Holidays May 20
World Metrology Day
Metrology is the science of measurement. The international professional holiday - the Day of Metrology - was established by the 88th meeting of the CIPM in 1999. The history of this day in Russia begins in 2004. The date of the celebration of the Day of Metrology is timed to the signing in 1875 in France of a convention on scientific and technical cooperation of 17 countries, including the Russian Federation, headed by a representative of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences. Today, the organization unites more than fifty states, which allowed creating the ideal ground for the establishment of a single metrological space. The established boundaries of world cooperation in the field of measurement sciences make it possible to maximize the use of acquired knowledge for industrial, commercial and public purposes. Traditionally, this holiday is annually celebrated by metrologists specializing in the measurement of physical phenomena.
Volga River Day
Every year on May 20, a number of regions of the Russian Federation celebrate Volga Day, which was "born" at the initiative of UNESCO in 2008. For the first time, a holiday established in honor of the Volga was celebrated in Nizhny Novgorod in parallel with the international scientific and industrial action "Great Rivers - 2008". Gradually, other regions of the Russian Federation joined the celebration. Among them are the Astrakhan, Volgograd, Samara, Yaroslavl regions, as well as the Republic of Tatarstan. On May 20, all Volga regions hold thematic events dedicated to the Volga River, which, with a length of 3,530 km, is one of the largest rivers on Earth and the largest in the whole of Europe. Many ancient Russian authors in their annals called Volga Ra. A little later this river was given the name Itil. And a few centuries later, the modern name of the Volga appeared, originating from the Slavic word “volog” and literally interpreted as “moisture” or “water”.
May 20 in the folk calendar
Leotard
On May 20, an indestructible tradition existed in Russia: on that day, it was customary to bathe in the river all the livestock available on the farm, especially horses. It was believed that such a rite would give them health and additional strength for field work under way. Moreover, entire families today poured water from the nearest natural source. To do this, water was collected in the morning, put in the sun, and when it was heated, each member of the family poured himself from head to toe. The very height of sowing fell on the swimsuit, and this day could not be missed. The hostesses had a special sign, according to which women went to visit each other and shared seeds. It was believed that foreign seedlings and seeds took root better than their own. And since almost everyone did this, people did not remain at a loss.
Historical events of May 20
May 20, 1570 - Creation of the world's first geographic atlas
The prototype of the modern atlas was designed and composed by the hands of the outstanding cartographer of the time - Abraham Ortelius. In the same year it was first published. The first geographical atlas consisted of fifty-three large-format maps. An explanatory text was attached to each of them. The Atlas is fully consistent with those ideas about the geographical location of objects on the globe. Although some errors were later discovered on it, for many navigators it was a kind of "geographical bible." As the gaps in the field of geography were filled, the atlas was supplemented with new information and improved.
Today's knowledge of the Earth allows you to make the most accurate display of it on paper. The modern atlas of the Earth includes not only a physical map of the world, but also other types of information that reflect fertility, population density in almost all countries, mortality, and a number of other social indicators. In recent years, the population prefers the so-called electronic atlases containing the most detailed information about the world.
May 20, 1873 - Birthday jeans
The first denim pants, which were released by the American Levi Strauss, were patented in 1850, and later sold at a price of 1.46 dollars. A few years later, Strauss opened his own clothing company. May 20, 1873, this company received a license to manufacture jeans. This date became the official birthday of jeans trousers. The people very quickly appreciated their strength, the first parties scattered at lightning speed. Soon, the jeans company began using blue instead of gray material, which further increased the popularity of jeans products among the population. In 1926, jeans with a zipper fly were launched, and in 1981 jeans for the fairer sex first appeared on the shelves.
May 20, 1942 - Establishment of the Order of the Patriotic War of I and II degrees
The Order of the Patriotic War was established by a resolution of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on the date of 1942 considered by us. This was the very first award established in the difficult years of World War II. The order was awarded to those persons in command and rank of the Red Army (as well as the NKVD, the Navy and partisan detachments) who showed steadfastness in the war, courage and courage. This order was also awarded to workers in the rear. So, he was awarded: the designer of small arms Sudaev, aircraft designer Tupolev and many other personalities. In total, about nine million citizens were awarded the Order of the Patriotic War (about 2.5 million people received the first degree, the rest - the second). After the collapse of the USSR, the government abolished this award, but it remained forever a symbol of the tolerance of the Russian people, their victory over fascist troops.
May 20 were born
Alexey Maresyev (1942 - 2001) - the legendary pilot of the USSR, awarded the title "Hero of the Soviet Union". In 1942, the enemies managed to bring down Maresyev’s plane, and the pilot himself was seriously wounded and, making his way through the territories captured by the enemy, he survived. After 18 days, partisans picked him up. Maresyev had to amputate both feet, but this circumstance did not prevent him from returning and continuing the battle as a fighter pilot.
Roman Kartsev (born in 1939) - comedian, People's Artist of Russia. His unique abilities delight the Russian audience, instill in him faith in a better future, make him move away from everyday life and completely penetrate the viewing. Kartsev’s performances always gather full halls of the people. "King of laughter with sad voices," - this is how many characterize him. But in the entire history of his creative career, he proved that it can be different (just remember Schwonder from “Dog Heart”).
Alexey Guskov (born in 1958) - actor of Soviet and Russian cinema, producer, People's Artist of the Russian Federation. Known for his roles in such famous films as The Scavenger, Plot, Hunting for Manchurian Deer, Wolfhound, etc. In 2002, Guskov was awarded the State Prize for playing the role of Goloshchekin in the series Border. Taiga novel.
Name Day May 20
The owners of the following names are noted: Anton, Akaki, Ivan, David, Zeno, Joseph, Fadey, Isidore, Stepan, Mikhail, Lyudmila, Lilia.
