The beginning of our long-range aviation was laid by the Ilya Muromets squadron. It was the world's first heavy bomber combat unit. Nicholas II approved the decision to create it on December 23, 1914. During the First World War, the squadron flew four hundred combat missions. In their entire history, the Germans managed to shoot down only one Muromets. Long-range aviation has never had easy times. But, despite the problems, military personnel fulfill their duty to ensure combat readiness.

People who do not believe in higher powers and God approach life rationally, critically assessing the events taking place in it. Paying tribute to the intelligence and fortitude of everyone who relies on the power of their intellect, humanists and their supporters celebrate the Festival of Human Light on December 23. This worldview system is based on the dignity and value of the individual, his right to happiness and the free search for the meaning of life. The light of reason, and not divine power, as followers of various religious movements believe, can help a person in this.

Descent at high speed from a steep slope on a special board has been included in the list of Olympic sports since 1998. But a celebration dedicated to snowboarding appeared on the holiday calendar relatively recently - in 2006. December 23 is considered the opening day of the season - the start of snowboarding, one of the most exciting sports.

Snow Angels Day

Emperor's Birthday - Tenno Tanjobi in Japan

Blucas Festival in Lithuania

National Day for the Liberation of Port Said in Egypt (Victory Day, Port Said`s National Day)

December 23 is celebrated as Mina Day according to the folk calendar. Its origin comes from the church holiday of the holy martyr Menas the Eloquent. People believed that after the day of Mina the Eloquent, the daylight hours began to increase slightly. According to legend, the holy martyr protected the population from twilight. Weather signs for this day: if on the day of Mina the peasants noticed sunny weather, then frosts were expected. The twinkling stars in the sky also promised cold weather.

Mokshada Ekadashi in India

Orthodox holidays on December 23:

Memorial Day of St. Joasaph of Belgorod

Memorial Day of the Great Martyr Mina the Eloquent