November 4 - what kind of holiday is it in Russia? National Unity Day - memory of the events of the Time of Troubles

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Many of our fellow citizens are wondering about November 4th. What is a holiday in Russia? People familiar with history know that this date - National Unity Day - is dedicated to the events of the Time of Troubles, when Moscow was liberated from enemies in 1612 with the help of a militia, consisting of ordinary people, led by Minin and Pozharsky.

A reason to create a new holiday in Russia

Initially, the inhabitants of our country celebrated November 7 as the anniversary of the well-known October Revolution. The Soviet Union collapsed, and people, by inertia, continued to celebrate this day, since it remained red on the calendar. Only now it was called the Day of Accord and Reconciliation. This continued for another 14 years after the collapse of the USSR, until the authorities decided that it was time to establish a new date. So what is the name of the holiday on November 4 in Russia?

Alexy II - Patriarch of Russia at that time - at the Interreligious Council came up with the idea of reviving the end of theTime of Troubles and the image of Our Lady of Kazan. So that the people would not have unnecessary questions about what holiday is celebrated in Russia on November 4, the State Duma, after amending the Labor Code, decided that this date would be recognized as National Unity Day.

People's militia led by Minin and Pozharsky

At the beginning of the 17th century, Russia was in the grip of the Time of Troubles. The country experienced severe crises related to politics and the economy, crop failures and famine, foreign intervention. In 1612, she freed herself from the Poles with the help of Kozma Minin, a governor from Nizhny Novgorod, and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky. They organized a people's militia that captured Kitay-Gorod and forced foreigners to recognize the act of surrender.

Pozharsky was lucky enough to be the first to enter the city. He carried in his hands the icon of Our Lady of Kazan. In Russia, they sincerely believed that it was the Mother of God who then protected the people from enemies. In 1649, by decree of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, November 4 became a public holiday dedicated to the Lady of Heaven. Until 1917, until the revolution took place in the country, this day was special for all Russian people.

Celebration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

Now the Orthodox also especially honor this day. What kind of holiday is November 4 in Russia? This is the day of glorification of the Kazan Mother of God. In 1612, Patriarch Hermogenes appealed to the people to pray and stand up for the defense of their native land from foreigners.invaders. Then Dmitry Pozharsky from Kazan was sent to the militia a wonderful image of the Ever-Virgin Mary. Having endured a three-day fast, people with faith and hope appealed to the Queen of Heaven with a request that she give them strength to defeat their enemies.

The Mother of God heard their pleas for help, Moscow was liberated. Then came the end of the Time of Troubles in Russia. Since then, people have known about the miraculous salvation of the country on November 4, which is now considered a holiday in Russia. In honor of this event, the Kazan Cathedral was built on Red Square in 1612. It was destroyed during the years of persecution of the church, and has now been restored.

Controversial attitude of the people to this event

Many people do not understand what kind of date is November 4, what holiday is celebrated in Russia at this time? Not everyone knows about the Unity Day of the people, in particular, the older generation is used to the date of November 7, when the events of the 1917 revolution are remembered. People who grew up in the spirit of atheism do not want to recognize the new holiday. They still celebrate their own and 3 days later. The Communists in the State Duma were also initially against changing the date in the calendar, however, their votes were in the minority and did not have a significant impact on the decision.

Thus, some people believe that it is not good to break old traditions, shifting the emphasis from one holiday to another, the second (many Orthodox people are among them), on the contrary, are sure that this day is the revival of history. Everything returns to its place. But for 10 years nowcelebrated on November 4th. What is a holiday in Russia without the opportunity to relax? This day is an official holiday.

Day of National Unity or Day of Accord and Reconciliation?

Until now, some people are confused and cannot say which of the names of the holiday is correct. In this case, it will not matter whether each individual person knows what the holiday on November 4 is called in Russia. The main thing is that people understand the meaning of this date in the calendar. The Russian people have always been famous for their unity and catholicity in decision-making. So Russia was able to win in many wars.

On this day, all contradictions and disagreements that provoke conflict situations should be forgotten. People need to become kinder to each other, because the roots of entire generations are closely intertwined. Only then will the meaning of what is celebrated on November 4 (which holiday in Russia) reach every person.

How is National Unity Day?

Times are changing. Now more and more people welcome the introduction of November 4th. What holiday in Russia takes place without solemn concerts and various actions? Various events are timed to coincide with this day: demonstrations, mass processions, the issuance of free gifts with state symbols.

A government reception is held in the Kremlin Hall, where people who have made a huge contribution to the development of the country receive their well-deserved awards. In the evening, traditional folkfestivities, all this ends with bright volleys of fireworks, so that the people will forever remember the date of November 4, what kind of holiday is celebrated in Russia on this day.