The great Russian reformer Peter the Great, during the years of his reign, greatly changed the usual way of life of Russians. His decrees on celebrating the New Year on January 1 and introducing a beard tax are widely known. But some decrees are less known, although very interesting.
In September 1715, by Peter's Decree, residents of St. Petersburg were prohibited from nailing their shoes with nails and staples. This was done in order to preserve the wooden pavements of the new capital. After the Decree was announced, the streets of the city were empty: the townspeople had no other shoes.
The king’s decree on the attitude of subordinates to their superiors is interesting. A subordinate, appearing before a high-ranking person, had to have a “silly and dashing appearance, so as not to appear smarter.”
According to the rules of conduct at assemblies, one was supposed to eat in moderation, but drink plenty as long as one’s legs could hold up. If your legs give out, drink while sitting. It was forbidden to bring it to the person lying down, so as not to choke. Those who lost consciousness were supposed to be carefully placed to the side so as not to disturb the dancers.
In order to counteract bribes, the emperor increased the salaries of civil servants. At the same time, bribery was subject to punishment, up to capital punishment.
Returning from a trip to Europe, Peter took up the improvement and cleanliness of the streets in Moscow. Since April 1699, all residents were required to take their garbage out of town and bury it in the ground. For uncollected garbage they were flogged and a large fine was imposed.
Several interesting decrees concerned the Russian fleet. Abroad, sailors were forbidden to get drunk so as not to disgrace their state and navy. Moreover, if a drunken sailor lay with his head towards his ship, he was released from punishment. “I didn’t reach the ship, but I tried.” Navigators were forbidden to be allowed into taverns: “boorish spawn, they get recruited and cause brawls.”
In one of his decrees, the tsar ordered buttons to be sewn onto the sleeves of soldiers' uniforms. This was done in order to discourage soldiers from wiping their mouths with their sleeves after eating; the cloth used for uniforms was expensive and had to be taken care of.
In 1704, a tax was introduced on public and home baths. Preparations were underway for the Northern War and there was a catastrophic shortage of funds in the treasury. Merchants and Duma people paid 3 rubles a year, ordinary nobles and commoners - 1 ruble, for peasants the tax was 15 kopecks.
Russian ladies were also given attention in the Tsar's decrees. In Rus', pale skin has always been a sign of noble origin. Therefore, many women blackened their teeth to create more contrast with their skin. The emperor ordered the ladies to whiten their teeth with chalk.
Interesting facts about the army.
Why did Peter I order buttons to be sewn onto the front side of the sleeve of a soldier's uniform?
Among the decrees of Peter I was one that ordered buttons to be sewn on the front side of the sleeve of a soldier’s uniform. At first glance, they are useless there, but at that time the decree had a clear goal: to wean soldiers, most of whom were recruited from the peasantry, from wiping their mouths with their sleeves after eating in order to preserve expensive cloth longer.
How should real Scots wear a kilt - with or without underwear?
The traditional clothing of Scottish men - the kilt - can be worn with or without underwear. However, “real” Scots, especially soldiers, according to tradition, must still wear a kilt on their naked body. Previously, special checks were even carried out in the regiments: an officer with a special mirror looked “under the skirts” of the soldiers and, if they found underwear, forced them to take it off.
Why did the Nazis choose brown as one of their symbols?
The color brown today is strictly associated with Nazism. Although he was not chosen by the Nazis on purpose, but for a completely prosaic reason. When Germany lost its African colonies after the First World War, large quantities of brown uniforms (specifically for African landscapes) were left in warehouses. The National Socialist Party purchased this uniform cheaply for its assault troops.
Why did the Pentagon initially have twice as many toilets as needed?
In some Hollywood films about World War II, American soldiers of different races can be seen fighting side by side. This is not true, since racial segregation in the US Army was only abolished in 1948. Racial divisions also played a role in the construction of the Pentagon, which took place in 1942 - separate toilets were built there for whites and blacks, and the total number of toilets was twice as many as needed. True, the signs “for whites” and “for blacks” were never hung thanks to the intervention of President Roosevelt.
Why did Hindus and Muslims unite and rebel against the British in 1857?
In 1857, the British brought long-range Enfield rifles to equip the Indian army. However, they did not take into account possible problems with animal fat, which was used to lubricate the rifle and impregnate cardboard cartridges. After all, for Hindus a cow is a sacred animal, and for Muslims it is a sin to touch a pig. There were both in the army, and each group decided that the British did not take its religion into account. Hindus and Muslims united and organized an uprising, which resulted in the deaths of many military and civilians originally from England.
Why, before the battle with the Russians, did the Bukhara soldiers stand on their hands, and their rear comrades shook their legs?
During Russia's war against the Bukhara Emirate in 1868, General Golovachev's infantry, right in front of the enemy's eyes, crossed the Zeravshan River in chest-deep water and occupied the heights of Chapan-Ata in a bayonet attack. The maneuver was swift, there was no time to take off shoes and pour out water. Therefore, the soldiers stood on their hands, while their comrades shook their legs. A month later, in the battle of Zarabulak, the front ranks of the Bukharans, approaching a rifle shot, stood on their hands, and the rear began to conscientiously shake their legs. They were firmly convinced that they had unraveled the Russian ritual that brought victory.
Where were homosexuals drafted into the army and formed into elite units?
In Ancient Greece, especially in Thebes, homosexuality was not considered shameful. An elite army of 300 people was formed from men in love with each other, called the Sacred Band from Thebes. In 338 BC. e. the entire detachment died in the battle of Chaeronea. According to Plutarch, none of the soldiers retreated, preferring death to shame in front of their lover.
When and where was execution by lot used in the army?
In the ancient Roman army there was a higher type of execution called decimation - the execution of every tenth man. The punished unit was divided into dozens regardless of rank and length of service. Each ten cast lots, and the one on whom it fell was executed by his own nine comrades.
Which soldiers from eastern Muslim countries fought on the side of Hitler's army?
Hitler's army included several units composed of Muslims. The most exotic was the Free India Legion (‘Freies Indien’), most of whose soldiers came from the Muslim parts of India and the territories of modern Pakistan and Bangladesh, who were captured by the Nazis in North Africa.
Where do they use American military satellites for free for telephone calls?
Residents of Brazil are massively using converted civilian radios in the 144-148 MHz range for free telephone calls via the US Navy's FLTSATCOM satellite constellation. The cost of the equipment, which is mainly made by modifying a regular truck driver's radio, is no more than $50.
What do American paratroopers shout when jumping from a plane?
An Indian named Geronimo, with a small band of warriors, was a constant problem for the American and Mexican armies during the second half of the 19th century and became famous for his courage and elusiveness. In the 1939 film, his hero, hiding from pursuit, jumped from a steep cliff into the river with his name on his lips. The American paratroopers who watched the film decided to shout “Geronimo!” for good luck. at the moment of jumping out of a plane, and this tradition continues to this day.
Which organization allowed bayonets to hit the chest rather than the stomach?
The First Geneva Convention banned bayonet strikes to the stomach (which were used mainly by the Russian army). A blow to the chest was suggested as an alternative.
Often, to people who have never served in the military, some military rules seem funny and make no sense. However, in reality, most of them are explained by life circumstances. We bring to your attention an interesting selection of facts about the army from around the world.
Why did Peter I order buttons to be sewn onto the front side of the sleeve of a soldier's uniform?
Among the decrees of Peter I was one that ordered buttons to be sewn on the front side of the sleeve of a soldier’s uniform. At first glance, they are useless there, but at that time the decree had a clear goal: to wean soldiers, most of whom were recruited from the peasantry, from wiping their mouths with their sleeves after eating in order to preserve expensive cloth longer.
How should real Scots wear a kilt - with or without underwear?
The traditional clothing of Scottish men - the kilt - can be worn with or without underwear. However, “real” Scots, especially soldiers, according to tradition, must still wear a kilt on their naked body. Previously, special checks were even carried out in the regiments: an officer with a special mirror looked “under the skirts” of the soldiers and, if they found underwear, forced them to take it off.
Why did the Nazis choose brown as one of their symbols?
The color brown today is strictly associated with Nazism. Although he was not chosen by the Nazis on purpose, but for a completely prosaic reason. When Germany lost its African colonies after the First World War, large quantities of brown uniforms (specifically for African landscapes) were left in warehouses. The National Socialist Party purchased this uniform cheaply for its assault troops.
Why did the Pentagon initially have twice as many toilets as needed?
In some Hollywood films about World War II, American soldiers of different races can be seen fighting side by side. This is not true, since racial segregation in the US Army was only abolished in 1948. Racial divisions also played a role in the construction of the Pentagon, which took place in 1942 - separate toilets were built there for whites and blacks, and the total number of toilets was twice as many as needed. True, the signs “for whites” and “for blacks” were never hung thanks to the intervention of President Roosevelt.
Why did Hindus and Muslims unite and rebel against the British in 1857?
In 1857, the British brought long-range Enfield rifles to equip the Indian army. However, they did not take into account possible problems with animal fat, which was used to lubricate the rifle and impregnate cardboard cartridges. After all, for Hindus a cow is a sacred animal, and for Muslims it is a sin to touch a pig. There were both in the army, and each group decided that the British did not take its religion into account. Hindus and Muslims united and organized an uprising, which resulted in the deaths of many military and civilians originally from England.
Why, before the battle with the Russians, did the Bukhara soldiers stand on their hands, and their rear comrades shook their legs?
During Russia's war against the Bukhara Emirate in 1868, General Golovachev's infantry, right in front of the enemy's eyes, crossed the Zeravshan River in chest-deep water and occupied the heights of Chapan-Ata in a bayonet attack. The maneuver was swift, there was no time to take off shoes and pour out water. Therefore, the soldiers stood on their hands, while their comrades shook their legs. A month later, in the battle of Zarabulak, the front ranks of the Bukharans, approaching a rifle shot, stood on their hands, and the rear began to conscientiously shake their legs. They were firmly convinced that they had unraveled the Russian ritual that brought victory.
Where were homosexuals drafted into the army and formed into elite units?
In Ancient Greece, especially in Thebes, homosexuality was not considered shameful. An elite army of 300 people was formed from men in love with each other, called the Sacred Band from Thebes. In 338 BC. e. the entire detachment died in the battle of Chaeronea. According to Plutarch, none of the soldiers retreated, preferring death to shame in front of their lover.
When and where was execution by lot used in the army?
In the ancient Roman army there was a higher type of execution called decimation - the execution of every tenth man. The punished unit was divided into dozens regardless of rank and length of service. Each ten cast lots, and the one on whom it fell was executed by his own nine comrades.
Which soldiers from eastern Muslim countries fought on the side of Hitler's army?
Hitler's army included several units composed of Muslims. The most exotic was the Free India Legion (‘Freies Indien’), most of whose soldiers came from the Muslim parts of India and the territories of modern Pakistan and Bangladesh, who were captured by the Nazis in North Africa.
Where do they use American military satellites for free for telephone calls?
Residents of Brazil are massively using converted civilian radios in the 144-148 MHz range for free telephone calls via the US Navy's FLTSATCOM satellite constellation. The cost of the equipment, which is mainly made by modifying a regular truck driver's radio, is no more than $50.
What do American paratroopers shout when jumping from a plane?
An Indian named Geronimo, with a small band of warriors, was a constant problem for the American and Mexican armies during the second half of the 19th century and became famous for his courage and elusiveness. In the 1939 film, his hero, hiding from pursuit, jumped from a steep cliff into the river with his name on his lips. The American paratroopers who watched the film decided to shout “Geronimo!” for good luck. at the moment of jumping out of a plane, and this tradition continues to this day.
Which organization allowed bayonets to hit the chest rather than the stomach?
The First Geneva Convention banned bayonet strikes to the stomach (which were used mainly by the Russian army). A blow to the chest was suggested as an alternative.
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Origin of buttons on cuffs and sleeve cuffs
The appearance of buttons dates back to ancient times, and it is not possible to indicate a more or less exact date of their invention. Initially, they served as amulets, as well as insignia; some ancient Egyptian finds are also classified as such.
Later, in addition to their original meaning, buttons began to symbolize the wealth of their owner and began to be made from precious metals (silver, gold). At the same time, they often represented real works of art, embodying all the latest achievements of jewelry technology.
Already in the word “button” the meaning of the amulet is revealed - from the word to frighten. Therefore, it is quite common to find hollow buttons with a pellet placed inside them. It was believed that their ringing scared away evil spirits. It is interesting in this regard to mention buttons in the Onega epic “About Duke Stepanovich and Churil Plenkovich,” which talks about the magic buttons on Duke Stepanovich’s caftan, which he used to summon his wonderful assistants:
And the young boyar Duke Stepanovich
He began to touch the buttons with a whip,
Ringing buttons on buttons.
How it was from button to button,
The pecking birds came flying here,
Roaring animals galloped up here...
It is believed that the beginning of the use of a button as a fastener dates back to the Middle (13th century) centuries, and fashion reached Russia only in the 16th century. And here we come to the beginning of the 18th century, when, according to the decree of Peter I, tin buttons began to be sewn onto the cuffs of soldiers’ uniforms. This is what the common version looks like:
“The decree of Peter I, which ordered the sewing of tin buttons to the cuffs of soldiers’ uniforms on the outside, was full of secret meaning: the buttons did not allow soldiers, out of habit, to wipe their mouth and nose with their sleeves after eating. So, without spitzrutens, he weaned the soldiers from a bad habit that spoiled their uniform cloth.”
This version is apparently connected with the reform activities of Peter, during which Western European etiquette was introduced into Russian life and culture, which was reflected in the translated book “An Honest Mirror of Youth, or Indications for Everyday Conduct…” published in 1717 by order of the Tsar.
In particular, it recommended “don’t spit in a circle”, “don’t clean your nose with your finger, don’t blow your nose or sneeze loudly”, and at the table “when you drink, don’t wipe your (mouth) lips with your hand, but with a towel, and don’t drink until you have swallowed food” .
However, an objective analysis casts serious doubt on this version.
Let's take a look at the military uniform of Peter the Great's era. As you can easily imagine, nothing prevents a soldier from wiping his nose or mouth - there is more than enough space on the sleeve and on the cuff. And it would be strange if quite expensive buttons (made of tin and copper) were spent on this empty idea.
In addition, as you know, Peter I imposed European standards in the army, which involved patching numerous buttons onto soldiers’ uniforms:
“One of the zealous supporters of the introduction of a single uniform was the Elector of Brandenburg, Friedrich Wilhelm. He chose blue, gray and red, which were the colors of choice in almost all armies. The soldiers were dressed in long and spacious caftans to the knees, with red lapels and cuffs, trimmed along the sides with narrow buttonholes and many large and small buttons, in very wide trousers to the knees, the infantry - in thick shoes, and the cavalry - in boots.
In general, this quote refers to the middle of the 17th century (the years of the life of Friedrich Wilhelm 1620-1688), therefore there can be no question of any priority of Peter in the matter of sewing buttons on the cuffs of uniforms.
Thus, the version about Peter’s struggle for a culture of behavior “without the use of spitzrutens” should be considered completely unfounded.
However, a logical question arises: why should soldiers’ uniforms be lined with a large number of seemingly useless buttons, some of which were very heavy and expensive, since they were made of tin?
To answer this question, we should apparently take a closer look at these same buttons. Let's take, for example, treasure hunters' finds in Minsk and Leningrad regions:
A significant part of the buttons depicted here were used as insignia, so, as they say, everything is clear with them. Of much greater interest is the second row from the bottom, where teardrop-shaped buttons are presented, which can most often be seen on uniforms of the 17th-18th centuries. Judging by the color of the metal, some of them were smelted from lead and tin - exactly what Peter’s decree allegedly refers to.
These also include other similar finds on the territory of Russia:
But the following artifacts are of greatest interest to us:
It would seem that there is no difference, but the left photo shows shrapnel, and the right photo shows buttons. They are so similar that researchers often confuse them! Indeed, if a button is no different from a bullet or shrapnel, then why not shoot it?..
Perhaps this is the answer to the question posed. Buttons on soldiers’ uniforms could well have not only a haberdashery purpose, but also serve as an emergency reserve (emergency reserve) in case of unforeseen circumstances, which arose quite often:
“Even despite the low rate of fire of flintlock weapons compared to modern ones, they were fired a lot in battles. Sometimes this led to such a high consumption of ammunition that at the climax of the battles there was nothing to shoot with.”
We should not forget that a leather bag with bullets can be lost, but buttons are always at hand! The version with the possible use of buttons as bullets is easily confirmed by a number of sources that talk about shooting with buttons.
Why did Peter I order buttons to be sewn onto the front side of the sleeve of a soldier's uniform?
Among the decrees of Peter I was one that ordered buttons to be sewn on the front side of the sleeve of a soldier’s uniform. At first glance, they are useless there, but at that time the decree had a clear goal: to wean soldiers, most of whom were recruited from the peasantry, from wiping their mouths with their sleeves after eating in order to preserve expensive cloth longer.
How should real Scots wear a kilt - with or without underwear?
The traditional clothing of Scottish men, the kilt, can be worn with or without underwear. However, “real” Scots, especially soldiers, according to tradition, must still wear a kilt on their naked body. Previously, special checks were even carried out in the regiments: an officer with a special mirror looked “under the skirts” of the soldiers and, if they found underwear, forced them to take it off.
Why did the Nazis choose brown as one of their symbols?
The color brown today is strictly associated with Nazism. Although he was not chosen by the Nazis on purpose, but for a completely prosaic reason. When Germany lost its African colonies after the First World War, large quantities of brown uniforms (specifically for African landscapes) were left in warehouses. The National Socialist Party purchased this uniform cheaply for its assault troops.
Why did the Pentagon initially have twice as many toilets as needed?
In some Hollywood films about World War II, American soldiers of different races can be seen fighting side by side. This is not true, since racial segregation in the US Army was only abolished in 1948. Racial divisions also played a role in the construction of the Pentagon, which took place in 1942 - separate toilets were built there for whites and blacks, and the total number of toilets was twice as many as needed. True, the signs “for whites” and “for blacks” were never hung thanks to the intervention of President Roosevelt.
Why did Hindus and Muslims unite and rebel against the British in 1857?
In 1857, the British brought long-range Enfield rifles to equip the Indian army. However, they did not take into account possible problems with animal fat, which was used to lubricate the rifle and impregnate cardboard cartridges. After all, for Hindus a cow is a sacred animal, and for Muslims it is a sin to touch a pig. There were both in the army, and each group decided that the British did not take its religion into account. Hindus and Muslims united and organized an uprising, which resulted in the deaths of many military and civilians originally from England.
Why, before the battle with the Russians, did the Bukhara soldiers stand on their hands, and their rear comrades shook their legs?
During Russia's war against the Bukhara Emirate in 1868, General Golovachev's infantry, right in front of the enemy's eyes, crossed the Zeravshan River in chest-deep water and occupied the heights of Chapan-Ata in a bayonet attack. The maneuver was swift, there was no time to take off shoes and pour out water. Therefore, the soldiers stood on their hands, while their comrades shook their legs. A month later, in the battle of Zarabulak, the front ranks of the Bukharans, approaching a rifle shot, stood on their hands, and the rear began to conscientiously shake their legs. They were firmly convinced that they had unraveled the Russian ritual that brought victory.
Where were homosexuals drafted into the army and formed into elite units?
In Ancient Greece, especially in Thebes, homosexuality was not considered shameful. An elite army of 300 people was formed from men in love with each other, called the Sacred Band from Thebes. In 338 BC. e. the entire detachment died in the battle of Chaeronea. According to Plutarch, none of the soldiers retreated, preferring death to shame in front of their lover.
When and where was execution by lot used in the army?
In the ancient Roman army there was a higher form of execution called decimation - the execution of every tenth man. The punished unit was divided into dozens regardless of rank and length of service. Each ten cast lots, and the one on whom it fell was executed by his own nine comrades.
Which soldiers from eastern Muslim countries fought on the side of Hitler's army?
Hitler's army included several units composed of Muslims. The most exotic was the Free India Legion (‘Freies Indien’), most of whose soldiers came from the Muslim parts of India and the territories of modern Pakistan and Bangladesh, who were captured by the Nazis in North Africa.
Where do they use American military satellites for free for telephone calls?
Residents of Brazil are massively using converted civilian radios in the 144-148 MHz range for free telephone calls via the US Navy's FLTSATCOM satellite constellation. The cost of the equipment, which is mainly made by modifying a regular truck driver's radio, is no more than $50.
What do American paratroopers shout when jumping from a plane?
An Indian named Geronimo, with a small band of warriors, was a constant problem for the American and Mexican armies during the second half of the 19th century and became famous for his courage and elusiveness. In the 1939 film, his hero, hiding from pursuit, jumped from a steep cliff into the river with his name on his lips. The American paratroopers who watched the film decided to shout “Geronimo!” for good luck. at the moment of jumping out of a plane, and this tradition continues to this day.
Which organization allowed bayonets to hit the chest rather than the stomach?
The First Geneva Convention banned bayonet strikes to the stomach (which were used mainly by the Russian army). A blow to the chest was suggested as an alternative.
