Probably only one out of ten residents of the CIS countries, united by similar languages, did not mention some well-known animal in their vocabulary. The appearance of this beast means events that are far beyond the predictable. Often this is a small scale problem. So what kind of animal appears among the Eastern Slavs in unpredictable situations? Well, of course! This is Yoshkin's cat! Let's dwell on this non-standard phenomenon.
Strong expression and its meaning
The well-known Yoshkin (Yoshkin) cat is a persistent expression, in other words, a phraseological unit along with other sayings. It means a strongly softened curse, which is able to characterize many different emotions that have arisen under unexpected factors. Emotions with a negative connotation predominate.
The exclamation "Yoshkin cat!" we hear instead of foul language. It is used when a person, due to his upbringing, cannot use a strong Russian word, or in a situation whereobscene language is inappropriate.
Origin of expression
Yoshkin cat is not a derivative of the capital of the Mari region. As we already know, this expression corresponds in meaning to an obscene curse, and it is from it that it came.
The connection is more obvious when writing with "yo": "Yoshkin cat" unambiguously has common roots with similar expressions like "yo-my", "fir-trees-sticks", "eprst" and others.
In addition to appealing to obscene swearing characteristic of the Russian language, sometimes when explaining the exclamation "Yoshkin cat" they make a connection with the Cat-Bayun from a fairy tale. In this version of the origin of the expression, it becomes unclear why a clearly evil character has become so popular.
The immortal folk hero
Russian tsars and emperors, politicians, cultural figures - they were all immortalized in marble or bronze. Why is the hero of our article worse? Yes, he is just as popular, and even more! Apparently, the creators of the monument to the famous cat thought so.
As we know, the capital of the Republic of Mari El is Yoshkar-Ola. The name itself suggests the idea of Yoshkin's cat. And best of all, stay positive! Thus, a wonderful sculptural composition was installed near the Mari University in Yoshkar-Ola in 2011. It is dedicated to the symbolic Yoshka cat.
Bronze Yoshkin cat: a monument to the hero
The sculpture of a cat from a Russian proverb is an entertaining composition. A shop is cast in bronzenatural size, simple but cute. On it, prudently spreading a newspaper (also bronze, of course), sits an imposing bronze cat. Leg by leg … that is, a paw by a paw, the front one is reclined in a relaxed position on the back of the bench. On his face … hmm, his muzzle is a sly smile, and the ears of the beast are in such a position, as if speaking for the owner: "Tell me, tell me, I'll outsmart you anyway." Well, a real rogue cat!
On the bronze newspaper you can see cast inscriptions. One of them, in fact, speaks of the name of the hero of the sculpture, while the other says that this composition is a gift to the city. Whose? Find out more!
Creators of the monument
The 150-kilogram bronze monument was made in Kazan by three sculptors: Anatoly Shirnin and Sergey Yandubaev from Yoshkar-Ola, Alexey Shilov from Moscow.
The idea to make such a symbol of the city was proposed by the head of the Republic of Mari El, Leonid Markelov. The money that went to create the monument is a gift from Moscow businessmen to the residents of the famous city.
Yoshkin cat was installed near the main building of the university in Yoshkar-Ola. Accordingly, students, more than anyone else, see a funny monument. And as you know, students are a people-inventor. Non-standard sculpture has become the central object of student signs.
Symbol of the city that brings good luck
Such a peculiar monument could not remain just a sculptural image. From it, students quickly made a talisman and an object for pre-sessionrituals.
So, as student beliefs say, if you rub the nose of Yoshkin's cat sitting on the bench, then the exam will definitely pass successfully. After defending the diploma, it is also necessary to visit the cat and stroke the nose. Either to even greater luck, or in gratitude.
Also, a cat with a mysteriously cunning expression on its face, according to the residents of the city, is a new symbol of the capital. He protects her from evil deeds and creates a cozy atmosphere. If it is more difficult for a bronze cat to cope with the first task, then everything goes very well with the creation of a warm mood. And by petting a funny animal, everyone can take a little luck for themselves.
Appearing relatively recently, the monument to the folklore Yoshkin cat has become a symbol, if not the talisman of the city. The charm of the character can only be admired. It quickly became one of the most interesting objects that curious tourists in the Republic of Mari El seek to see with their own eyes.
Summing up
This is it, the new sculptural symbol of the city of Yoshkar-Ola - Yoshkin's cat. The consonance of these words is obvious, which connected different concepts forever. The fantasy and originality of the creators of the sculpture deserve admiration. This is not a dull static monument to another political figure of the last century, but a real embodiment of the ingenuity of the Russian language and the character of its speakers.
The sculptural composition with a bench and a smiling cat is a funny sight. In addition, we remember that certain rituals are associated with the hero of a work of art. therefore, being in the Republic of Mari El and goingto see the monuments of Yoshkar-Ola, its capital, be sure to include Yoshkin's cat in the program! We wish you pleasant travels and memorable shots!