Chemist's Day is a professional holiday for workers in the chemical and petrochemical industries. In 2024, the solemn event will be celebrated on May 26. It is on this date that the last Sunday of the month falls. To congratulate loved ones on the holiday and visit the most interesting events on this day, you should better know how the holiday appeared and what traditions it is accompanied by.
A bit of history
It is difficult to overestimate the importance of chemistry for industry in the modern world. Scientific discoveries in the field of chemistry make it possible to improve building materials, energy carriers, create effective mineral fertilizers, conquer space and develop unique pharmacological preparations.Russia is a country in which much attention was paid to chemistry. It is enough to mention Mendeleev, the creator of the table of elements, to appreciate the contribution of chemists to the development of science.
The chemical industry began to develop actively late, in the 18th century. This is due to the absence of alchemists in the Fatherland, who made the first discoveries in science, searching for the formula of the philosopher's stone and gold. But since 1725, an academy was opened in St. Petersburg by decree of Peter I, which later became the cradle for a galaxy of scientists.
In 1748, the first chemical laboratory was created by the efforts of Mikhail Lomonosov. The traditions of the St. Petersburg Academy at the beginning of the 19th century were picked up at Moscow State University, and later chemical departments began to be opened at local universities - Kazan, Derpt, Kiev.
For the first time Chemist's Day was celebrated in the USSR in 1960. However, the holiday was officially added to the list of memorable dates 20 years later - in 1980, when chemistry became a fundamental platform for the development of most areas of industry, defense, and agriculture.The decree on adding the solemn event to the list of state events was issued on October 1, and the first official celebration took place in 1981.
Russia supported the traditions of the country of the Soviets and continued the celebration of the professional celebration. Despite the importance of chemistry, the holiday is not declared a public holiday at the state level. The explanation is simple - Chemist's Day is always, as in 2024, celebrated on a calendar day off - on the last Sunday of May.
Holiday traditions
The holiday has not received great popularity among the people, like many professional celebrations. It is celebrated mainly by workers in the chemical industry, researchers, students of educational institutions. The holiday is a symbol of the merits to the Fatherland of the servants of science, as well as workers in the chemical industries.
At the state level, congratulations from the Government and the Cabinet of Ministers, administrations of industrial cities are traditional.Television channels broadcast programs that tell about the history of the development of chemistry in the country, about pioneer scientists. But the most interesting events take place in educational institutions.
Scientists are often compared to children for a reason - they tend to show amazing imagination and humor in organizing festive events. Therefore, Chemist's Day is exciting and with the obligatory involvement of student activists. Among traditional events:
- Festival under the auspices of the element. The idea of a colorful carnival belongs to four students who received the full support of teachers. In 1980 the festival was held under the sign of hydrogen. In the future, every year a new element of the periodic table was chosen. The tradition of the holiday is preserved today.
- Concerts - amateur, as well as with the involvement of pop professionals, theater groups, dance studios. All students of chemical faculties, regardless of academic performance, took part in the celebration.
- Schools and colleges often hold quizzes dedicated to the holiday, themed KVN.
- Conferences, seminars, presentations of professional developments are held in higher educational institutions.
- Employees are rewarded with gifts, diplomas, awards for services in the industry.
After the official part, the celebration continues in the family circle or in a close-knit team. Chemical industry workers, scientists, teachers celebrate the event in nature with traditional picnics. Fun corporate parties are arranged, home feasts are organized with friends and relatives.
On the last Sunday of May, Belarusians and Ukrainians celebrate the celebration. In the USA, there is an unofficial analogue of the holiday - Mole Day, which has been celebrated since 1991.
In 2024 Chemist's Day will be celebrated on May 26th.On this day, relatives and friends who work in the chemical industry, teach science or learn its basics at a university should be congratulated. It is possible that the attention of loved ones will create a positive mood that will allow you to make many new discoveries and work with greater efficiency.
