Holidays February 18
Basel Carnival
February 18 of this year begins the Basel Carnival (Fasnacht). The first discovery of the carnival dates back to the 16th century and was dedicated to the beginning of Lent by the Catholics. The main events were then knightly tournaments and costume processions. Today’s feast, February 18, has long lost its religious motives; only carnival performances and strict rules for holding the event have remained.
The carnival lasts exactly three days. The first day starts at four in the morning, when musicians and participants of the carnival with lighted lanterns in their hands pass through the city. All day in the city reign laughter and fun. The next day, children in carnival costumes take to the streets to celebrate. Amusing clowns entertain the children. In the evening, a comic performance of musicians begins, who, when playing famous melodies, try to make a fake and as loud as possible. On the third day, a costume parade takes place, and Basel begins to say goodbye to the carnival: a farewell march sounds over the city, and the lanterns are lit again. At four in the morning the music subsides, the lights go out and the city sinks into silence and darkness - the carnival is over.
Traffic Police Day
February 18 Russia celebrates Transport Police Day - an unofficial professional holiday for transport police officers who are called upon to ensure law and order in transport. The service began to work together with the organization and construction of the first railways. Under the auspices of the police is all transport, including air, rail and sea. The main tasks of the police are to ensure the safety of passenger and cargo transportation, the search for explosives, and the fight against terrorism.
Troyan Winter
February 18 - the day of military glory among the ancient Slavs. The holiday of Troyan Winter is the memory of the gallant warriors, our ancestors, who defended Russia with honor from the invasion of the Roman troops and fought to die at Troyan shaft on February 18, about 101 AD. It is about these events that the famous work "The Word of Igor's Regiment" was written.
Presidents Day
The third Monday of February is traditionally celebrated in America as Presidents Day. This year the holiday falls on February 18th. Initially, this day was celebrated the birthday of George Washington. But in 1971, Richard Nixon proposed to celebrate on this day - the birthday of all presidents, since they all have merits to the people. Thus, the Americans had three days off, which they gladly use for shopping, because it was February 18 that the sale of winter clothing collections began.
Heritage Day in Canada
Heritage Day is celebrated on February 18, 2013 in Canada. Heritage is the country's past, architectural monuments and natural resources, cultural achievements and scientific discoveries. Heritage Day is a reminder of the need to study the history of the country and be proud of it.
February 18 in the national calendar
Agafya Korovnitsa, Goloduha
Saint Agatha was revered by the people as the keeper of livestock. By this time, winter supplies were ending, and starvation began, from which the second name of the holiday began. Especially suffered from starvation cows - the breadwinner of the entire peasant family.
Agatha was also considered the patroness of the fire. On February 18, the peasants sanctified their bread and took care of it all year round. During the fire, bread had to be thrown into the fire or into a clean field, as far as possible from home. On Agatha it was decided to commemorate the departed.
On the day of February 18, the peasants watched the weather: if it was warm, it means that in the coming days there will be warm weather, if there is a frost, then spring will come early, and summer will be dry and hot.
Historical events February 18
February 18, 1911 first sending mail by plane
In India, the first dispatch of air mail was carried out. The letters were repaid with a stamp with the inscription "First Air Mail" stamped on it, the cliché of which was destroyed immediately after the departure of the aircraft.
February 18, 1918 opening of the Bryansk railway station
Bryansk railway station in Moscow was built for nearly four years: from 1913 to 1917. Its construction was interrupted by the First World War. February 18, 1918 began the first movement of trains. It was the largest railway station in Europe, with a capacity of 10 thousand people. Since 1934, the station was renamed Kievsky, and has since retained this name. Today, the Kiev railway station of the capital holds 20 thousand long-distance passengers and 40 thousand - suburban trains.
February 18, 1930 open planet Pluto
On this day in 1930, the planet Pluto was discovered by astronomer Clyde William Tombo (USA). The name of the planet gave Venice Bernie, a schoolgirl from Oxford who is interested in astronomy. In 2006, the Assembly of the International Astronomical Union deprived the planet of its status. Now Pluto belongs to the dwarf planets or planetoids.
February 18, 1942 submarine "Surkuf" sank
Submarine "Surcouf" (France) was the largest in the world. February 12, she headed for the Panama Canal. The boat could only go on the surface due to numerous damage. February 18, she allegedly collided with a warship "Thomson Likes" (USA). The crew of the ship can not give any guarantee that the ship, which they encountered in the darkness of the night, was "Surkufom." Nothing was found at the site of the stolling: neither the wreckage, nor the members of the crew of the submarine. Ocean continues to keep its secrets.
Born on February 18
Allesandro volta (February 18, 1745 - March 5, 1827), famous Italian physicist
Alessandro Volta devoted his life to inventions of electrical devices and scientific research in the field of chemistry, physics and physiology. Volt invented the first source of direct current, which became the forerunner of a new era - the era of electricity. In honor of Allesandro named unit of electrical voltage - volts.
Semyon Tymoshenko (February 18, 1895 - March 31, 1970), military, Marshal of the Soviet Union
Semyon Tymoshenko passed the hard way from the platoon commander to the marshal. He fought against Makhno, Denikin, Wrangel. He commanded troops during the Finnish War. In 1940 he became People's Commissar of Defense. In the Great Patriotic War was the chairman of the General Headquarters. From 1961 he headed the council of veterans. He was awarded the title of twice Hero of the Soviet Union.
Enzo Ferrari (February 18, 1898 - August 14, 1988)
Enzo Ferrari began his career as a simple driver, and graduated as a director of his own company. The first car Enzo produced in 1946: "Ferrari 125". In his cars, Enzo combined the elegance of a sports car, the characteristics of the Formula 1, the luxury of the Rolls-Royce and the inaccessibility of the car, even for the elect. Unable to find a worthy successor to the business, Enzo Ferrari sold 90% of his shares to the concern for the production of Fiat cars, and only 10% left his son.
Name Day February 18
Vasilisa - mind and beauty, nobility and grace Vasilisa intertwined with love for people and responsiveness. Vasilisa considers other people's problems her own, she diligently helps people, but her softness is sometimes combined with stubbornness.
Mikhail - diligence and obedience, participation in children's sports events and musical talent make Michael a wonderful child. Adult Michael is always ready to listen to the opinions of others.
Anton - Anton's charm instantly attracts people. The character of Anton is similar to the mother, but the father will still be the support for the child.
Makar - from birth Makar is endowed with many qualities and talents, which others can only dream of. If Makar can not dispose of this gift, then squander it in vain.
