The Berg Family’s Relocation: A New Chapter in the Russian Far East

📌 On August 6, 2023, Dmitry and his family crossed the Russian border into Kaliningrad Region, marking the start of their journey to a new life. On August 10, they arrived in Primorsky Krai, embarking on a transformative chapter of their life in the Far East. The decision to relocate was made on New Year’s Eve 2023, and by January 1, the family had submitted an online application to participate in a national government program through the Russian Consulate in Bonn. Their choice of the Far East was deliberate and strategic, guided by a vision for long-term settlement.
The Berg family received active support from the Far East and Arctic Development Corporation (FEADC). Expert consultants assisted with paperwork, provided prompt answers to questions about the program, offered practical advice and shared contact information.🖇️

📌Upon arrival in Primorsky Krai, FEADC specialists and volunteers helped them find housing and navigate everyday challenges during the initial adaptation phase. Thanks to this support, the Bergs also connected with fellow compatriots already residing in the region, whose personal stories and guidance became invaluable in their integration process.🖇️

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September 1st: New Year's Day

Did you know that in Russia, the new year didn't always start in January? 🎄

Up until 1492, the Russian calendar year began on March 1st, a date chosen to coincide with the start of the spring planting season. Then the Russian Orthodox Church made a decision, and Tsar Ivan III issued a decree moving the official start of the new year to September 1st.

This new date seamlessly merged the new year with the traditional harvest festival celebrations. For over 200 years, September 1st marked the beginning of the calendar year in Russia.

This tradition lasted until 1700, when the reformer Tsar Peter the Great decided to modernize the country by aligning it with the European Julian calendar. In 1699, he issued a decree that effectively skipped a year. The day after December 31, 7208 (from the creation of the world) became January 1, 1700 (from the birth of Jesus Christ), officially moving the celebration of the civil new year to the date we know today: January 1st.

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September 1st: The First Day of School

📕 Ever wondered why Russian schools all start on the same day? The answer is a fascinating piece of Russian history.

Before the Soviet era, there was no single starting date for the school year across Russia. Gymnasiums and schools could begin classes anytime from August through December, depending on their location. City kids often headed back to class earlier than their rural counterparts, as many rural families needed their children to help with the late summer and autumn harvest.

This all changed under the Soviet Union, though not all at once. A 1930 decree first introduced an "autumn" start for all 8-10 year olds. It wasn't until 1935 that a definitive, nationwide rule was established by a joint decree, officially setting September 1st as the uniform first day of school for the entire USSR. 📚

📕      But this day wasn't an official celebration of the first Day of School yet. That final touch came much later. On June 15, 1984, the Supreme Soviet Presidium declared September 1st to be the "Day of Knowledge" (Den Znaniy), transforming the first day of school from an administrative date into a nationwide celebration. This tradition continues today not only in Russia but in many other former Soviet republics.

The credit for creating the festive traditions of the Day of Knowledge goes to Fedor Bryukhovetsky, the principal of a school in Krasnodar and an honored teacher of the USSR. We'll share the story of this pioneering educator in our next post! 📚


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The Founder of "Knowledge Day"

📕 The man behind the “Knowledge Day” was Fedor Bryukhovetsky, the principal of a school in Krasnodar and an Honored Teacher of the USSR. He believed in turning important school milestones into memorable celebrations for his students. Back in the 1950s, at his own school, he introduced traditions like the Knowledge Day and the "Last Bell" ceremony (celebrated by graduates on their last day of school, before the final exams). These customs quickly spread throughout the region and eventually became nationwide traditions. 📚

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