Day of friendship and unity of Slavs - a holiday of our people

Every second Russian has a relative in Ukraine, every third Ukrainian has relatives in Belarus, and every fourth Belarusian knows Pole or Slovak. All of us are Slavs, and we mark June 25 the Day of Friendship and Unity of the Slavs.

Who are the Slavs?

Probably, very few people do not know who such Slavs are. Let's broaden our horizons, telling about some peculiarities of this group of peoples.

There is no greater community in the world than the Slavs. We inhabit the entire European and partly Asian continent. Our compatriots live in all corners of the world. If you collect all who can be considered Slavs, then in the world will be typed about 370 million people.

The day of friendship and unity of the Slavs is noted by those who remember their roots, and who indirectly but honor the cultural values of the people. Once settled in Europe, people of one community are divided into three groups: the Western Slavs, which include the inhabitants of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia; Southern - the territory of the countries of the Mediterranean coast of Europe, with the exception of the Greeks; Eastern - close in spirit to the Russians, Byelorussians, Ukrainians.

History of Rusich

Now, wondering where the holiday of the Day of Friendship and Unity of Slavs takes its roots, few can unequivocally answer how it happened that so many different nationalities came from one nation. Historians only suggest the true reasons for the resettlement and division of one people, although there is still no reliable data.

Up to the modern world, some Slavic peoples lived very fragmented and did not have their own territory. Until the 19th century, all were gathered within the boundaries of the three largest empires. The only exception was the Montenegrins, who originally had an independent state, and the Luzhinians, occupying the autonomous district as part of Germany.

And only after 1945 there were many individual states that announced their intention to write their history within the framework of independent borders. Today, the Day of Friendship and Unity of the Slavs is an opportunity to recall what unites different countries, different languages and faith, that we have the same roots of a large family tree that will never bend under the onslaught of invaders.

history of the holiday

It is difficult to determine the period when all the Slavs lived in the same territory and had a common language, culture and traditions. Some historians believe that this time was partially captured by the period of the formation of Kievan Rus. Whatever it was, but the ancestors of the Slavic writing consider Cyril and Methodius, and their activities became the reason for the holiday Day of Friendship and Unity of the Slavs. The history of the Equal-to-the-Apostles begins with the fact that these two holy martyrs arranged all the church letter that existed at that time, as a result of which arose a language called the Old Slavonic language.

Such different peoples having the same roots

For a long time, truly Slavic values have changed under the influence of Western cultures. This could not but affect the traditions, beliefs and holidays. For example, almost all Slavs are Christians, but among all the Bosnians are distinguished. They took Islam back in the days when they were captured by the Ottoman Empire.

The day of friendship and unity of the Slavs was created in order to revive what was lost hundreds of centuries ago, remember those things in which our ancestors believed, and finally start to take pride in people's wisdom.

Where and how to celebrate

The tradition to celebrate the holiday was born not so long ago. It was customary to celebrate on June 25 the Day of Friendship and Unity of the Slavs. Every year the folk festival takes place in a place where the three borders of the most amicable Slavic states - Russia, Belarus and Ukraine - converge.

Our countries have always been closely linked. And this is reflected not only on the economic component or political. Borders disconnected large families, separated the brothers and sisters, grandparents. And it is very unfortunate that lately there has been a growing tension in the relations between two almost fraternal states - Ukraine and Russia. The hope was expressed that the Day of Friendship and Unity of the Slavs of 2015 could reduce the incendiary fire of hostility.

So, the festival "Slavic unity" is celebrated every year. The place of the general celebration is the point where the borders of the three friendly states converge most closely. Alternating, one of them takes guests.

As it was in past years

In 2013, the festival celebrated its anniversary. Guests were going to mark the unity of souls for the 45th time. The holiday was celebrated this year by another significant date - 1025 years have passed since the moment of the baptism of Rus. The event was held in the Bryansk region of the Russian Federation.

In 2014, by coincidence, the holiday was again held outside the city of Klimovo, in the Bryansk region.

But the Day of Friendship and Unity of Slavs of 2015 was held in the town of Loev, which is in the Gomel region of Belarus. Its holding coincided with the 70th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

Festival of 2016

It is not yet clear where the "Slavic unity" will be held this year. The idea is that Ukraine should become the host country in 2016, but due to the unstable situation on its territory, it is expected that Klimov will again take part in the Bryansk region. It is important for us to know the Day of Friendship and Unity of the Slavs. Photos that illustrate how the celebration takes place can be seen in our article.

Conclusion

We are all Slavs. And this is a nation rich in culture and traditions. So let's not forget that it flows in our blood, and be proud of the fact that our ancestors founded such mighty and strong states, created a written language and opened the first schools. We are Slavs, and we are one!