history of the holiday
At the end of the 80s, the world community drew attention to the growing number of single-parent families. Since 1950, men and women have become divorced hundreds of times more often. At the same time, many did not want to get married at all. To change the trend, it was decided to highlight the problems of the family, talk about its needs and effective ways to satisfy it.
The UN General Assembly has adopted several resolutions on this issue. In one of them (47/237 of October 8, 1993) it was decided to establish a holiday - International Family Day.
Interesting to know. A few years earlier, in 1989, the International Year of the Family – 1994 – was proclaimed.
About the holiday
The life of the faithful spouses is described in the monument of ancient Russian literature “The Tale of Peter and Fevronya of Murom”. They were canonized in 1547 at the Church Council, but they lived long before this event, back in the 13th century. And the amazing love story of Peter and Fevronya has survived centuries. Today, people who truly love each other dream of living happily together all their lives and also dying on the same day.
The legend about Peter and Fevronya teaches that the path to happiness is not always simple, that it comes to the wise. It was no coincidence that the prince and a simple peasant woman met. Peter fell ill, his whole body was covered with scabs. One of the legends says that the blood of a fiery serpent, which he killed several years before his illness, fell on the prince’s body.
None of the healers could help the warrior. Then he had a dream: only the maiden Fevronya, the beekeeper’s daughter, would heal him. She lives in the village of Lyskovo near Ryazan.
Immediately Peter and his retinue went to the girl. The dream did not deceive. Fevronya knew healing herbs and promised to cure the prince. In return, she only asked him to marry her, which he vowed to do as soon as he recovered. The man’s body quickly cleared of ulcers, and soon he forgot his vow to marry Fevronya. She is no match for the high prince. And he was afraid of the boyars’ condemnation.
The warrior went home to Murom. But I didn’t even get halfway there. The body began to become covered with sores again. Fevronya foresaw that the prince would not marry her, and left him with one sore. Peter woke up from his dishonest offense, returned back, and apologized to the girl. And when she cured him again, he immediately got married.
The confrontation of the boyars did not frighten the spouses when they initially declared that they did not want to be under the rule of a commoner. And they suggested Peter to dissolve the marriage or abdicate the throne. The prince faced a difficult choice - to lose power, money, honors. But he abandons his usual way of life, leaves with his wife, following love.
Very quickly people discover how important the prince was in the life of the city. A strong political, unifying figure. Only Peter could stop the massacre that had begun between the boyar clans, only he could prevent the unrest and the impending civil war. And the Murom elite called the prince back.
Description and meaning
The Convention on the Rights of the Child recognizes the family as the fundamental unit of society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of all its members, and in particular children. She calls for all necessary protection and assistance in the performance of her duties.
Today it is obvious that family relationships are a necessary factor for the formation of personality. Without them, it is impossible to raise a full-fledged person, just as it is impossible to restore the state without restoring the family. That is why family values are so ardently promoted.
The importance of family in modern society
His contribution to public life depends on the character and characteristics of a person’s personality. But the basis of personality is formed precisely in families - social institutions, where each child for the first time discovers and reveals his natural potential, determines his future place in life, learns harmony and creativity, and kind attitude towards others. Understanding and taking all this into account, government agencies in each country favor the formation of family relationships, because strong families are the guarantor of the well-being of both an individual and the entire state system. It is no coincidence that, according to statistics, married women and married men even live longer than those who are divorced or have never been married.
Target
The main goal of the holiday is to strengthen family ties by drawing attention to current issues.
From year to year, the UN Secretary-General publishes messages on a chosen topic. The topics are different every time. For example, in 2007 it was “Families and People with Disabilities”. Previously, the problems of the influence of HIV and AIDS, migration, the responsibilities of fathers, and many others have already been raised.
In 2022, the theme “Family and new technologies” was announced.
Our world is changing dramatically. Changes are influenced by many things: global warming, demographic shifts, migration. Digital technologies play an important role. The coronavirus pandemic has once again shown how important technology is for education, communication, and work.
Quarantine has given impetus to the use of digital platforms in many areas of human activity. Families need to adapt to new conditions, learn more about global trends, read descriptions of new technology and learn how to use it.
Interesting Facts
In the description of the lives of the saints, truth and fiction are intertwined. The story of the pious Peter and Fevronya was one of the people’s favorites. The well-known author who created the biography in the 16th century is the priest Ermolai. When writing the lives of the saints, he relied on oral traditions, on the stories of people, which made the “Tale” completely different from the hagiographic literature of that time in Rus' and very popular. 300 copies of this work have survived to this day.
In 2021, the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion conducted a survey among Russians about the main values in life. Respondents put family first. And only then friends and personal safety came next on the list of priorities.
The Russian tsars especially revered the Murom couple. Ivan the Terrible as companions in wars. Nicholas I, as guardians of the well-being of the country, and with this prayer, together with his heir Alexander, turned to the saints.
At the end of the 16th century, Irina Godunova, the wife of Tsar Theodore Ioannovich, prayed to Fevronya to give her a son-heir. The royal couple brought a beautiful cover to the holy relics. And the miracle workers answered the prayers - the couple had a child.
Traditions
Traditionally, on International Family Day, a specific topic is chosen and discussed at a round table. Forums and discussions are held to solve pressing problems and thereby strengthen family ties. Other holiday traditions include:
- cultural events: flash mobs, concerts, games for parents and children;
- creative competitions;
- assistance to socially vulnerable families.
Traditions and customs of the holiday
On the day of Peter and Fevronia, young couples who decide to start a family ask their parents for blessings. According to legend, people who get married on July 8 will live happily married for many years, their family well-being will not leave them. The holiday is a church holiday. For this reason, on July 8, services are held in churches and temples. In their prayers, parishioners ask Saints Fevronia and Peter for harmony and happiness in marriage and for help in finding love.
In the Russian Federation, the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity is a working day. But officials do not neglect married couples with extensive experience. Spouses who celebrate their silver anniversary in marriage are awarded commemorative medals and certificates.
How to spend this day profitably?
This day should be celebrated in a close family circle. It's more important than ever to do something together. It could be a game, or some useful activity, sport, or just relaxation.
The main thing is that all family members have fun and unite.
5 ideas on how to spend a holiday:
- Take part in a promotion or competition dedicated to International Family Day.
- Take family photos as a keepsake.
- Play a board game or an active team game. For example, Monopoly or volleyball.
- Gather at the table and discuss family values, talk about family traditions, remember the history of the birth of the family, draw a family tree.
- Write a story together on the topic: “My loved ones in a year,” express dreams and wishes. Seal in an envelope. Read the letter in a year.
Traditions of Peter and Fevronia Day
You can celebrate Family Day in a large company at a city festival, in a narrow circle of loved ones, with children and parents. It's time to start traditions:
- decorate the apartment with birch branches, chamomile bouquets, set the table, gather as a family, cook your favorite dishes. In an atmosphere of joy, communicate and share memories. It’s good when grandparents, dad and mom talk about their first meeting, love, how the proposal was made to unite their destiny, what the wedding was like. This is the only way family stories are preserved and live while they are told to children;
- have a creative day. Draw and make crafts together. Or, finally, print out the photos and fill out a photo album;
- write greeting cards and mail them to loved ones.
July 8th is a good time to remember and renew family customs. Things you started in the evening after work can be continued on the weekend.
What events take place on May 15?
All over the world, in honor of the holiday, events dedicated to family problems are held. Awards and encouragements are often given out on this day. Particular attention is paid to people who are deprived of care, the poor and those with many children.
By May 15, charity events, drawing and poetry competitions are held. Festive and sports and game programs are organized. The world community is trying to interest all organizations: social services, educational, medical and others. Different regions and cities have their own plan of events.
Plan of events in Murom for the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity
Festive events on the occasion of Peter and Fevronia Day have been taking place in different cities for several years. But the main festivities are planned in Murom, which is located in the Vladimir region. As in previous years, the symbol of the holiday in 2022 will be chamomile.
The main celebrations in the city will take place on July 6. The holiday is celebrated on a grand scale. Every year, a stage is installed on the river bank, where a festive concert with the participation of famous artists takes place. Popular presenters, show business stars, politicians, and cultural figures come to the city. The performance is watched by thousands of spectators coming from all over the country.
An exhibition and sale of souvenirs and holiday products with the symbols of the city will be organized in Murom. There are numerous cafes and attractions on the streets. Interactive areas, photo zones, an exhibition of dolls, historical reconstructions, and performances by choreographic ensembles are opening in different parts of the city. Master classes, competitions and entertainment on playgrounds are organized for children. The celebration ends with fireworks on the main stage.
A story about International Family Day for children
In the midst of spring, on May 15, we celebrate Family Day. It is called international because it is celebrated all over the world. Every person feels more confident when there are family members nearby. Parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters are always ready to help and support. You can trust them with any sorrows and share your joy.
A family is like a home. To make it strong, you need to build it brick by brick. Bricks are good deeds, caring for your loved ones and helping. The more you put them in, the more reliable the structure will be. In a strong, happy home you can hide from all troubles.
Task for children:
- Draw a picture on the topic: “My family, who it consists of.”
Poems on the topic:
Folk signs on the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity
In ancient times, on holiday, wives allowed their spouses to go fishing without fear. It was believed that mermaids living in reservoirs swam out to sea at this time. It was customary for spouses to work together on July 8th. Peter and Fevronia Day was celebrated at the height of haymaking. Therefore, the joint work of the spouses promised prosperity.
Nowadays, this sign can also be used. It is useful for a husband and wife to work together to clean the house, renovate their home, or simply work at the same company. In ancient times, on July 8, unmarried girls bewitched boys. To do this, they read conspiracies, turning their faces to the south.
God loves the Trinity: where did the expression come from?
Russian traditions and customs for Easter
Children were always given active games, of course, in the fresh air, which is now very rare. Modern children prefer gadgets to live communication. However, if you still want to introduce them to active games outside, try our selection.
Family
Every person's life, of course, begins with family. It is here that we learn love, respect, joy, goodness. Family helps us get acquainted with the world around us, expanding our horizons. It protects us from any troubles, maintaining strength and health.
Traditions are formed among relatives and friends, and relics appear that are passed on to subsequent generations. Life experience and age-old wisdom are the most important values that we receive in the family circle.
Our first step towards creating our own surname is the search for a soul mate and a conscious decision to unite our destinies forever. The desire to help each other, to serve as support and support unites and makes the family closer. We consider it completely natural that our purpose is to give life to new people, to raise and educate them as worthy members of society. Only a full-fledged family can help a person get on his feet, lead a working life and build his own dynasty.
Family Day 2021: when is the holiday celebrated in Russia
Residents of the Russian Federation this year will celebrate the day dedicated to family for the 28th time. The celebration has a fixed date and is celebrated annually on May 15th.
The main idea of the holiday is the opportunity to attract people's attention to problems that may arise in families, as well as teach them to appreciate and develop family values. This is a great opportunity to once again remind your loved ones how much you love them.
How to celebrate Family Day
The scenario of the celebrations is determined by the given theme and takes into account the specifics of the area. An extensive program usually spans several days. In honor of the holiday, various educational, public, and ceremonial events are organized. Among them, the most popular are:
- children's concerts at which songs and poems are performed;
- festivals of creative groups;
- friendly meetings with married couples who have rich experience of a prosperous family life;
- charity events for large, low-income, and caring families;
- thematic conferences, workshops;
- trainings, discussions for young families;
- thematic programs on radio and television;
- speeches by people of wide fame and authority;
- creative publications in the media.
On the days of celebration, it is customary for families to gather, visit parents, and organize visits to older people. At meetings, solemn, thank-you speeches and congratulations are heard in prose and poetry.
Support for large families in European countries
The most important problem in European countries discussed on the International Day of Families on May 15 is the problem of fertility. It is also more acute in countries with developed economies. How do European states resolve this issue? Mainly due to subsidies.
For example, in France, where the birth rate is at the highest level among the European community, there is a program called “Big Family”. Thanks to it, at the birth of each subsequent child, the family receives tax breaks. Thus, a family with four children pays almost no taxes to the state.
In Germany, a mother of many children also receives a tax bonus for each child born. And plus for each child receives a monthly payment of 154 euros. In Sweden, the benefit received increases with the addition of another family member. In addition, if a family is recognized as low-income, the state provides additional subsidies.
Support for families in Russia
The celebration of Family Day on May 15, as a rule, is quite loud in civilized countries, since issues related to it are important for the development of countries. It has been celebrated in Russia for 19 years. Every year there is a burning key theme with which the plots of all events held at this time are connected.
2008 was declared the Year of the Family in the Russian Federation, for which the government developed a significant state program aimed at developing the support of families in our country. First of all, the state supports those families who are in difficult life situations. Thus, an important area of the program is providing assistance to single pensioners and children who do not have caregivers.
Government officials have not forgotten about the problems of motherhood and childhood. For example, the problem of mortality during childbirth, both for mothers and their babies, is acute. In order for these indicators to approach zero, it is necessary to ensure the proper quality of medical care for this category of citizens at the expense of the state, which is what current programs are aimed at.
The country also successfully pursues policies to increase the birth rate and support large families. For example, the “maternity capital” program has been successfully implemented, in which a target certificate is issued for the birth of a second child, and this amount is indexed every year by the percentage of inflation (if the certificate has not yet been used). Or another is the provision of a plot of land for housing construction upon the birth of a third child.
