Holidays on this day
- Day of the Strategic Missile Forces of the Russian Armed Forces
- Day of formation of the Russian Courier Communications
- High Heels Festival
- Festival of morning illusions
- Bath Fleet Day
- Maple Syrup Day
Significant events in history
1881 In London, the premiere of Oscar Wilde's first play “Faith, or the Nihilists” (12+) has been cancelled.
1903 The “fathers of aviation” the Wright brothers tested a heavier-than-air aircraft.
1959 By decision of the USSR government, the Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN) were created.
1989 The first episode of the animated series “The Simpsons” (18+) was released in the USA.
1995 Elections to the State Duma of the Russian Federation of the second convocation took place.
Persons
On December 17, 1778, the English chemist and physicist who discovered the “cheerful” effect of nitrous oxide, Humphry Davy, was born.
On December 17, 1859, Russian artist-painter and teacher Nikolai Dubovskoy was born.
On December 17, 1923, Soviet ecologist, electrical engineer, and energy scientist Vladimir Blagikh was born.
On December 17, 1925, Soviet and Russian poet and prose writer Konstantin Vanshenkin was born.
On December 17, 1928, Soviet TV presenter, Central Television announcer, Honored Artist of Russia Nonna Bodrova was born.
On December 17, 1928, Soviet and Russian theater and film actor, People's Artist of the USSR Leonid Bronevoy was born.
Folk calendar
Varvariny frosts
Today the memory of Saint Barbara of Iliopolis, who lived at the end of the 3rd and beginning of the 4th centuries, is celebrated.
Orthodox people pray to Saint Barbara to avoid sudden death without repentance, which in Christianity is considered a punishment. All women also called the martyr their intercessor, especially pregnant women, who asked her for health for themselves and their children. Varvarin Day was considered a woman's holiday.
As a rule, the time of severe frosts came to Varvara. People said about this: “Varyukha is cracking – take care of your nose and ear!” But the roads became stronger. “Varvara is paving, Savva is sharpening nails, Nikola is nailing,” people noted the stages of winter road formation.
The stars shone especially brightly in the clear, frosty sky, and their light, reflecting off the snow, created the impression that the day had become a little less dark. In addition, in mid-December people were already waiting for the solstice. “Varvara stole from the night and brought it to the day,” people said.
Name day on this day
Alexander, Alexey, Anastasia, Varvara, Vasily, Gennady, Dmitry, Ekaterina, Ivan, Kira, Nikolay, Ulyana.
Source: Calend.ru.
