When is the day of Slavic culture celebrated? Day of Slavic Literature and Culture

Day Slavic writing and culture

The purpose of the lesson:

Reveal the meaning of the holiday: Day of Slavic Literature and Culture

Lesson objectives:

1. Instill in children a love of native word, native language, national history.

2.Introduce students to the origins of creation Slavic alphabet.

3. To foster respect for the creators of the Cyrillic alphabet and national pride in the language.

Equipment:

Computer, presentation.

During the classes

Teacher's word:

Today we will talk about our history, about the emergence of Slavic writing. Every year on May 24, Russia celebrates the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture. A nation, people, and state cannot live without culture, literacy, and writing.

May 24 is celebrated among the Slavic peoples - Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Bulgarians, Serbs, Czechs, Slovaks, Poles special holiday- “Day of Slavic Writing”.

Across broad Rus' - our mother -

Bell ringing spills.

Now the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius

They are glorified for their labors

Remember Cyril and Methodius -

Glorious brothers, equal to the apostles

In Belarus, Macedonia,

In Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The wise brothers are praised in Bulgaria,

In Ukraine, Croatia, Serbia.

All the peoples who write in Cyrillic,

What have been called Slavic since ancient times,

They glorify the feat of the first teachers,

Christian enlighteners.

Fair-haired and gray-eyed,

Everyone is bright in face and glorious in heart,

Drevlyans, Rusichi, glades,

Tell me, who are you?

WE ARE SLAVS!

Your article is all nice,

All different and all similar,

Now you are called Russians,

Since ancient times, who are you?

WE ARE SLAVS!

Writing is a real treasure that man has mastered.

So in ancient times, people exchanged information by sending each other various items. It turned out cumbersome and not particularly clear. When people realized that exchanging message objects was a troublesome task, they began to draw these objects.

(3, 4, 5, 6 slide. Cave drawings)

Such images have been found on the walls of caves where ancient people once lived. These are the first steps of man towards the creation of writing. Gradually, people began to replace drawings with symbols.

(Slide 7. Rock symbols-letters)

Inscriptions were made on stones, rocks, and on boards. Of course, it was inconvenient to carry such “letters” over distances and these signs could be understood in different ways.

Time passed. Gradually, people moved from drawings to signs, which they began to call letters. This is how writing was born.

(slide 8. The emergence of writing)

(9, 10, 11, 12, 13 slide. Cyril and Methodius)

On the screen you see an image of two brothers in monastic robes. These are Cyril (in the world Constantine) and Methodius (in the world Michael). Who are Cyril and Methodius? (Report)

They were originally from the Macedonian city of Thessaloniki. Kirill studied theology and taught philosophy. He was called a philosopher, or in Russian a sage. Since childhood, he dreamed of writing books that were understandable to the Slavs, and for this he had to come up with Slavic letters. This turned out to be a very difficult task and Kirill alone could not cope with it. His elder brother Methodius began to help him. They worked hard and the result was the alphabet. It had 38 letters. Some of them were taken from the Greek alphabet, and some were specially invented to convey the sounds of Slavic speech. This is how the Slavic peoples received their written language - the alphabet, which was called the Cyrillic alphabet in memory of its creator. This was in the 9th century.

More than 1110 years ago, the brothers Cyril and Methodius brought the light of writing and knowledge to the lands of the Slavs. This happened in 863.

The brothers were born in large family a military commander who served in Thessaloniki, a town on the border between Bulgaria and Greece. Methodius was 6 years older than his brother. Since childhood, the boys knew two languages: their native Greek and Slavic, since the population of the town consisted of half Greeks and half Slavs.

Constantine, thanks to his lively and quick mind, passion for learning and diligence, received an excellent education at the imperial court. Both brothers lived a spiritual life, did not attach special significance wealth, fame, career. Younger brother translated, wrote, creating the alphabet, in Slavic. The eldest published books, ran a school, wrote hymns and poetic sermons.

First, Constantine depicted sounds common to the Slavs and Greeks. He tried to record each unknown sound in a different way. If the signs seemed awkward to him, he replaced them. Each letter should be simple and clear—easy to write. After all, the Slavs will need a lot of books. And the simpler the letters are, the sooner you can rewrite the book. After all, people who will write will be inept, with hands unaccustomed to writing. The letters must also be beautiful, so that a person, as soon as he sees them, immediately wants to master writing.

In connection with the advent of Slavic writing, the churches where German priests preached began to empty, and the churches where Slavic speech was heard were full. The Germans could not put up with this and outlawed the brothers and their books. That’s when the brothers and their disciples had to go to Rome. In Rome, the pope himself came out to his brothers and received Slavic books, sanctified them.

Konstantin was not destined to return to his homeland. Having become seriously ill, he took monastic vows, received the name Kirill, and died a few hours later. With this name he remained to live in of blessed memory descendants. Dying, Kirill said to his brother: “Here, brother, you and I were a couple in the same harness and plowed the same furrow. And I fall on the field, finishing my day. Don’t you dare leave your teaching…”

Methodius, having buried his brother, returned to the Slavs, but due to a false denunciation he was imprisoned. For two and a half years the light dimmed for the one who himself brought light to people. With great difficulty, the disciples managed to achieve the release of Methodius. His educational and teaching activities continued until his very last days.

(14, 15, 16 slides. ABC. Glagolitic and Cyrillic)

Glagolitic and Cyrillic are the first Slavic alphabet. The name of the alphabet “Glagolitic” comes from the word VERB, which means “speech”. And “Cyrillic” is named after its creator. IN Ancient Rus' The Glagolitic alphabet was used to transmit church texts and existed for 3 centuries, and the Cyrillic alphabet was used in everyday writing. There are 43 letters in the Cyrillic alphabet, which later became the basis of the Russian alphabet.

(17, 18, 19, 20, 21 slides. First books)

In 988, a palace school of “book learning” was opened in Kyiv. Arose new center book culture, the school connected Kievan Rus with European civilization.

Books in Rus' were very expensive. They were made on parchment: the skin of the sheep was soaked in lime, dried, then honey was rubbed in.

From the well, such blue depths
My Kitezh is growing, four walls,
Gilded ridge, lace shutters - apart...
The east is turning pink. Ros is illuminated.
Wooden fairy tale, lake peace,
Why do I need your shore, so lacy?
In the whimsical curves of patterned roofs?
Yes, a shepherd's horn? Yes, pipe reed?
Apparently, the archival memory began to hurt,
If there is nothing to regret in the concrete wilds -
So at least lure you from the depths,
From Cyrillic woven epic songs.
Wooden fairy tale, forgotten Ros,
You pierce my soul right through with an arrow.
And I don’t know why this is necessary,
Like water from a well, your old man...

(22, 23, 24 slide. Birch bark certificates)

In Rus', another material for writing was used for a long time - birch bark. Marks were applied to birch bark using a bone rod.

Since the 10th century, based on the Glagolitic and Cyrillic alphabet Old Russian language Literature is being distributed. Most often these were church books, teachings, and scientific works.

(25, 26, 27, 28, 29 slide. First books and chroniclers)

(Slide 30. First printing presses in Rus')

Over time, more convenient machines appeared, and with them the modern alphabet.

Good book, my companion, my friend,
Leisure time with you can be interesting.
You teach to be truthful and valiant,
To understand and love nature, people.
I cherish you, I take care of you.
I can't live without a good book.

(31, 32, 33 slide. ABC)

Appearance letters of the Slavic alphabet helps us see the world through the eyes of our ancestors. Each letter is individual, unique and has its own name: lead, people, beeches, az, earth.

The names of the letters were supposed to remind people of words that should not be forgotten: “good”, “live”, “earth”, “people”, “peace”.

"Az" and "Buki". The result is the word "ALC."

(Slide 34. Proverbs)

This is what people say: “First “az” and “buki”, then science.” It is with the basics that the path of each of us into the world of knowledge begins.

Guys, listen to proverbs about the benefits of learning.

He who wants to know a lot needs little sleep.

Going into science means suffering.

The light stands by God's will, people live by science.

Without flour there is no science.

To think nothing means to become sour.

(Slide 35. Continue the proverb)

A total of 43 sister letters look at us from an ancient scroll. These names became the basis of the modern Russian language.

Russian language.
I love my native language!
It is clear to everyone
He is melodious
He, like the Russian people, has many faces,
As our power, mighty.
He is the language of the moon and planets,
Our satellites and rockets,
At the round table meeting
Speak it:
Unambiguous and direct
He is like truth itself.

(36, 37 slide. Monuments to Cyril and Methodius)

In honor of the enlighteners Cyril and Methodius, a holiday was established - the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture. This holiday came to us from Bulgaria, where this tradition is already more than 100 years old. To this day, on the eve of the holiday, Bulgarians lay flowers at the monuments to Cyril and Methodius.

In our country, the holiday began to be celebrated in 1986. In 1992, sculptor V. Klykov created a monument to the Slavic enlighteners, Cyril and Methodius, which was installed in Moscow.

On May 24, all our people will celebrate the Holiday of Slavic Literature and Culture. On this day, a monument to Cyril and Methodius was unveiled on Slavyanskaya Square in Moscow. At the foot of this monument there is an Unquenchable Lamp - a sign of eternal memory. Since then, every year on May 24 we honor Cyril and Methodius.

It is a pity that we began to celebrate the Holiday of Slavic Literature very late, because in other Slavic countries this day has been celebrated a long time ago, publicly, very colorfully and truly festive.

(38, 39 slides. Saints Cyril and Methodius)

Thessalonica brothers Cyril and Methodius are the pride of everything Slavic world. They said: doesn't the sun shine for everyone, doesn't it for everyone? it's raining, doesn’t the earth feed everyone? All people are equal, all people are brothers, everyone is equal before the Lord, and everyone needs literacy. Orthodox Church brothers Cyril and Methodius canonized.

In a narrow monastery cell,

In four blank walls,

About the land about ancient Russian

The story was written down by a monk.

He wrote in winter and summer,

Illuminated by dim light.

He wrote year after year

About our great people.

(N. Konchalovskaya)

And to write down and convey to us “things that have been done for a long time” days gone by“The Slavic alphabet, which was invented about two thousand years ago by the brothers Cyril and Methodius from the distant Greek town of Thessaloniki, helped.

(40 slide)

Two brothers, Cyril and Methodius,
We want to say thank you!
For the letters that we really need,
To teach us to read.

In the history of writing there are many interesting facts. Here are some of them.

The most big Book in the world– “Super Book”, measures 2.74 x 3.07 m, weighs 252.6 kg and contains 300 pages. It was published in Denver, Colorado, USA in 1976.

Smallest book ever sold, was printed on 1x1 meter paper. This is a children's fairy tale "Old King Cole", published in 1985 in Scotland. Its pages can be carefully turned with a needle.

The smallest book in the world– until recently it was “Kobzar” by T.G. Shevchenko is a miracle of the hands of a Ukrainian engineer, created using microtechnology. It is made in a single copy and consists of twelve pages of text and two illustrations. The pages are sewn together with dyed web, and you can turn them over with the pointed end of a hair. The cover is made of immortelle petal and decorated on both sides with gold stripes. Seven such publications easily fit on the end of a match, and the book can only be read with the help of a magnifying glass. It can easily be threaded through the eye of a needle or hidden in eyelashes. Later it turned out that this little book was not the limit for miniaturists. The Zhmerinsky craftsman created a volume of poems by A.S. Pushkin with a volume of only 0.0064 cubic meters. mm! A portrait of the poet is engraved on the cover of the book. If you look at the book with the naked eye, it looks like a speck of dust, because it is 15 times smaller than a poppy seed. If you look into the microscope, you can see a rather plump volume.

The most original autograph The writer belongs to Maxim Gorky. In the spring of 1937 Italian fishermen near Palermo caught a huge turtle weighing 100 kg. Their attention was attracted by the inscription written on the shell: “Released the turtle Torto on April 1, 1922. The turtle weighs 52 kg and is 90 cm long. Toto loves sardines very much. Maksim Gorky. Capri."

First handwritten book in Rus'- “Chimes”. Started publishing in 1621. by order of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich. The contents of the newspaper were considered a state secret, since it contained excerpts from foreign newspapers about various events in Europe. The Chimes were read only by the Tsar and his immediate circle. The newspaper was published in a single copy.

The first printed newspaper in Rus'– “Vedomosti” began to be published by decree of Peter 1 and was intended for the mass reader.

The most ancient library peace is a collection of clay books from King Ashurbanipal of Nineveh (7th century BC).

The very first library in Rus' was created by Yaroslav the Wise in Kyiv in the St. Sophia Cathedral in 1037.

The largest library in the world– Library of Congress in Washington.

The largest library in Russia– Russian state library in Moscow.

Day of Slavic Literature and Culture - a kind of recognition Soviet power merits of two outstanding Orthodox saints: Cyril and Methodius.

Cyril and Methodius were born in the 9th century in the city of Thessaloniki, and were Slavs by origin from noble family. Both became Orthodox monks (Cyril and Methodius are their names after tonsure). In 857, the Byzantine emperor sent brothers to the Khazar Khaganate to preach there Orthodox faith. As the story goes, they successfully convinced the Khazar prince and his entourage to accept Christianity, and even took 200 Greek captives from captivity. In 862, preachers came to Moravia (at the request of the Moravian prince) - here they created the Slavic alphabet, translated the Gospel, Psalter and other liturgical books into Slavic.

Cyril and Methodius were recognized by the church as saints back in the 9th century, but in Russia the memory of the enlightenment brothers began to be celebrated in 1863 - this was the decision of the Russian Holy Synod, which set the date for this as May 11 according to the old style (May 24 according to the new style).

On January 30, 1991, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR adopted a resolution to annually celebrate the days Russian culture and writing. Each year a different city became the capital of this holiday.

We remember familiar sounds from childhood:
This is Az, and this is Buki.
Glory and honor to Cyril and Methodius
Because Slavic writing exists!
And the whole world appreciates our culture,
He reads our literature avidly.
Let the years pass, let the centuries pass,
Slavic culture will always exist!
Brothers Slavs, happy holiday to you.
Keep and appreciate the cultural reserve!

Cyril and Methodius once upon a time
They created an alphabet for us,
We saved these letters
And we use them now,
On the day of writing we wish everyone
Don't forget traditions
Protect your language and culture
Preserve for generations!

Today is a significant day - Day Slavic culture and writing. This holiday unites all Slavic peoples, because Slavic culture is native to all of us. Thanks to the emergence of writing, we can touch the origins of our cultural heritage. Let's cherish and honor what our ancestors passed on to us, support and revive forgotten traditions, and be proud that we are Slavs!

Today we celebrate the Day of Slavic Literature.
The bright day of culture has come to us today.
With this happy holiday We congratulate you.
May everything in your life be good.

Let the bright Slavic spirit help you,
Sincerity always gives you hope.
May literacy and knowledge flourish forever,
Your life is illuminated like a star in the darkness.

Happiness, light, joy, eternal luck
On this wonderful day we wish you.
Don't lose hope, faith, inspiration.
So that a bright angel protects you.

Cyril and Methodius tried their best,
Now we have the alphabet,
Today we will glorify their feat,
Happy writing day to you.

Let culture flourish
Long live the Slavic people,
I wish you this holiday
I never know adversity.

On the day of Saints Cyril and Methodius,
We congratulate you with all our hearts,
After all, for us they sound like a native melody
Languages ​​dear to the heart.

Slavic languages ​​and writing,
Our speech, culture and words
And the soul is wide, and sincerity,
We will be united for centuries.

I sincerely congratulate you on Culture Day,
And Slavic writing you,
We congratulate everyone mentally
And, of course, in writing now.

Creation of the Slavic alphabet
We are celebrating today, friends.
And this moment is a reminder
That you can’t forget your language!

Happy Culture Day to you! Just remember
How amazingly big
Filled with goodness and warmth of hearts
Our amazing language!

Slavic writing
They brought it to us
Saints Cyril and Methodius,
We will dedicate the day to Slavic culture,
Let him be honored among the people.
Know and protect your native culture
On this day I wish everyone
Centuries-tested writings
They call for unity of the Slavs.

Cyril and Methodius - two holy brothers,
What an alphabet they created for the Slavs!
We need to celebrate a wonderful date,
After all, how would we all live without the alphabet?

Without the alphabet there would be no literature,
And no one would know about the letter!
Let's appreciate all the origins of culture,
So that everyone hears about the great brothers!

Let's say thank you to two saints -
Cyril and Methodius!
Our culture was laid
Glorifying our homeland!

For Slavic writing
We will give them honor.
Their feats are more beautiful
We won't trace it anywhere.

Let the Slavic languages
And writing lives on,
Since the last ones in heaven
The luminaries will not die!

Slavic speech sounds
Just like a melody.
Let us remember today the saints
Cyril and Methodius.

Native speech and culture
Let it be held in high esteem
Never her basics
We will never forget in life.

Congratulations: 52 in verse, 8 in prose.

In the history of every nation there are epochal milestones that separate times with a red line, personifying change and renewal. First of all, this is due to the nationality, which for many centuries was above politics and prosperity. Certainly, for a long time spirituality and science went hand in hand, engaging in education, preservation of values ​​and historical information. That is why many prominent figures in the Middle Ages turned out to be clergy. They had a broad outlook, were familiar with all sciences, knew languages ​​and geography, and saw the highest moral and educational goals before them. Such individuals, who changed the course of history and made an unprecedented contribution, are worth their weight in gold. That is why celebrations are still organized in their honor, and a clear example of this is the “Day of Slavic Literature and Culture” holiday.

Background

This holiday arose in memory of two brothers who are called Thessalonica. Cyril and Methodius were Byzantines, the full name of the city - the place of their birth - Thessalonica. They came from a noble family and were fluent in Greek. Some chronicles indicate that a local dialect was also widespread in this area, which was classified as Slavic, however, no documentary evidence was found about the presence of a second native language among the brothers. Many historians attribute them to Bulgarian origin, citing a number of sources, but it is quite possible that they were Greek by birth. Before his tonsure, Cyril bore the name Konstantin. Methodius was the eldest among the brothers in the family and the first to retire to the monastery. Konstantin received an excellent education and earned honor and respect in the scientific community. After a series of events, he retired to his brother’s monastery along with his students and associates. It was there that the extensive work that made them famous began.

Brothers' legacy

The history of the holiday dates back to the events of the 9th century AD. e. Starting from Kirill's tonsure, work began within the walls of the monastery on the development of the Cyrillic alphabet. This is what one of the first alphabets is now called. Old Slavonic language. Its primary name is "Glagolic". It is believed that the idea of ​​its creation arose back in 856. The impetus for their invention was missionary activity and preaching Christianity. Many rulers and clergy turned to Constantinople in those days, asking for prayers and chants in their native language. The Glagolitic system allowed Cyril and Methodius to translate a number of church books into the Slavic language and thereby open the way for Christianity to the east.

Religious canons

But within the framework of history, the holiday of Slavic writing and culture is associated not only with the alphabet, but also with the lives of the brothers, Equal-to-the-Apostles Cyril and Methodius. They are canonized as saints and revered in the East and West. It is noteworthy that in church usage the order of their names is Methodius, and then Cyril. This probably indicates the higher rank of the older brother, who is noted separately, despite his brother's more important research contributions. They are always depicted together on icons; they were recognized as saints at the end of the 9th century.

The origin of the holiday

Having appreciated the work of the brothers, the Bulgarians, who were the closest Slavs, decided to mark this event. Already in the 11th century, as some sources report, an official church date for the celebration appeared. The date was set as May 11. For many centuries it was a day of remembrance of saints; later, in the era of the heyday of science and enlightenment, the event turned into a holiday of Slavic writing. It was the Bulgarian people who initiated the celebrations and kept this tradition. The people were proud of Cyril and Methodius as educators who gave the Slavic world the opportunity for self-determination and national independence, including through the church. This date became central in the cultural and spiritual life of the Balkan peoples.

19th century

Much changed at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries: a revision of values, views, the beginning of progress. It was during this period that the holiday of Slavic writing received new life. The beginning was again made in Bulgaria, where mass celebrations took place in 1857. Not wanting to lag behind the Slavic brothers and remembering the impetus for the development of linguistics, literature and science given by the development of the alphabet, the Russian state also organized celebrations, but in 1863. Alexander was on the throne at that time ||, and the issue on the agenda was Polish uprising. Nevertheless, it was this year that a decree was issued to celebrate the day of memory of Cyril and Methodius on May 11 (old style), the date was chosen by the Holy Synod. In 1863, celebrations took place to mark the thousandth anniversary of the supposed date of creation of the Old Church Slavonic alphabet.

Period of oblivion

Despite respect for the saints equal to the apostles and appreciation of their contribution in the form of translations of church books, memorable date, entered into the state calendar, seemed to be forgotten for a long time. Perhaps this was due to the development of the revolutionary movement, a coup d'etat, denying church canons, and wars that thundered across Eurasia. Once again, the holiday of Slavic writing was revived in Russia in 1985. This event took place in Murmansk, thanks to the writer, who was repeatedly awarded State awards- Vitaly Semenovich Maslov. It was he who became an activist in reviving interest in this holiday; it was also on his initiative that a monument to Cyril and Methodius was erected in Murmansk. Interest, fueled by the public, grew into a tradition that was soon legalized.

Public Holiday

The official approval of Cyril and Methodius falls on January 30, 1991. The decision was made by the President of the Russian Federation. This is the first and only one of its kind. The date chosen was May 24, analogous to May 11 in the new style. From then on, celebrations were held in one of the cities, so, for the period from 1991 to 2000, the epicenter of events were Moscow, Vladimir, Belgorod, Kostroma, Orel, Yaroslavl, Pskov, Ryazan. Later, cities more distant from the capital were also involved - Novosibirsk, Khanty-Mansiysk. Since 2010, by decree of President D. A. Medvedev, the center for cultural and church events Moscow is assigned.

Church celebrations

The history of the holiday of Slavic literature and culture involves church events dedicated to the memory of Equal-to-the-Apostles Saints Methodius and Cyril. As a rule, the most important place at moments of important spiritual events, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior becomes, where the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' holds services. Traditional celebrations include the morning Divine Liturgy. Later, the patriarch gives a speech, addressing parishioners, spiritual and government officials. Within the walls of the temple the brothers are called “Slovenian teachers.” First of all, the educational orientation of the saints is noted, the fact that they brought the word, culture, language to the people, guided by divine laws and moral norms. The concept of enlightenment is interpreted in the church as the emission of light, showing a person the path to light, and therefore to God. On this moment the church actively participates in the life of the country, responding to political problems and the hardships of life of parishioners. This allows you not only to renounce earthly things by attending the liturgy, but also to find out the position of the church on the main issues of existence and statehood. After the official part within the walls cathedral A religious procession takes place to the monument to Cyril and Methodius. It is located in the center of Moscow, a prayer service is held there, and then wreaths are laid.

Mass celebrations

Along with the church, the scenario of the holiday “Day of Slavic Literature and Culture” in mass manifestation is no less important. Since this is a national date, public organizations conduct concerts, exhibitions, presentations, readings, competitions and other events. Red Square becomes the center of events; it is there that a large-scale concert is held, which opens in the afternoon with official speeches and continues for quite a long time. Soloists and groups alternate on stage, creating a festive atmosphere on the city streets. The scope of the event is emphasized by the lineup of performers - these are the largest choirs, Symphony Orchestra, orchestras folk instruments. Actors and TV presenters consider it an honor to have the opportunity to perform on such a stage. The concert is broadcast on state channels. Celebrations also take place outside the capital, concentrated in central squares, at monuments, in parks, and in libraries. A unified scenario for the holiday of Slavic writing is provided, which regulates the main parameters of the celebrations.

Development of culture

Cyril and Methodius Day plays big role V cultural life countries. It fuels the interest of the younger generation in linguistics, literature, history, and introduces more older generation with historical milestones. The very history of the holiday “Day of Slavic Literature” speaks of its important mission - education. Open lectures, seminars, readings - those events that introduce visitors to new discoveries, main versions of historical truth, and new literary and journalistic works.

Geography of the holiday

The Day of Literature and Culture is not only the prerogative of Russia. This holiday is famous for its vast geography, which includes the countries of the Slavic world. Of course, it is celebrated in Bulgaria, which is interesting, it is also a state holiday in the Czech Republic and Macedonia. In the post-Soviet space, it remains one of the favorites. Celebrations in city squares, churches, libraries, and schools are held in the cities of Moldova, Transnistria, Ukraine, and Belarus. Traditionally, forums, meetings, open readings, publication of monographs or historical essays. In order to diversify the content of the events, anniversaries of writers, anniversaries of the death of clergy or historical markers are included in the celebration dates.

How to spend a writing day?

Many preschool educational institutions and public organizations celebrate the holiday of Slavic literature and culture in their own way. The scenario may vary. Some choose to hold charity events, others focus on literary and linguistic heritage, others choose to hold concerts and exhibitions. Of course the topic national unity, spiritual growth, wealth and value of the native language takes leading place. When a holiday of Slavic literature and culture is being prepared, the script takes a leading place, since it requires clear schedule with an hourly schedule.

There are monuments to Cyril and Methodius in many cities in Russia and abroad. The contribution of the saints, who gave the Slavic people the key to the development of science and linguistics, is difficult to overestimate. The holiday of Slavic writing is one of major events in the life of the country and the Slavic people.

The lives of secular people are increasingly including some holidays that were originally church holidays. Among these is the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture. How and when did he appear? In fact, this date is considered the birthday of the Slavic alphabet, and its “fathers” - Cyril and Methodius - two brothers who were canonized after death. And today the holiday is celebrated not only in Russia, but also in other countries where these saints are honored.

Creators of the Cyrillic alphabet

Two brothers - the elder Methodius (born Michael) and the younger Cyril (born Constantine) - were born into a large, wealthy upper-class family in the first third of the 9th century in the city that is today called Thessaloniki.

Kirill learned to read early and amazed those around him with his memory and ability to quickly comprehend various sciences. Thanks to such skills and the patronage of the logothete Theoktistus, he was sent to study in Constantinople. And in 863, Emperor Michael sent him to Moravia (a Slavic baptized country), where Cyril was supposed to interpret church books at the request of Prince Rostislav of Moravia.

By that time, Methodius had left his military service and joined his brother in order to translate theological texts with him and convey the meaning of the books. Cyril and Methodius not only translated, but also compiled an alphabet with which one could read and rewrite these books. The alphabet began to be called first the Glagolitic alphabet, and then the Cyrillic alphabet, after the name of one of its creators. Unfortunately, not everyone liked this; the appearance of another language was not welcomed even by the church. The brothers went through many trials in order to conduct services in the Slavic language (this especially affected the eldest after the death of the younger). But, one way or another, the Cyrillic alphabet spread to the territory of Bulgaria, some Balkan countries and Kievan Rus.

Today they celebrate the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture, the date on which it was celebrated for the first time in 1863, i.e. May 24. This date is considered the common day of remembrance of Saints Methodius and Cyril.

As noted

The Day of Slavic Literature and Culture was included in the list of public holidays in 1991. Since then, May 24, although not a day off, has been celebrated on a large scale.

1. In most cities on this day there is Procession, when representatives of the local metropolis of the Russian Orthodox Church, students of Orthodox educational institutions and ordinary parishioners walk along the central streets, as a rule, from one church to another.
2. Celebrations take place in many libraries. Exhibitions are organized for visitors rare books, which can not always be seen even in reading rooms.
3. In large bookstores On May 24, writers sometimes appear talking about their works, or literary scholars give lectures on the history of books.
4. Towards evening, in parks and main squares you can see performances by pop groups (most often folklore) and orchestras from the local philharmonic.

Despite the end school year, many schools and universities also organize various events dedicated to the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture. The script for such celebrations is drawn up by teachers and lecturers, but sometimes students also come to their aid. A quiz is often held for schoolchildren, the questions of which are related to the appearance of the Slavic alphabet or the Russian language. For example, these:

1. When did Cyril and Methodius live?
2. What book did they translate first?
3. What kind of reforms related to the Russian language did Peter I carry out?

After the quiz, students act out the skit “Creators of the Cyrillic alphabet in childhood,” which tells how the brothers came up with letters and words so that not only the Greeks, but also the Slavs would have their books. After the skit there are competitions folk songs, traditional Russian cuisine, costumes, linguistics, history of printing, etc.

Who and how to congratulate

On the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture in Russia, it is customary to congratulate everyone who is in some way connected with printing, writing, studying the Russian language, etc. These people include:

• writers,
• journalists,
• teacher of Russian language and literature,
• philology students,
• literary scholars,
• linguists,
• publishers,
• editors, etc.

What can a congratulation be like? Firstly, if possible, then for those who celebrate their May 24th professional holiday, order a song on the radio - it’s better to choose folklore works. Secondly, they send SMS and emails, but it would be better if the person receives a handwritten one or even - this corresponds to the celebration in to a greater extent. In the postcard you can write a poem or a couple of prose lines that will remind you of the merits of Cyril and Methodius.

On the occasion of the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture, gifts are often given. These are, first of all, books, but they are sometimes replaced with a magazine subscription, writing set, stationery, board games(for example, “Erudite”, where you need to form words), and it would be appropriate for believers to present an icon of the creators of the alphabet. Whether to give gifts for this holiday or not is up to everyone to decide for themselves, but you can congratulate all Slavs. After all, even if professional activity a person has nothing to do with books and language; every day he still uses the alphabet.

The Day of Slavic Literature and Culture is a holiday that calls for paying tribute Slavic letter, the customs of our ancestors and to honor the memory of the creators of the Slavic alphabets, Cyril and Methodius. Celebrated on May 24th.

Why is this holiday important?

The Day of Slavic Literature and Culture is not celebrated as New Year or March 8. And in general, only schoolchildren, language and literature teachers, librarians and some officials know and remember about it.

However, the appearance own system Letters play a big role for us. It doesn't matter what language we write in - Ukrainian or Russian, they are both created on the basis of the Slavic Cyrillic alphabet.

Cyril and Methodius did great job, giving the sounds of the Slavic language a graphic form. Thanks to their work, knowledge and translations of church books, which had previously been available only in foreign languages, began to spread. Creation Slavic system letters gave impetus to development literary language and book publishing among many nations.

The history of the holiday

In ancient times, this holiday was celebrated by everyone Slavic peoples. But over time, as a result of various historical and political events, it was no longer celebrated. At first, Cyril and Methodius were revered only by churches, as saints equal to the apostles who contributed huge contribution in the development of Christianity.

Slavic countries resumed the celebration of the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture in different time: Czechs - in the 14th century, other peoples around the 19th century. In Ukraine, the event was legalized in 2004, although back in the 19th century the Cyril and Methodius Brotherhood recalled the role of Cyril and Methodius in the development of culture and education of Kievan Rus.

How to celebrate the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture

In addition to Ukraine, this holiday is celebrated by 8 more countries: Belarus, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, Russia, Montenegro, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

On this day in educational institutions and libraries host various events: laying flowers at the monument to Cyril and Methodius, conversations, conferences, quizzes and concerts.

In Bulgaria this is a national event. There, citizens hang wreaths of fresh flowers on portraits of the Equal-to-the-Apostles saints and remember their hymn. Pass book exhibitions and fairs.

After Bulgaria joined the EU, the Cyrillic alphabet was accepted into the ranks of its official alphabets.

Traditionally, linguists, writers, librarians, and writers pay great attention to this date.

Interesting facts about Cyril, Methodius and Slavic writing

1) The Cyrillic alphabet was created on the basis of the Greek alphabet and consisted of 43 letters: 24 Greek and 19 special characters to indicate the sound features of the Slavic language.

2) It is still not known exactly which alphabet was created first: Cyrillic or Glagolitic. Many scholars believe that Cyril created only the Glagolitic alphabet, and the Cyrillic alphabet was written later by Methodius or the brothers' disciples.

3) Methodius outlived his brother by 16 years. The location of his grave is unknown.

4) There is an opinion that the Glagolitic and Proto-Cyrillic alphabet existed even before the birth of the Equal-to-the-Apostles saints. The first was used for church services, and the second was used in everyday life. Therefore, the Glagolitic alphabet has more complex and sophisticated letters than the Cyrillic alphabet. The Glagolitic alphabet retained its original appearance, and the Proto-Cyrillic alphabet was changed by Cyril.

5) Due to the lack of writing, the memory of ancient people was better developed than that of modern people. This is due to the fact that our ancestors had to remember a large amount of information.

6) Among the Slavs, writing and reading books had a magical meaning and was perceived as a sacred act. They believed that the use of the sacred alphabet (Glagolitic) in Everyday life leads to the loss of her magical abilities.

Cyrillic alphabets do not support all Slavic languages. Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia switched to the Latin alphabet long ago.In such non-Slavic countries as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, the peoples of the North, the Caucasus, Buryatia, Bashkiria, Kalmykia and a number of other nationalities use the Cyrillic alphabet.