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When do we celebrate and why on this day?
On November 11, we congratulate all representatives of the economic professions of our country. In 2024, the holiday falls on a Monday.
It was officially introduced nine years ago by order of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. This professional holiday pays tribute to the achievements of people in economic specialties who bring invaluable benefits to society.
History
In 1765, on November 11, the Imperial Free Economic Society appeared – a public organization independent of the supreme power. That is why the society was called “free.” The decree on its formation was signed by Empress Catherine II. The idea of forming such an organization was proposed to the empress by a group of famous people in the state at that time. Among them were Count Grigory Orlov, the Empress’s State Secretary Adam Olsufiev, and others. By the way, in Europe at that time there was already experience in creating similar organizations. The first society of economists in Europe was organized in 1723.
Portrait of Count Orlov – F. Rokotov.
By the way, it was thanks to the activities of the Free Economic Society that serfdom was abolished in Russia and primary education was introduced for all. In fact, it was the first scientific society in the state that dealt with problems of natural sciences, agricultural development and statistics. The public organization existed until 1919.
Today, specialists in economic professions are responsible for the activities of companies, regions and countries: they optimize costs and increase revenues. Some of them work in science. Economists have analytical minds, logical thinking and mathematical skills.
Traditions
1. On November 11, the “Economist of the Year” and “Economic Book of the Year” awards are presented. This is the profession’s highest award for hard work. The title is awarded in several categories: for contribution to the development of the economy, science and education of Russia. Every year the award ceremony is held within the framework of the All-Russian Economic Meeting.
2. At the All-Russian Economic Meeting, awards are also given to the best sites for the “All-Russian Economic Dictation” event in the regions. The action is carried out to determine and increase the level of economic literacy of the country’s citizens. In 2024 it will be celebrated in all regions of the country and in 11 foreign countries, including Syria, China, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and others.
Participants of the 6th All-Russian educational event “All-Russian Economic Dictation” at the Financial University of the Government of the Russian Federation. Photo: Artem Geodakyan/TASS
3. Representatives of economic professions organize festive parties on this day among colleagues and loved ones.
4. In professional teams, employees are congratulated by management and colleagues.
5. The best representatives of the profession are awarded certificates, diplomas and memorable gifts.
6. Economists are congratulated by the country’s main officials and regional heads.
Similar holidays
• Unofficial Economist’s Day. It is celebrated annually on June 30, although an official holiday has already been introduced. On this date in 1917, the Treasury Commissariat was formed. In the mid-1940s it became the Ministry of Finance.
• Financier’s Day. It was installed on September 8, the date of the signing of the document on the creation of the Ministry of Finance in the Russian Empire. Alejandro put his signature on the decree.
• CFO Day. Celebrated on November 12. In 2003, on this date, a decree of the Ministry of Labor of the Russian Federation was published, which for the first time included the position of financial director.
• Accountant’s Day. Representatives of the profession celebrate their professional holiday on November 21. On this date, the accounting law in the Russian Federation was signed.
• Banker’s Day. It is unofficially celebrated on December 2. The idea of its appearance belongs to the Association of Russian Banks. On this date, important laws appeared for the formation of the country’s banking system.
• Day of formation of the Russian Treasury. Celebrated on December 8, when the presidential decree on the creation of the treasury in our state was signed.
• Auditor’s Day. It is celebrated annually on December 22. On this date in 1993, the president of the country signed a decree approving the “Temporary Rules for Auditing in the Russian Federation.”
The building of the Federal Treasury (Treasury of Russia) in Moscow. Photo: Vitali Belousov/RIA Novosti
interesting facts
1. The Greek thinkers Xenophon, Plato and Aristotle are rightly considered the first economists. Xenophon, by the way, introduced the very concept of “economy.”
2. World Economist’s Day falls on October 12. In the United States, workers in this profession celebrate their professional holiday on January 20, in Kyrgyzstan on June 7, in El Salvador on August 11.
3. Economists have widely used the stable expression “Black Friday”, which refers to sales of goods. The tradition itself comes from the United States, where huge sales were held after Thanksgiving and profits were recorded in black ink in the days of handwritten accounting. Losses were marked in red.
4. During the Cold War, economists analyzed enemy economies to assess their military and industrial capabilities.
5. Since 1968, the Swedish National Bank has awarded the Prize in Economic Sciences in memory of Alfred Nobel.
6. The first credit cards were made of cardboard. The owner’s data was deleted.
7. The phraseology “money doesn’t smell” has ancient Roman roots. It appeared when the authorities introduced a tax on public toilets.
8. In Moscow there is a monument to five kopecks, in the 850th anniversary park of Moscow. The monument is called “Happy Nickel.” By the way, before a penny was not considered the smallest money. In the Russian Empire there were half coins, this is an eighth of a cent.
9. Two dollars is the rarest bill. A limited number was produced only to celebrate the 200th anniversary of America’s independence.
