Every second Russian has a relativeUkraine, every third Ukrainian has relatives in Belarus, and every fourth Belarusian is familiar with a Pole or a Slovak. All of us are Slavs, and on June 25 we celebrate the Day of friendship and unity of the Slavs.
Who are the Slavs
Probably few people do not know who the Slavs are. Let's broaden our horizons by talking about some of the features 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 gather everyone who can be considered Slavs, then there will be about 370 million people in the world.
Friendship Day and the unity of the Slavs are celebrated by those whoremembers his roots, and who, at least indirectly, honors the cultural values of the people. Once settled in Europe, people of one community were divided into three groups: Western Slavs, which include residents of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia; southern - territories of the countries of the Mediterranean coast of Europe, with the exception of the Greeks; Eastern - close in spirit to the Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians.
Rusich history
Now, wondering where it comes fromthe roots of the holiday are the Day of Friendship and Unity of the Slavs, few can unequivocally answer how it happened that so many different nationalities came out of one nation. Historians only suggest the true causes of the settlement and division of one people, although there is still no reliable data.
Up to the modern world, some Slavicnationalities lived very fragmented and did not have their own territory. Until the 19th century, all were collected within the borders of the three largest empires. The only exceptions were the Montenegrins, who initially had an independent state, and Lusatians, who occupy an autonomous region within Germany.
And only after 1945 manyindividual states that have announced their intention to write their history within independent borders. Today, the Day of Friendship and Unity of the Slavs is an opportunity to remember what unites different countries, different languages and the belief that we have the same roots of a large genealogical tree that will never sag under the onslaught of invaders.
history of the holiday
It is difficult to determine the period when all the Slavslived on 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 forefathers of the Slavic literature are considered Cyril and Methodius, and their activities became the cause of the holiday the Day of friendship and unity of the Slavs. The history of people of equal apostles begins with the fact that these two holy martyrs ordered all the church letter existing at that time, as a result of which a single language appeared, called Old Church Slavonic.
Such different nations with the same roots
For a long time, true Slavic valueschanged under the influence of Western cultures. This could not affect the traditions, beliefs and holidays. Thus, for example, almost all Slavs are Christians, but among them Bosnians stand out. They converted to Islam in the times 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, to remember the things that our ancestors believed in, and finally begin to be proud of the wisdom of the people.
Where and how to celebrate
The tradition of celebrating the holiday was born wronglong. It was decided to celebrate the Day of Friendship and Unity of the Slavs on June 25. Every year the folk festival takes place in a place where the three borders of the most friendly Slavic states - Russia, Belarus and Ukraine - meet.
Our countries have always been closely linked.And this is displayed not only on the economic component or the political one. The borders separated the large families, separated the brothers and sisters, grandmothers and grandfathers. And it is very unfortunate that lately there has been an increase in tensions in 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 kindling of hostility.
So, the festival "Slavic unity" is celebratedEvery year. The venue for the celebration of the universal holiday is the point where the borders of the three friendly states converge closest. Alternatingly, one of them takes guests.
As it was in past years
In 2013, the festival celebrated the anniversary.The guests gathered for the 45th time to celebrate the unity of souls. This year's holiday was devoted to another significant date - 1025 years have passed since the baptism of Russia. 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 Klimov, in the Bryansk region.
But the Day of Friendship and Unity of the Slavs of 2015 was held in the town of Loev, in the Gomel region of Belarus. Its holding coincided with the 70th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Festival 2016
It is not yet clear where the “Slavicunity "this year. In theory, Ukraine should become the host country in 2016, but due to the unstable situation on its territory, it is expected that Klimov will again receive in the Bryansk region. It is important for us to know the Day of friendship and unity of the Slavs. Photos illustrating how the holiday is going on can be seen in our article.
Conclusion
We are all Slavs.And this is a very rich culture and traditions of the nation. So let's not forget that it flows in our blood, but to be proud that our ancestors founded such powerful and strong states, created a script and opened the first schools. We are Slavs, and we are one!
