The origins of
both Great Britain and Belarus cultures go back to the ancient times.
Both countries
have deep roots but different history and mentality.
However I think
they are comparable.
Historically
Great Britain was great Empire, powerful and mighty; nowadays it is also rich
and influential European country.
As for Belarus
it was also influential country in the 15th century when it was the
centre of Grand Duchy of Lithuania, one of the largest and most powerful
medieval state.
And the main
document of the state “Statute” was written in the Belarusian language.
It was the
first full Code of Laws written in Europe since Roman Law and until the
Napoleonic Code was adopted in 1804.
It was a kind
of first constitution in Europe and the second in the world which determined
the legal system of the Duchy for about 250 years.
The Statute was
edited several times and the last edition was made by Lev Sapieha in 1588
·
one of the greatest Belarusian
political figures, famous for his wisdom,
·
a lawyer and a military commander,
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the head of Grand Duchy of
Lithuania,
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powerful guardian of Belarusian
national interests,
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a stronghold of our independence.
The first
settlements on the territory of Great Britain appeared 7 century B.C. while in
Belarus they appeared in the Paleolithic Period.
So in this
aspect the Belarusian historical roots are even deeper and have a lot in common
with many European countries.
The culture of
any country is always reflected on the people and their behavior.
The British are
sure that nothing is as well done elsewhere as in the own country, they are practical,
realistic, full of common sense and not mislead by any romantic delusions.
They tend to be
rather conservative and love familiar things.
They are
careful in everything, their lawns are carefully cropped, their drinks are
carefully measured, and seats in the cinema are carefully assigned.
As for our
mentality we are less conservative than British and Lithuanians and more
conservative than Russians.
Our character
is mainly expressed in tolerance, passion, good heartedness.
But in spite of
this the Belarusians know how to defend themselves and history proves it.
Belarus is one of the founder members of United Nation Organization.
Ability to
sacrifice and carriage of our ancestors are respected by many all over the
world.
As for holidays
we share the same holidays, including New Year, Christmas, and Easter.
The only
difference is that we celebrate Christmas, Easter twice according to Gregorian
and Julian ( Orthodox) calendar.
And both dates
are public holidays which prove the tolerance of Belarusians.
Such dates as
St Valentine’s Day, Halloween also gain popularity in Belarus.
We also
celebrate Dazhynky in late autumn.
It’s a kind of
Thanks-Giving Day, but on the state level because the government allocates
financial support to the selected small town for its rehabilitation annually.
These money
help to reequipped the existing plants, make new roads, build new
infrastructure and thus to make new places for employment.
In such way
government provides a strong social support to population.
We also
commemorate the memory of our dead ancestors when we celebrate Dzyady and Radunitsa and these days are bank holidays.
At the last
week before Lent we celebrate Maslenitsa.
The sense of this week is to forgive any harm
was done to you, to prepare for Lent.
The main
attributes are pancakes, burning the scarecrow that symbolizes ending of
winter.
The celebration
of Kupalle has a deep roots in
ancient times and is connected with summer solstice.
Famous people
of Great Britain are known over the world and includes such names as
Shakespeare, Newton, Wilde, Winston Churchill, John Lennon.
As for Belarus
there are also many people famous over the world that have Belarusian roots.
Ignacy Domeyko was a
well-known geologist who spent most of his life in Chile where he became a
national hero.
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He is officially recognized by
UNESCO for his achievements.
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Named after him are a mineral, a
mountain range in the Andes and a town in Chile.
Lev Sapieha is one of the
greatest Belarusian political figures, a lawyer and a military commander.
Tadeusz Kosciuszko was a military
commander during the War of Independence in the USA.
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One city in America was named after
him
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He was the hero of French Revolution
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The highest point in Australia and
ancient park are named after him
Presently
Belarusian people are mostly glorified by sportsmen:
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Vitaly Shcherbo (artistic
gymnastics)is the World Champion 14
times
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Olga Korbut - the
legendary gymnast won 4 Olympic Gold medals
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Julia
Nesterenko won the 100
metres gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games
·
Maxim Mirnyi is the most
famous Belarusian tennis player
Other famous
people:
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Mark Shagal – well known in France
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Isaac Asimov – one of the greatest
fantast-writer in the world
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Lasar Mayer – founder of Metro
Goldwin Mayer
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Dmitri Shostakovich – one of the
most celebrated composers of the XX century.
·
Adolf Bittner – founder of the “Bittner
Balsam”
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Zigmund Yurkovski – founder ot the
shutter.
Steven
Ballmer – is the chief of Microsoft, his parents was from Pinsk.