In the villages on the eve of Walpurgis night chased witches: their effigies burnt at the stake, people avoided the house with torches, rang church bells, etc.

The first official mention of the Walpurgis night appeared in the records of the Inquisition in the Middle Ages. World famous as the German witches were apparently due to Goethe, who described how Mephistopheles brings Faust to the Sabbath.

So who is this Valpurga, which is named in honor of the night? Home witch? Quite the contrary - a saint. Holy Valpurga (aka Valburga, Valtpurde, Valpurgis, Vabur, Falbur, Bugge, Godurzh) - a real historical figure. This noble Gibbons was born about 710, the Valpurga Ayshtadte founded the monastery and church, where he was buried in 777, she was extremely loved by the people, and it soon began to read as gospel.

One hundred years after the death of Valpurgi new bishop Ayshtadta decides to restore the monastery and the church. The workers damaged the tomb of the abbess, and one night it was the threatening shadow Bishop ... Soon - namely, 1 May - the remains of the nuns moved to Ayshtadt, putting into the void of one of the rocks. And from there began to flow healing oil, lechivshee many diseases. Valpurgu canonized. In the Catholic list of saints of the day - on 1 May. Later, her remains mire in different cities of Germany, and the days when it happened, dedicated to her (25 February, 12 October 24 September).

But, as often happens, a new religious holiday has not changed its pagan nature.

Notorious Walpurgis Night has gained because of the numerous trials of witches, held in the Middle Ages.

Older women and those who could not immediately abandon the tradition in favor of Christianity, despite the strict ban (under penalty of death) continued to gather in inaccessible places, to singing and dancing, to meet on May 1. Campfires, wilderness, deliberately spreading rumors (to get rid of unnecessary witnesses), helped to spread among the people the stories about witches who get together that night to the Sabbath.

Passion for a witch-hunt was universal. To obtain the evidence were allowed to use torture, which facilitated the admission of guilt. Since the property of suspects were allowed to pick up an informer, investigators and authorities, the "work" was in full swing the day and night. "

In 1527 was publicly burned at the stake first witch. In 1782 in the town of Glarus, Switzerland, from the hands of the executioner was dead last witch in Europe - Anna Gel'd. All such fate befell more than 100,000 European women.

The night of evil forces there and in our days.

The program of the festival has not changed for over 100 years: the old games, student choruses, traditional bonfires. In the Bavarian humorists smear handles toothpaste, transfer door to another place and dragged out of the shoe laces.

Several years ago, an enterprising German DJ Maximilian Lenz invented holiday MayDay (May Day). Every year on Walpurgis Night in Dortmund gathers young people from all over Germany, to dance their hearts' content under the same "fresh" dance music.

England

In England the holiday Mothering Sunday or Mother's Day has become its distinctive feature. In Victorian Britain, children from poor families often came the servants of the aristocracy, and they sometimes had to leave with their masters away from home. On this day, were given off, so that they spent with their family and thanked his mother (thank="go a-mothering"). They brought mothers (and grandmothers) small gifts, such as bunches of flowers or fresh eggs. The symbol of the holiday was a special "mother's pie or cake," which portrayed the mother as a sign of respect and gratitude. Moreover, it is possible, was to make senior or only son (for lack of it - in-law).

In 1644, Mother's Day is mentioned in an English document. But this time his religious orientation began to weaken, and it turned into a warm family day of rest. This feast has disappeared in the 18 century, and then revived again in the Second World War.

America

Despite the fact that it is believed that most American of holidays has been borrowed from England, Mother's Day in the U.S. has a somewhat different story. And besides, his promotion in the New World, we are again obliged to women.

For the first time publicly talked about the introduction of Mother's Day, Julia Ward Howe, author of the national hymn. Her initiative in 1872 was supported. However, in fact, it was not quite the holiday in his usual sense. Rather, it was like a day of peace, as called for Hove. This is understandable: why mothers war, claiming the lives of their children and loved ones? Each year, it has organized mass rallies in honor of Mother's Day in Boston. But this idea has not gained wide support in the country, perhaps because it was a political character.

To reverse the situation was still one American woman - Anne Marie Roar Jarvis, who began a campaign for the establishment of Mother's Day as a national holiday. The death of my mother was a real tragedy for Anna. Jarvis persuaded the church, which is visited by her mother in Grafton, West Virginia, noted Mother's Day, the day of the second anniversary of her mother's death - the second Sunday of May. In her memory Jarvis asked to decorate the church any mother flowers - white carnations. The following year, Mother's Day was also celebrated in her home state of Philadelphia. Anna Jarvis and her supporters began to write to ministers, businessmen and politicians. Their efforts succeeded, and in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson officially announced the establishment of a national holiday - Mother's Day. Thanks to Jarvis, which was called the "mother of Mother's Day" in America, survived another custom: pin on clothing or give it a carnation: white - the embodiment of pure parental love - as a symbol of a dead mother, red, or colored - for now hello. Interestingly, standing up for the approval of Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis was childless.

So, in this day of mothers and pregnant women receive congratulations from relatives and friends. Mail, shop, flower shops and restaurants are in these days of huge revenue. During the life of Jarvis has to deal with trading firms, which have distorted her idea, and extremely inflated prices for goods are in demand. She even regretted the fact that Mother's Day was officially legalized. During these protests it was arrested several times, and very disappointed, she died in 1948, and not being able to overcome the greed of entrepreneurs.

Most popular among Americans Mother's Day is in fifth place after Valentine's Day, Fathers' Day, Easter and Christmas.

Germany

Mother's Day on the streets of German cities will see much more colors than Valentine's Day.

Today, Mother's Day in Germany also indicates the second Sunday of May. In one of the German lands, Thuringia, in the Middle Ages it was Sunday (always in the spring because the spring - this is the beginning of life, and his mother gives this life), when visiting relatives and wanted to wealth and prosperity. Special respect and reverence to this day provided to mothers. Although it is still considered that the holiday came here from America in the early 20 th century. That is why the day of his celebration also 2 Sunday of May.

The first German Mother's Day was held May 13, 1923, as well as a national holiday celebrated since 1933.

During the "Third Reich" National Socialists used the festival to promote and renamed it the Day of German mothers. The focus placed the women's mother, a pure-blooded Aryan healthy, confined sons of soldiers. On this Mother's day, performed the duty to the fatherland, got "Mother's cross" ("Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter"). Propaganda of the Third Reich demanded that mothers give the child to the Fuhrer, "and the value of awards depend on the number of offspring. A prerequisite for receiving the award was proof of belonging to the Aryan race, the lack of a criminal record and diseases transmitted by inheritance.

All Soviet women to remember that in Germany, was born on March 8 holiday, which they love so much. Socialist ideas in Europe early 20 th century began to acquire and minds of women. Revolutionary-minded women's unions demanded equal rights. In 1910 established an International Women's Day on March 8 as a day of struggle for women's rights. His origins are German of socialist Clara Zetkin and Rosa Luxemburg. In 1911, this holiday was first celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Then more than a million men and women took part in demonstrations. Besides the right to vote and hold office, working women seek equal rights with men. It should be noted that up to 50 years of the last century, International Women's Day was celebrated in many countries. Then his popularity waned. Basically, this was due to the fact that the idea of solidarity of women workers deterred politicians, especially because the holiday was a mainstay of the Soviet Union. Therefore, throughout the world have been made extraordinary efforts to make this revolutionary day in fact replace an existing Mother's Day, and two female holiday of the year - "it is undoubtedly going bust" - decided by men. Before the reunification of the two German states holidays on women, the different days: in the GDR - March 8, on the Soviet model, and in Germany - Mother's Day in the 2 nd Sunday in May - as in most countries.

It is interesting to note that when the women of Germany in the 60 years began to conduct an active struggle for equality, they remembered about March 8. Requirements for women remained unchanged: the same pay, equal opportunities with men in education and career, social security in all spheres of life.

In today's Germany is formally woman absolutely equal with men. However, the reality is not quite true. Therefore, in many cities throughout the country on March 8 were demonstrations and marches of women.

Once among the German women sociologists conducted a poll: would they make 8 March husband gave them flowers? Imagine that you have found some that said "no". Why? Because if her husband and gave a bouquet, they would likely take offense. Good loving husband, if he needs an international occasion to give flowers to his wife! However, others believe that it is better than nothing.

There was also a survey among adolescents and young people: Do We Need a Mother's Day? 14%responded negatively. But the German men are very positive attitude towards this holiday. Perhaps to soothe his guilty conscience in relation to women.

It should be noted that often women in Germany face a difficult choice: to continue professional growth, career or to devote himself to education. It seems that for many German women, children - it is the ballast, as they become an obstacle to the material well-being, independence and freedom. In Germany, the dilemma begins even before birth. For the birth of the child must be established some necessary conditions: confidence of both partners in their desire to have a child (76%), stable job at least one partner (71%) completed the formation of both partners (55%). The next problem with methane German mothers between work and family. Every fourth mother trusts her baby nursery teachers only upon reaching the age of two, 40%- even later. And only 7%of German women are ready to give into the wrong hands-year-olds.

"Children are much more difficult life" - that's not only German women. But for their neighbors, 50%of French women, children - meaning of their lives. These women give birth to not one child and have time for this to work.

Yet the figures and interest back to the holiday.

How and when to celebrate Mothers' Day in different countries

In many countries celebrate Mother's Day, though at different times. In this case, unlike the International Women's Day on March 8, Mother's Day are celebrated only mothers and pregnant women, but not all of the fairer sex.

In the beginning of the list to name the countries in which the Mothers' Day is celebrated on the 2 nd Sunday of May.

In America all honor their mothers, giving them flowers and gifts, sending holiday greeting cards to congratulate them. Adults, children visit their mothers or congratulate on the phone, if you live far away. But kids with fathers arrange a holiday home, brings a lunch and then removed themselves from the table to my mother rested at least once a year, because the remaining 364 days, mothers are working - and at work and at home - not only not less than dads, and much more more, that's why in America there is a saying "Women's concerns never runs out.

in Australia Mother's Day note with pleasure. However, how can it be otherwise? Australian Mother's Day coincides with the U.S. and is celebrated very similar. As in the U.S., Australia has taken root in the tradition of wearing that day on clothes carnation flower: white - in memory of the departed mothers and color - for the living. In addition to their own mothers, children thank and congratulate the grandparents, as well as all the women who raised them and cared for with no less love. Another great tradition of the holiday - the children are preparing their mothers breakfast and bring straight to bed, along with flowers and gifts.

Brazil Mothers' Day was first celebrated on May 12, 1918. Since 1932 - is an official holiday. The day before, in preschool and school institutions, children with teachers diligently prepare festive presentation and gifts for mothers.

Austria there in 1924. Marianne Hynish, mother of the then federal president, Michael Hynish, is founder of Mother's Day in Austria. The tradition of celebrating this day is very similar to the tradition of March 8 in Russia. Generally, children at this event presented with small bunches of spring flowers. In school and in special classes for children to help teach poetry and tinkering gifts. The holiday devoted to the numerous recreational activities, bakers bake special cakes and a restaurant menu, a special dish.

in Italy all the children have their mothers flowers, sweets, small gifts, to once again express my love and gratitude.

in Canada

"There is no better academy than his mother's lap." It is believed two centuries ago, an American poet, critic, essayist and professor at Harvard's James Russell Lowell. Typically, all family members get up bright and early in the day, but my mother's morning dream guard carefully. And while the mother was asleep, cook for her all along her favorite dishes, and when she wakes up, feed her breakfast in bed. Behave with her all day as the queen, in every way humouring and entertaining her. The only thing that allows her to do that day - is to open the door, when the hear a bell-boy, delivered the pre-ordered for her a gift or a luxurious holiday bouquet. And tickets for tours and recreational trips, which are in Canada, an increasingly popular gift for Mother's Day, still sold out weeks in advance.

By the way, mothers-in-law also did not remain in this day without attention. Again, some statistics. A recent survey involved 600 Canadians aged 18 to 60 years. At the same time 90%of the respondents said that in fact they love their mothers and wives their husbands, and 9%of Canadians think relations with teschami in-law even closer than with their mothers. At first it responded to the producers of postcards. They quickly increased sales of its products for in-law and tesch, which meant the inscription: "The one who, like my mother."

in China adult children arrange for mothers with matinee performances, cover a table with ample refreshments for all present.

In Japan all know lyrics, composed for this day, something like our 'Orenburg shawl ". Since 1931 Mother's Day set March 6, like the birthday spouses live the Emperor, emphasizing its historical importance as the "Mother of all Japanese people." In 1947 Mothers' Day was postponed to the second Sunday of May. In the country of the Congress of Women, mothers are invited to the school, praising their work.

Malta Mother's Day note from time immemorial. Historians believe that the tradition itself dates back to women's mysteries of ancient Rome, for the veneration of the Great Mother - the Goddess, the mother of all gods.

Finland started to celebrate Mother's Day officially since 1927. On this day, hung out flags, the children prepare gifts for moms and dad are trying to this day in the kitchen, each according to his abilities and opportunities. Congratulations also to grandparents.

Estonia celebrate Mother's Day 1992. On this day, flags are posted. On the eve of a nursery place mornings, and in schools - concerts for mothers, children give moms homemade postcard and gifts.

Ukraine Mother's Day is now celebrated in 1929, in Galicia, but eventually forgot about it. Today, this day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, modestly, without celebrations.

And now for the countries where the holiday falls on other dates.

in Greece Mother's Day, observed on 9 May. The history of the festival is from the times of ancient Greece, when the Greeks celebrated the spring day, the mother of all gods - Gays.

Uzbekistan celebrate Mother's Day, March 8 to the old Soviet model, but without the political slogans and speeches.

Armenia Day of Maternity and Beauty mark on April 7 gifts and congratulations to all women.

in Russia Mother's Day, celebrated on the last Sunday in November since 1998 on the basis of Presidential Decree BN Yeltsin. This day is traditionally congratulate the women who have excelled in raising children, with many mothers and single mothers. However, we must honestly admit that the holidays, top-down, decrees, can not find the people a sincere response. So beloved and joyful is March 8, the day has lost its combat mission, and became a real holiday for the whole family.

in Belarus Mother's Day, celebrated on 14 October, 1996 in accordance with the decree by President Alexander Lukashenko.

I feel like as a gift to everyone, not just women, to present his translation of the short story on the subject of one of my favorite writers of Canadian humorist Stephen Leacock (read, if something gets caught, you will not regret).



As we noted Mother's Day

One day, our family decided a peculiar mark Mother's Day as a tribute to what my mother always sacrificed for us. After breakfast we have a surprise - rented a car to get lucky mom to a beautiful walk in town. Mom rarely succeeded in something like that, because she was busy all day at home.

But this morning we had a change scheduled for this day, because his father had the idea that more is better to take my mother with me fishing. Since the car was hired and paid, we could take advantage of this successful event and to call on the hills, where the river flowed. As my father said, when you sit down in a car and just going, then a feeling of aimlessness, but when you're going to fish, it is quite definite goal, which enhances the pleasure.

So we all agreed that the mother will no doubt be better when traveling there goal, and, besides, my father just yesterday bought a new fishing rod, which, he said, my mother could use, if I only wanted, but Mom said that she probably would be better to watch how Dad catches than try to do it myself.

So far, we have asked her to cook for lunch sandwiches just in case, if we are hungry, though, of course, on arrival back home we will have to wait for the big holiday dinner.

However, when a car came, it turned out that it was not as much room as we had expected, because we have no plans to take and Papa's fishing equipment and food, and it was clear that we all can not fit there.

Then my Dad said that he would not object to stay home and spend the time working in the garden. In this case, he casually added that we should not confuse the fact that within three years he has never been normal holiday. He wanted us to be traveling and not think about it.

But, of course, we all knew would never let my father stay home. Two girls, Anna and Mary, too, could not go, and do cooking dinner, but would be very sorry not to go to such a beautiful day like this, especially when they have to head the new hat. But they added that the mother is to say the word, and they are happy to stay at home and work. Will and I, too, could stay, but that we will not be any good, because we do not know how to cook.

So in the end, it was decided that the house will remain mom and hold this wonderful day, combining recreation with housework and cooking dinner. In addition, as it turned out, today's damp, and my father would never forgive myself if drag mom out of town, and she picks up a strong cold. He said that our duty to give my mom a day of rest and peace after what she did for all of us, and that young people are rarely aware of how important the peace for the people as they age. He is a stand like this before, but would be happy to protect from this mother.

We have a wonderful time among the hills, and Dad caught many large fish that he was sure that his mother would not have to pull her to shore, I would venture to fish it myself. Will and I also fished and the girls met at the river friends of young people, so we are all well rested.

Upon returning home, we ate dinner roast turkey. My mother always fussed at the table, wearing a dish back and forth, and finally my father said that she simply should not do what he wanted her to rest, and for this reason that even he got from the buffet walnuts.

Lunch was a success, and when it ended, we all wanted to help my mother get out and wash the dishes, but my mother said that it is better to do so herself, and we allowed her to do it because they wanted to please her.

It was late when all was finished, and when we came to kiss his mother on the night, she said that it was the most beautiful day in her life. Strange, but in her eyes filled with tears.

In recent years it has become a good tradition in the late spring or early summer, spend the day in our city of Japan, which turns into a celebration of Japanese culture.
Japanese dyusseldorftsy thorough and serious approach to the preparation of this event.
Every time they try to surprise your guests with something special, memorable.
 
For example, a few years ago it was the start of balloons. Imagine how beautiful look 50 brightly colored giant with different shapes, gently rocking on the opposite bank of the Rhine from the audience!
One "highlight" of the program was a concert jazz band "Mia" with soloist virtuoso saxophonist Akira Sakata.
 
And how thrilling sounds the drums very different form in the ensemble of drummers. However, it is better not stand next to the performers - unaccustomed ear can become deaf.
 
As a group of samurai Takeda showed the audience gathered in the Old Harbour, improvised sword fighting, known since 16 century, more like an exotic dance of flying birds.
 
Last year, fans of Japanese comics could take part in the contest sketches of the new heroes. They fought for the grand prize - a ticket to Japan!
 
In advance of the holiday in different parts of the city held meetings, meetings, covering a wide spectrum of modern life in Japan.
 
Already own a Japanese Day holiday in the program is recorded so many items that you can run all day from one event to another. Judge for yourself: on a specially mounted the stage at Town Hall Square Festival unveils officials from both sides and invited guests from Japan. After the opening ceremony of the art until the evening show for children and adult groups, performing folk and classical dances and songs, playing on the national instrument.
At a makeshift mat under the guidance of renowned Japanese master of martial arts, children, women and men (among them many Germans) in tracksuits participate in shows in judo, kendo, aikido, Okinawa Kobudo, and of course, known to all karate.
 
All along the waterfront stretch endless lines of tents and booths, where you can admire and try to make myself ikebana and origami, print complex characters, try the traditional Japanese kimono dress. Lovers of flora with astonishment asked vendors about the age of miniature trees in pots - Bonsai, some of them for 60 years. Visitors can watch a Japanese movie, buy a beautifully designed book unique national poetry and prose.
 
On the ground near the pier students participate in a tournament on the Japanese street soccer. While the children enthusiastically chase the ball, the fans, including many parents of young athletes, with loud cries of support players.
In this day it seems that all the inhabitants of Düsseldorf going on this holiday. And not only they. In the past year, according to the calculations of journalists to wonderful effect came about 1 million people. On a holiday a river flowing Japanese beer, wine and floral sake sake. Traditional German fried sausages are giving way to sushi, noodle and vegetable salad, greens and seafood.
 
All over the city sounded the drumbeat, the sound of the Japanese tradition of telling what is going on any important event.
 
Exactly 22 hours and 30 minutes the sky over the Rhine is painted in all colors of the rainbow. Amazing fireworks and fireworks erupt over the heads of spectators. Sounds a shot. Charge with a whistle flies up and gradually explode, starry rain slowly lowered into the water. Do not have time to burn out the last sparks, like new, even more fantastic stage strikes enthusiastic people. Kids, things asleep on the shoulders of the popes, wake up, and forget about tiredness, clap their hands and shouting, "Welcoming the mastery of Japanese fireworks. Swaying on the water, also welcomed the frenzy unforgettable sight-trip passengers, to make excursions on the Rhine. Fireworks ends in total darkness, but the people who admired what he saw, a long time not go home.
 
Day of Japanese culture - the culmination of a significant event - show unity of two different peoples, who for years linked not only by economic and political, but, more importantly, universal friendship. As mentioned above, for almost three weeks in the city of exhibitions, presentations and meetings with leaders of Japan's culture and amateur artist, representatives of the community.
 
Come to Düsseldorf the next day in Japan, will not regret. Better to see once than to read. I assure you, you wonderful rest and have fun.