This is a national holiday, which was recognized only in 2005. This holiday is celebrated now on November 4 by the whole country. The schools traditionally hold open lessons, and the city authorities are preparing a festive program for the residents. Unfortunately, according to polls, only a third of the population knows about this date. But the true meaning, which was invested in the celebration initially, today only a few understand.
The history of the holiday of national unity
Although officially this holiday was recognized not so long ago, it has its roots in the distant 17th century. The holiday of the Day of National Unity is celebrated as a sign of liberation from Polish interventionists in 1612.
One of the most important and famous events of history is the people's militia led by Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky. They managed to break into China-city and force the command of the Polish interventionists to sign a document on surrender. Dmitri entered the liberated city first. In his hands was an icon of the Kazan Mother of God. Since then, Russia has been firmly believed that it was this icon that helped protect the native lands from the Polish invasion and preserve faith in the hearts of people.
A little later, Prince Dmitry in honor of the icon of the Mother of God built on his own funds a wooden church on Red Square. After the fire in Moscow, nothing remained from the church and in its place was built the Kazan Cathedral of stone . A few years later, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich proclaimed November 4 the day of the Kazan Mother of God. This holiday was celebrated annually until the revolution of 1917. Then the date began to be forgotten little by the way right up to the present day.
Today the holiday of the Day of National Unity has acquired a somewhat different character. It is almost not associated with the church. Instead, citizens of the country celebrate a day of remembrance and gratitude to those who once defended the country. From the point of view of the clergymen, many residents of the country do not understand the very essence of the word "unity". According to the history, this day is called to remind the people of the country that only in unity is power, and in power and integrity is joy.
Day of national unity is the purpose of the holiday
Today, people of the country celebrate the Day of National Unity every year as a sign of the victory of the Russian army over the Poles. This is not just an excuse to organize secular receptions and once again emphasize the status of Russia as a great country.
The main idea was the unity of the people. Irrespective of religion and nationality, in 1612 people were able to unite and thus defend their freedom. The holiday of the Day of National Unity represents respect for patriotism and courage of the citizens of the country of all generations, recognition and gratitude to those who could defend and defend their homeland in the darkest moments of its history.
Day of national unity - holiday traditions
On this day it is customary to hold various concerts with the participation of Russian celebrities, processions and demonstrations.
A grand reception is held in the Grand Kremlin Hall. At this reception, all those who made a great contribution to the development and prosperity of the country are rewarded. Closer to the evening, festivities begin with a concert program, fireworks and visual shows. The history of the holiday of national unity is told every year to pupils of schools, so that from the very childhood they learned to appreciate and be proud of their country, knew its history and understood the very essence of the celebration. Fortunately, this holiday is celebrated every year more and more people, and it has already become quite important for the inhabitants of the country.