At first glance, February 6 is an obscure winter day. But it is not so. It turns out that the date is filled with significant events. Also, many holidays and traditions are associated with it.
Whom do the Orthodox worship?
On this day, Orthodox Christians pay tribute to Blessed Xenia of Petersburg. The feast of the church on February 6 was created specifically to commemorate the good deeds of this woman who lived in the city on the Neva in the 18th century. She was called a holy fool, called a city madwoman. And all due to the fact that Ksenia denied the condition. Having become a widow at 26, fairly well-off and respected, she gave her house to friends, dressed in her husband's outfit and took his name. Everyone thought that the woman was a victim of a mental disorder, although in reality she simply sacrificed herself to save the soul of a sinner who did not repent before the death of her husband.
Since then, Ksenia has walked the streets like a beggar, preaching the commandments of God. Many years have passed since she was finally regretted and began to give alms. But she took only coins on which was depicted George the Victorious, killing the dragon. When the unfortunate died, she was buried in the Smolensky churchyard, where she helped build a church. At the beginning of the 20th century, a chapel was built over the grave of Xenia, and the pilgrimage of believers began here. In 1988, the woman was counted among the saints, and they also founded a church holiday in honor of her on February 6.
Worldly holiday
On this day, the entire planet celebrates International Bartender Day. The date was not chosen by chance: it is also associated with the church. The fact is that on February 6, Catholic Christians celebrate St. Amand's Day, the great apostle, patron saint of merchants, brewers, winemakers, as well as restaurateurs and bartenders. He himself lived in the VI β VII centuries and was famous for spreading the Christian faith in the wine regions of Europe. Therefore, it is on February 6th that all entertainment and drinking establishments organize a real show. For example, bartenders compete who will quickly prepare the most delicious cocktail. All kinds of tastings, quizzes and thematic competitions for visitors are also held.
Bartenders deserved the honor of having their own holiday. Their profession is no easier than firefighters, drivers and teachers. Often they spend the whole day on their feet, not only spilling drinks, but also listening to the sad stories of customers. Bartenders are excellent psychologists who can give valuable advice and only by the look of the visitor to guess what he wants to drink at the moment.
Oriental subtleties
In Iran, February 6 is the day of Sraoshi, the mythical character of this country. He is the keeper of the Holy Word and cosmic knowledge, a vehicle who holds the keys to wisdom. On this day, the Sun enters the 18th degree of Aquarius: it is believed that it is favorable for any undertakings, as well as reading mantras and prayers. The holiday of Sraoshi, which is often portrayed as a warrior with a camel head, is associated with the defense of courage and heroism, justice and struggle. This mythical hero confronted dark forces and demons. His totem is a rooster, which symbolizes cockiness, fearlessness and activity.
The colors of Sraosha are red and white. Therefore, on this day it is customary to wear outfits of these shades: the brighter and more colorful, the better. Fun is the main attribute of the holiday. People sing and dance, eat pastries, halva, kozinaki and nuts. Parishioners take an active part in the festive service, in which sacred fire is involved. Discords and quarrels between enemies cease. Failure to celebrate is considered a great sin.
New Zealand Day
Holidays February 6 have a fairly wide geography. In New Zealand, this is, for example, a national day. It marks the conclusion of a historic treaty between the local Maori tribes and European immigrants. The document, signed on the banks of the Waitangi River in 1840, guaranteed the aborigines protection from flourishing corruption and land fraud in exchange for accepting English citizenship. Nowadays, many citizens of the state criticize the treaty, considering it dishonest to the MΔori.
Despite this, New Zealand Day, February 6th, is celebrated in a big way. The program is filled with a variety of concerts, shows, sporting events, contests, exhibitions. But the most magnificent celebration takes place, of course, on the banks of Waitangi: they stage the signing of the agreement and solemnly raise the flag of Great Britain. People willingly take part in ceremonial Maori ceremonies, listen to music and enjoy delicious dishes specially prepared for this event.
Holidays on February 6 in 2015
Firstly, it is a samba carnival in the German city of Bremen. This year the enchanting event took place on February 6th, as every year it is celebrated on the first Friday of the last winter month. Incendiary music, Brazilian dances, energy and general fun are the main components of the event. Samba lovers come from all over Germany to demonstrate mastery and appreciate the skills of rivals. Also, a parade is traditionally held here, in which drummers, huge dolls, giant platforms with fancy decorations are involved. It ends with costume parties at local clubs and restaurants.
In addition, the Flower Festival in Thailand falls on the first Friday of February. A stunning colorful event is held in Chiang Mai: here, decorators compete for the best floral work. Be sure to hold fairs and performances, the streets of the city carry millions of different specimens of fragrant plants. Girls sew elegant costumes and take part in a beauty contest in which they select the Flower Queen.
Other memorable dates
February 6th day in history is rich in various events. For example, in 2004, 357 paratroopers formed a giant flower in the sky. The record in domed acrobatics was set in Thailand. Almost a hundred years earlier, a distress signal was transmitted for the first time in the world. A huge ice floe came off and took 50 fishermen to the open sea. Thanks to the wireless telegraph created by Popov, they were found and saved.
In addition, the name day of February 6 is celebrated by Gerasim, Denis, Ivana, Nikolai, Pavla, Timofei and Xenia. Angel Day is usually spent with family, receiving gifts and postcards from relatives. As for the Catholics, on February 6, Dorotheas, Bogdans, and Pavels celebrate their name day.
Interestingly, our ancestors called this winter day Aksinyev. What was the weather like on February 6, people predicted such a spring: the sun promised a red spring, the cold - bad weather until the summer.
And this is still an incomplete list of significant dates and memorable events that are celebrated on a grand scale on the planet. All of them have their own zest. They are united by one thing - originality and colorfulness, pleasant atmosphere and unique color.