthodox compatriots celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ from the sixth to the seventh of January. Initially, the celebration of Christmas was associated with many folk rituals and customs: girls told fortunes about their betrothed, young people had fun with caroling - and everyone certainly attended church services. But when the Soviet government banned the celebration of religious holidays, many Christmas traditions “migrated” to New Year’s Day: decorating the Christmas tree, a family feast, and hiding children’s gifts under the Christmas tree. Today, only Christian believers truly celebrate Christmas.

There is no other country in the world that has such a stunningly contradictory holiday. The New Year comes to every Russian home every year from January 13 to 14. This tradition arose in 1918, when Russia switched to a new chronology. And the rooting of tradition is largely due to the fact that church holidays continue to be celebrated according to the old calendar - and modern New Year's Eve falls on the pre-Christmas fast. In the ancient Russian calendar, this day was celebrated as the holiday of St. Basil the Great - Vasilyev's Day, which had a great influence on the entire subsequent year.

4. Tatyana’s Day, which is also called Student’s Day

This tradition began with the decree “On the Establishment of Moscow University” signed on January 25, 1755 by the Russian autocrat Elizaveta Petrovna. Since that time, January 25, originally dedicated to Saint Tatiana, became the Day of the Creation of Moscow University, and the saint herself became the intercessor of students. This date was celebrated only in Moscow and very magnificently: a short official ceremony within the walls of the university quickly turned into a noisy folk festival, to which most of the capital joined.

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the main official holidays for students became the last days of the school year: influential people attended the ceremonies, presented awards, and made speeches. January 12 remained the official holiday of universities, which was celebrated with a church service at each educational institution. Then Nicholas the First officially made Tatyana’s Day a “professional” holiday for students, issuing a decree to celebrate not the opening of Moscow University, but the date of signing the Act on its establishment.

5. Valentine's Day (Valentine's Day)

This romantic holiday came to the CIS countries in the turbulent nineties. Today's patron saint of lovers around the world, the Catholic Saint Valentine, is known for his sad story: this priest secretly married lovers, for which he paid with his life. The holiday is celebrated almost all over the world.

In Soviet times, this celebration was called Soviet Army Day. On February 10, 1995, the State Duma of the Russian Federation established the law “On the Days of Military Glory of Russia,” in which this day was called the Day of the Red Army’s Victory over Kaiser’s Germany in 1918. Today, for most Russians, it is rather not Victory Day over Kaiser’s Germany or the day of the Soviet Army, and the holiday of the intercessors of the Fatherland - men - knights.

In 1913, Women's Day was celebrated for the first time in Russia. Only history has not preserved either the date of the celebration or the names of the organizers. After the First World War, Women's Day was remembered and this holiday was given official status. Women's Day in Soviet Russia was supposed to eclipse the church holidays falling around the same date (March 8): Maslenitsa and the Day of the Myrrh-Bearing Women. March 8 was declared an international holiday only in 1975 by the UN. This was greatly influenced by the Soviet delegation.

8. April Fool's Day or April Fool's Day

One day, on April 1, early in the morning, the residents of St. Petersburg were awakened from their beds by a deafening alarm bell - a signal of a fire. The alarm was a joke - and marked the beginning of the April Fool's tradition of practical jokes.

For many decades, May 9 has been one of the most soulful and magnificent holidays in Russia. An elderly veteran walking to the parade hand in hand with his grandson is a powerful symbol of the unity of generations and the strength of the Russian people. On this day, we are especially proud of our country and our ancestors, we feel unbending patriotism and faith in a bright future.

In 1994, Boris Yeltsin made June 12, the date of adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Russia, a national “red day of the calendar.” Today is this day - a celebration of freedom, peace and harmony of all residents of our vast multinational Motherland.

In Russia, a five-day work week with two days off is established - a total of 40 hours. Vacation - 28 days a year. How do they work in other countries? We asked our compatriots who moved abroad about this.

Norway

The working day in Norway lasts from 35 to 40 hours per week. There are fewer employees in the public sector than in private firms.

Marina:

“I work for a government company 37.5 hours a week. In winter - from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. In summer - from 8 am to 15:00. I have five weeks of paid holiday per year plus days off for Christmas, New Year, Easter, National Day and other holidays. During the general holiday period in July (the most common month for this), the employer cannot refuse leave.”

Great Britain

The work schedule here depends on the region and field of activity. In Scotland the working week can last 40 hours, in London - 35. Holiday: five weeks.

Anastasia:

“In the financial sector, my official working week is 40 hours. But in fact, I overwork, sometimes for 50-55 hours, or maybe more. Overtime is not paid for. We have six working weeks of vacation a year and about eight days of various holidays. More than two weeks of vacation at a time are not given, only for a good reason, for example, if you are on a honeymoon. For those who have children at school, this becomes a problem because vacation needs to be combined with school holidays.”

France

In France they work 35 hours a week. Vacation of at least five weeks. Civil servants, healthcare workers and teachers have special benefits: they are given additional vacation days.

Maria:

“It’s customary for us to sit until the evening. And the work is for three hours, but when you come, first you have to say hello and kiss everyone, while you go around everyone, it’s time to drink coffee and smoke. Then you open the computer, sort through emails for an hour, and then it’s time for coffee/cigarettes again. I worked a little and it was time for lunch (two hour break). The department also needs to periodically collectively discuss a couple of pressing issues: news, TV series, who, when and where is going on vacation. In general, you leave at 8-9 o’clock, proudly sending some email to your boss to show how late you stayed in the office.”

Sweden

The working week lasts 40 hours. Vacation 25−30 calendar days.

Veronica:
“Offices leave before the end of the eight-hour working day. Sometimes for an hour, and sometimes for two (if it’s Friday). The introduction of a six-hour working day is being discussed in parliament, and some companies are putting this social experiment into practice, to the delight of employees.”

Italy

The working week lasts on average 40 hours. Vacation: four weeks. The duration of the vacation depends on the internal rules of the companies. Usually the number of weeks of vacation is prescribed in advance in the contract before starting work.

Marina:
“I work more than 45 hours a week. According to my contract, I have 32 days of paid vacation, and holidays are added to this. We pay the thirteenth salary, the company pays for lunches. Some people are paid even the fourteenth salary under their contract, but they may have shorter vacations.”

Svetlana:
“The fourteenth salary is usually paid in commercial firms. Bank employees also have a fifteenth salary. I work 36 hours a week in the civil service, I have a thirteenth salary and 28 days of vacation, plus three paid days off.”

Denmark

In Denmark, workers' rights are taken very seriously and they always try to provide benefits to those in need, for example a short day for families with children with developmental disabilities or health problems. They work here 35-37 hours a week. And vacation lasts at least five weeks a year.

Christina:
“You can work from home once or twice a week (depending on the employer). And another feature: five days of vacation can be taken not entirely, but divided into one day at a time (that is, five weeks in a row without working, for example, on Thursdays. - Note ed.)».

Germany

In Germany they work 35 to 40 hours a week. Vacation up to six weeks, depending on the agreement with the company.

Tatiana:
“I work 39 hours a week in the office. The schedule is moving. I can work from 6 am to 6 pm daily. Lunch lasts 30 minutes. Decent dining room. 30 days a year vacation.

Thirteen full salaries (the thirteenth in November is Christmas money) plus a bonus in March and a percentage of the company's profits in April. You can take sick leave for up to three days without a doctor’s certificate; if longer, you need to issue a sick leave. According to the law, for six weeks of illness you receive full salary, then it is reduced, but my employer pays something extra. It’s true, I’ve never been sick for so long.”

Brazil
In Brazil, people work on average 30 hours a week. Vacation lasts 30 calendar days. Sometimes, according to eyewitnesses, employees run away from the office early to get to the beach.

Louise:
“In our country, an hour of overtime is counted as additional pay or cumulative hours for time off. There is a thirteenth salary, you can take a paid one-day leave once a year, for example, if someone in the family gets sick. Also, the law does not limit the number of sick days provided, but there are exceptions. Up to 20 days a year are holiday weekends.”

Netherlands
The working week is on average 35-40 hours. Vacation is five to six weeks.

Victoria:
“There is a clear division between working and personal time. At 17:00 everyone is blown away from work like the wind: family, children, dinner strictly at 18:00. Many people turn off their work phones on weekends and after 18:00. Remote work is common.

There are benefits for parents with children. If the child is under eight years old, then each parent has the right to ask for a part-time working week. The payment, of course, is reduced, but the pension is the same as with full-time employment, and the employer does not have the right to refuse the request. But we have a short maternity leave - 16 weeks - and fabulously expensive kindergartens, so it makes sense to work less.”

Hungary
There is a 40-hour work week here. Vacation starts at 20 working days, then every year it is added for age, children, and additional free time is given if the employee has children with disabilities.

Irina:
“It is important for us to take a vacation this year; rescheduling is not allowed and is not compensated with money. It is rare that anyone takes their entire vacation at one time; most often it is divided into several periods. Going on vacation between Christmas and New Year is almost sacred, just like during children's holidays if there is nowhere to place the child. Depending on the organization, there is the possibility of working from home, as well as thirteenth and fourteenth salaries.”

USA
In the USA, it is customary to work long hours and almost without days off. Unfortunately, this is the only way to achieve a good pension in old age or achieve your “American dream”. Maternity leave in the USA - 12 weeks of unpaid leave after childbirth. If a woman rests longer, she may be fired.

Sergey:
“In America, the work week depends on where and who you work for. A minimum of ten days of vacation, a full-time rate of 40 working hours per week, about half an hour for lunch and two breaks of 15 minutes per day. Eight public holidays. Then it depends.”

Olga:
“I have six weeks of vacation a year. Vacation depends on length of service: those with less experience have less vacation than I do. The working week is officially 40 hours, but the schedule is free, you leave and come when you want.

You also take a lunch break when you want and for as long as you want. I work five days one week and four days the next, 9 hours a day. I usually take an hour for lunch and spend it with the dog (she goes to work with me), and then have lunch. But in principle, it doesn’t matter how much you work, only the result is important. I sometimes work more than forty hours a week. My bonus is approximately 20-25 percent of my salary, plus the company adds 15 percent of my salary to the pension plan.”

Finland
The work week lasts from 35 to 40 hours per week. The minimum vacation is five weeks: four weeks in summer, one in winter. In some specialties, the vacation is longer. Parental leave for up to 3 years with job retention.

Catherine:
“In our company, sick leave is paid in full, regardless of the duration. You can take up to 3 days a month due to illness without a doctor’s certificate. But if you take it too often, they will suspect that you just want to take time off, and they will not pay for these days. Lunch break is usually 30 minutes. And two coffee breaks of 15 minutes each. Overtime, shift work, and weekends are paid at a special additional rate.”

The Republic of Korea
Like many Asian countries, in South Korea it is common to work very long hours. The working week often exceeds 45-50 hours, although the contract says 40. Lunch break is at least one hour a day, vacation - 15 calendar days.

Maria:
“We don’t have sick leave in our country; people try not to get sick. Maternity leave is one year in large companies, but in reality it is only three to six months. 15 days of vacation are usually split up. Small and medium-sized companies close for two or three days in August - everyone goes on vacation. Sick leave is deducted from vacation pay. There are few public holidays; if they fall on weekends, they are not postponed, except for Lunar New Year and Thanksgiving.”

Peru
In Peru they work about 40 hours a week. Vacation of 30 calendar days, but only a year after the start of work. The maternity leave lasts 98 days.

Elmira:
“I live in Lima and work in an office five days a week, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (that works out to be 50 hours). Of these, an hour for lunch. We have fourteen official salaries per year, and the thirteenth and fourteenth salaries are paid in full, without deduction of taxes. Plus a bonus - the distribution of the company's net income for the last year in March of the current year.

Overtime hours are paid to ordinary employees. No one controls management positions (my case), additional hours are not paid, but the salary is higher. Some companies on Fridays in the summer work until 15-16 hours in the afternoon so that employees have time to go to the beaches before traffic jams.”

Text: Victoria Holland
Cover.

Hi all! Each state has its own holidays, and the USA is no exception. Of course, we Russians will give everyone a head start when it comes to celebrations, but Americans also love to have fun. The word “holiday” itself in English consists of two stems “holy day”, which means “holy day”, but national holidays in the USA are celebrated especially magnificently, which are very often far from religion. Many of them are incomprehensible to us and seem strange, just like our Maslenitsa or Ivan Kupala to foreigners. Holidays in America

The USA is a multinational country that has absorbed the cultures of a huge number of peoples. Therefore, some American holidays go back to the traditions of various nationalities, but all celebrations are imbued with the modern American spirit. For Americans, the word “holiday” is unthinkable without “celebration” in the full sense of the word. Therefore, if you want bright emotions, then go to the festivities in the USA.

Roughly speaking, in America there are no public holidays that are celebrated by the entire country. Each state independently declares its own official celebrations. The federal government has designated only 10 holidays. Public holidays are legally observed only by government employees, Congress, and the President. However, as practice shows, almost all states celebrate these 10 holidays.

US federal holidays

Some national holidays are actually national for the United States; they are celebrated only on the territory of this state: independence Day

Martin Luther King Day- celebrated on the third Monday of January, named after a black activist who fought against racial discrimination
US independence- celebrated on the 4th of July, is one of the most popular in the USA. On the 4th of July, all kinds of parades are held, fireworks are lit, families have picnics in nature, sing songs in English
Presidents Day- celebrated on the third Monday of February very proudly and magnificently, it is dedicated to the memory of the most outstanding presidents of the United States - A. Lincoln and J. Washington
Commemoration- held on the last Monday in May, dedicated to the memory of fallen servicemen in military conflicts. It is customary to visit memorials and cemeteries, state flags are flown at half-mast
Veterans Day- second Monday in November. Very similar to the previous Memorial Day. On this date, all military personnel are honored - both living and dead. Parades of veterans, meetings of military personnel are held, concerts are held at which songs are sung in English of a certain era
Labor Day- It is customary to celebrate on the first Monday of autumn, mass demonstrations are held, the end of summer and the beginning of the American football season are celebrated on this weekend
Thanksgiving Day- celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, one of the most beloved family holidays among Americans. On Thursday, Americans gather with their families around the table, which is decorated with turkey, and offer prayers in English to God for the blessings bestowed upon them. A grand parade of inflatable toys is being organized in New York
Columbus Day- celebrated on the second Monday in October in honor of Columbus's discovery of North America in 1492. On the anniversary of the opening of their state, the population attends various ceremonial events and church services

In addition to purely American celebrations, religious and generally accepted holidays are considered federal in the United States. , which are celebrated in most countries of the world:

- The birth of Christ is celebrated on the traditional Catholic date - December 25. On the eve, Christmas trees, houses and yards are decorated with colorful lights, people exchange gifts and send each other greeting cards not only in English, but also in any other language in the world.
New Year— of course, it’s done on January 1st. However, unlike our traditions, not so magnificently, the main winter celebration in the USA is still Christmas. Americans exchange wishes for happiness and prosperity on New Year's Day
Easter, which is celebrated according to the Catholic calendar, is not a state holiday, but is still widely celebrated by all Christians. Traditionally, on Easter Monday, children and the president roll Easter eggs on the lawn near the White House.

Federal celebrations follow the laws of each individual state. Local authorities may decide not to celebrate a particular date; it is within their authority to decide whether the population will have a day off or weekdays.

Unusual holidays in the USA

In addition to official holidays, residents of the United States who speak English and have long accepted the culture and traditions of this country celebrate many other interesting and unusual holidays. These dates are not holidays, but people still try to celebrate them properly.

Remember that the main purpose of the holidays is to unite all people, regardless of race, nationality, age, religion and social class.

There are many national holidays in Russia, when people all over the country do not work and have special celebrations.

The major holidays are: New Year's Day, Women's Day, May Day, Victory Day, and Independence Day.

The first holiday of the year is New Year"s Day. People see the new year in at midnight on the 31st of December. They greet the new year with champagne and listen to the Kremlin chimes beating 12 o"clock.

There are lots of New Year traditions in Russia. In every home there is a New Year tree glittering with colored lights and decorations. Children always wait for Father Frost to come and give them a present. Many people consider New Year's Day to be a family holiday. But the young prefer to have New Year parties of their own.

A renewed holiday in our country is Christmas. It is celebrated on the 7th of January. It"s a religious holiday and a lot of people go to church services on that day.

On the 8th of March we celebrate Women's Day when men are supposed to do everything about the house, cook all the meals and give women flowers.

The greatest national holiday in our country is Victory Day. On the 9th of May, 1945, our army completely defeated the German fascists and the Great Patriotic War ended. We"ll never forget our grandfathers and grandmothers who died to defend our Motherland. We honor their memory with a minute of silence and put flowers on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Independence Day is a new holiday in our country. On the 12th of June, 1992, the first President of Russia was elected.

We also celebrate Day of the Defender of Motherland on the 23d of February, Easter, Day of Knowledge and lots of professional holidays which are not public holidays and banks, offices and schools do not close.

Holidays in Russia

There are many holidays in Russia, during which people throughout the country do not work and hold special events.

Main holidays: New Year, International Women's Day, May 1st, Victory Day and Independence Day.

The first holiday of the year is New Year. People celebrate the New Year at midnight on December 31st. They welcome the New Year with champagne and listen to the Kremlin chimes at 12 o'clock.

There are many New Year traditions in Russia. Every home has a sparkling Christmas tree with colorful lights and decorations. Children are always waiting for Santa Claus, who comes and gives them gifts. Many people believe that New Year is a family holiday. But young people prefer to hold New Year's parties.

A renewed holiday in our country is Christmas. It is celebrated on January 7th. This is a religious holiday and many people go to church services on this day.

On March 8th we celebrate International Women's Day, when men should do everything around the house, cook food, and give women flowers.

The biggest national holiday in our country is Victory Day. On May 9, 1945, our army completely defeated the German fascists and the Great Patriotic War ended. We will never forget our grandfathers and grandmothers who died defending our Motherland. We honor their memory with a minute of silence and laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Independence Day is a new holiday in our country. On June 12, 1992, the first president of Russia was elected.

We also celebrate Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23, Easter, Knowledge Day and many professional holidays that are not public holidays and banks, offices and schools do not close on these days.

There are many national holidays in Russia, when people all over the country do not work and have special celebrations. The major holidays are: New Year's Day, Women's Day, May Day, Victory Day, and Independence Day.

A renewed holiday in our country is Christmas. It is celebrated on the 7th of January. It"s a religious holiday and a lot of people go to church services on that day.

Non-official "Men"s Day" is the 23d of February, it is a public holiday called "The Homeland Defenders Day". All men in Russia are liable for call-up (including reservists), so they all are celebrities. On this day women usually give men small gifts.

On the 8th of March we celebrate Women's Day when men are supposed to do everything about the house and cook all the meals. This is pretty nice — at least once a year women can take a break and forget about all those dishes, cooking , kids, take a magazine and relax on a coach.

The 1st of May is the Day of Labour. During Soviet time there were huge demonstrations on this day, as everyone was obliged to show his loyalty to the state; now only communists organize meetings on this date.

The greatest national holiday in our country is Victory Day. On the 9th of May, 1945, the Soviet Army and its allies completely defeated the German fascists and the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War ended. A magnificent memorial on Poklonnaya Gora has been built to commemorate the Victory. Many veterans take part in the military parade and lay wreaths on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Radio and television broadcast popular war songs. A lot of guests from different countries of the. world come to Moscow to participate in the celebrations.

Independence Day is a new holiday in our country. On the 12th of June, 1992, the first President of Russia was elected.

The 1st of September is the Day of Knowledge — it"s the beginning of a school year. Children go to schools with flowers for teachers, there are meetings before the classes start.

The 12th of December—the Constitution Day. This day the first Constitution of the Russian Federation was adopted in 1993 (previous Constitutions were all Soviet Unions).

Russians love to celebrate. We adopted the Western holidays such as St. Valentine, and Halloween. We also appreciate Chinese New Year, Muslim and Jewish holidays, as Russians are very tolerant to other religions.

We also celebrate Easter and lots of professional holidays which are not public holidays and banks, offices and schools do not close.

Translation:

There are many national holidays in Russia. People all over the country are off work and special celebrations are being held. Main public holidays: New Year, March 8, May 1, Victory Day and Independence Day.

The first holiday of the year is New Year. People celebrate the New Year at midnight on December 31st. They celebrate the New Year with champagne and listen to the Kremlin chimes counting down 12 strokes.

There are many New Year traditions in Russia. Every home has a Christmas tree sparkling with colored lights and decorations. Children are always waiting for Santa Claus to come and give them gifts. Many people believe that New Year is a family holiday. But young people prefer to organize their own New Year's parties.

A renewed holiday in our country is Christmas. It is celebrated on January 7th. This is a religious holiday and many people go to church services on this day.

The unofficial “Men's Day” is February 23rd; it is a holiday called “Defender of the Fatherland Day.” On this day, women usually give men small gifts.

On March 8th we celebrate Women's Day, when men are expected to do all the housework and cook all the food. This is pretty good - at least once a year women can relax and forget about all those dishes, cooking, children, grab a magazine and relax on the couch.

May 1st - Labor Day. During the Soviet Union, huge demonstrations were held on this day, as everyone had to show their loyalty to the state; Now only communists organize rallies on this day.

The biggest national holiday in our country is Victory Day. On May 9, 1945, the Soviet army and its allies completely defeated the German fascists and World War II and the Great Patriotic War ended. A majestic memorial was built on Poklonnaya Hill to commemorate the victory. Many veterans take part in the military parade and lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Radio and television broadcast popular war songs. Many guests from around the world come to Moscow to take part in the celebrations.

Independence Day is a new holiday in our country. On June 12, 1992, the first president of Russia was elected.

September 1st - Knowledge Day - is the beginning of the school year. Children go to schools with flowers for teachers, and lines are held before classes begin.

December 12th is Constitution Day. On this day in 1993, the first Constitution of the Russian Federation was adopted (the previous ones were Constitutions of the Soviet Union).

Russian people love to celebrate. We have adopted Western holidays such as Valentine's Day and Halloween. We also respect Chinese New Year, Muslim and Jewish holidays, as Russians are very tolerant of other religions.

We also celebrate Easter and many professional holidays that are not days off and banks, offices and schools do not close.