Student Day: the history of the holiday in Russia

For several generations in a row, the country has been celebrating a bright, cheerful and interesting Student's Day. The history of the holiday dates back to the XII century. Many events formed a modern celebration. We will talk about some of them in the article.

At the desk, native Alma Mater

From the Latin language the word "student" is translated as a person who is constantly studying, is interested in something, works. In ancient Rome, they called all those who were engaged in the cognitive process. Several centuries later, in the XII century, only those who were directly related to the university had this name. But after the introduction of ranks and academic degrees of qualification for teachers, the nickname became the privilege of Alma Mater sitting exclusively at the desks.

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In all ages, it was students who changed history. They rebelled, broke stereotypes and introduced new trends.

First university title

The first higher education institutions in Russia opened Peter the Great. The first university was founded in 1724 in St. Petersburg. The date of creation of the Academy of Sciences can be celebrated as Student's Day. The history of the holiday would not have been possible without the educational law of the emperor. Under him, not only higher institutions were formed, but also the style, character and youth movement.





The St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences worked irregularly, activity ceased for some time. Therefore, Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov, who began his work in 1755, is fighting for the right of the oldest university.

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Pure Russian holiday

The decree on the opening of a higher educational institution in Moscow was signed by Empress Elizabeth. It happened on the day of commemoration of the martyr Tatyana. Since January 25, the founding date of the cradle of Russian thought and culture began to be celebrated as Student Day. The history of the holiday in the country is associated with this number. On the territory of the institution a church was built in honor of the saint. Since then, Tatyana has become the patroness of all comers to gnaw at the granite of science.

The magic of the date was that it coincided with the end of the training calendar, and therefore became a symbol of the winter holidays.

At first, January 25 was celebrated exclusively in Moscow. The city was preparing seriously, because the holiday was magnificent and interesting. The triumph was most popular among the intelligentsia, although everyone could celebrate without exception. The celebration began with speeches at the university. Mandatory was the prayer in the church of the martyr.

The triumph of science

The tradition of January 25 quickly spread. Within a few years, this date was celebrated as a nationwide Student Day. The history of the holiday acquired new customs. So, in the XIX century, during the official part, they began to hand in letters of appreciation, documents on the end of the educational process. The ceremony was attended not only by the immediate culprits, but also by relatives and friends. They made speeches, showed sketches, handed out awards. Then the students and teachers had fun, drank and relaxed in the best institutions of the city.





student's day holiday history in Russia




There are documents confirming that if on that day the empire police met drunken youths on the street, they were obliged not to fine the violators, but to provide them with their help.

A unique event was the student's day. The history of the holiday in Russia acquired new features with the advent of Soviet power. Leaders were against people celebrating religious dates. Therefore, the intercessor of the students, as well as the number itself, had to be forgotten.

Founder Jan Opletal

The events that brought back the tradition were bloody. The current day of the student, which is celebrated on November 17, is associated with the Second World War.

At the end of October 1939, the people took to the streets of Prague with a rally, the purpose of which was to mark the anniversary of the founding of the republic. Czechoslovakia was then occupied by the Nazis. The invaders did not like the parade, so they dispersed it. During the clashes, medical student Jan Opletal was injured. The guy died in the hospital. Thousands of young people came to the funeral of their colleagues. This all led to a protest.

Further events became the basis for celebrating Student Day. The history of the holiday on November 17 ended tragically. That morning, the invaders broke into the dormitories. Active, and there were more than a thousand people, were sent to concentration camps. Nine young people were sentenced to death.

Three years later, a meeting of students took place in London, at which it was decided to pay tribute annually to the innocent victims of November.

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Fun club movement

These events were consistent with the ideology of the Soviet Union, so the holiday reappeared on the calendar.

For a long time this day was celebrated only with the official part, which was not very splendid. Students themselves began to change the situation. It was on their initiative that KVN developed.

In 1957, the program “Evening of Happy Questions” was released, where the audience answered the presenters. A new idea has found many supporters. The highlight was the humor that was present in every cue. But the project was closed. In 1961, the creators of the program decided to release a new product.

Today it is difficult to imagine a world without KVN, this is an indispensable attribute of the celebration, which is called Student's Day, the history of the holiday. Where to start the alternative version of “Evenings of Questions” was not long thought. The leader was Albert Axelrod. Subsequently, he was replaced by Alexander Maslyakov, who works now.

Different segments of the population took part in the games. But the highest results have always been achieved by university students. For them, the Cheerful and Resourceful Club has become an opportunity not only to relax, but also to show their skills.

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Professional anthem

Throughout the centuries, students without interruptions were accompanied by the same song “Gaudeamus”, which from Latin translates as “rejoice”. Its origins are the 13th century.

The anthem is a symbol on the student's day, the history of the holiday. How did it all start? Researchers believe that it was performed by vagrant poets and vagant singers, among whom were often university students. For centuries, words have been transmitted orally, so there are dozens of versions.

Gaudeamus became popular in the Russian Empire. The first to officially introduce him was Pyotr Tchaikovsky. And philologist Sergei Sobolevsky made a translation that is still used today.

The text tells that life is short, so you need to enjoy every minute.

Melody with character

Peru vagantov owns another melody that has become a symbol of students at universities. "Students' Song" gained popularity in the Union in 1960-70. There is evidence that they came up with it in the XII century. The essence is distinguished by the extraordinary humor, courage and acuteness that were inherent in wandering musicians. Such poetry was popular among ordinary people. Her openness, honesty, sincerity captured. The authors were not afraid to ridicule the establishment of the system, they went against the ascetic ideals of the Middle Ages. That is why a light motive captivated the heart of the people.

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Today, the song is just as important as Gaudeamus, Alma Mater, Student's Day, the history of the holiday. How to celebrate a celebration without this perky melody? She is a symbol of youthful life.

The culture of this group arose even with the advent of the first universities. Today, the world has an exceptional movement, which is characterized by courage, activity and self-development.




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