At the initiative of the United Nations around the world, International Earth Day is celebrated annually on March 20, this date is not the only one - besides the Spring Equinox Day, when Mother Earth is remembered, there is a second day, it falls on April 22.
The first International Earth Day (in March) is celebrated along the lines of a peacekeeping and humanistic focus, and in April, more about ecology. It is customary to remember the terrible ecological catastrophes, so that each person thinks about what he can do for his planet in order to protect it from this.
The history of the International Earth Day holiday
The origins of the holiday are connected with the inhabitant of America, who at the end of the 19th century lived in the desert territory of Nebraska, where lone trees were cut down for the construction of houses or for firewood. John Morton, impressed by this attitude towards nature, suggested that in the year one day each one plant a tree. And even nominated a prize for the greatest number of them. This day was originally called the Day of the Tree.
On the first day, the inhabitants of Nebraska landed a million trees. And in 1882 in the state this day was declared an official holiday. Celebrated it on the birthday of Morton - April 22.
In 1970, the holiday became widespread: more than 20 million people around the world supported the action, which has since become known as the Earth Day.
Already in 1990, the holiday received international status. The action involved two hundred million people from more than 140 countries around the world. In Russia, this day began to be celebrated since 1992.
Since the 1990s, special attention has been paid to national parks in the course of the actions: numerous environmental measures are under way, as well as raising funds for the support of specially protected natural parks. Thus, the holiday acquires a new meaning and is called the March of Parks. In 1997, this march covered the entire territory of the former USSR, attracting the attention of citizens to participate in the noble environmental activities.
Today, the purpose of the International Earth Day is to make environmental issues an integral element of public consciousness, education and culture, to form the participation of young people in the world and responsible attitude to the environment.
Symbols and traditions of the International Mother Earth Day
Not being an official symbol, the flag of the Earth is a photograph of the planet from space against the background of a dark blue sky. It was made by astronauts of "Apollo 17" on the way to the Moon. This flag is traditionally associated with Earth Day and other environmental and peacekeeping activities.
As for international traditions, on Earth Day in different countries, the Bells of the World are heard. He calls on people to feel unity and commonality in matters of preserving the beauty of our planet. The Peace Bell is a symbol of peace, friendship, peaceful life, solidarity of peoples, eternal brotherhood. But at the same time, it is a call for active action in the name of preserving life and peace.
The first bell of the world was installed at the UN's New York headquarters in 1954. It must be said that it was cast from coins donated by children from all over the world. Thus, it became a symbol of solidarity of all people on Earth. Over time, such bells have appeared in many cities and countries around the world.
Simultaneously with the Earth Day, the Forest Day is celebrated, when people plant millions of new trees all over the planet. Forests occupy a huge area of the Earth, they participate in the formation of the composition of the atmosphere, besides being the habitat for a variety of species of animals. And to prevent a decrease in the number of forests, the action is designed to draw attention to the problems of their cutting down.