Probably, only one out of ten residents of the CIS countries, united by similar languages, did not mention a certain well-known animal in his vocabulary. The appearance of this beast means events that go far beyond the predictable. This is often a small-scale mess. So what kind of animal appears among the Eastern Slavs in unpredictable situations? Well, of course! This is Yoshkin cat! Let us dwell on this non-standard phenomenon.
Persistent expression and its meaning
The well-known Yoshkin (Yoshkin) cat is a persistent expression, in other words, phraseological unit along with other sayings. It means a very softened curse that can characterize many different emotions that have arisen under unexpected factors. Emotions with a negative connotation prevail.
Exclamation "Yoshkin cat!" we hear instead of obscene language. It is used when a person, by virtue of his upbringing, cannot use a Russian strong word, or in a situation where obscene language is inappropriate.
The origin of the expression
Yoshkin cat is not derived from the capital of the Mari Territory. As we already know, this expression corresponds in value to obscene abuse, and it was from him that it came.
More clearly, the connection is manifested when writing through "ё": "Yoshkin cat" definitely has common roots with similar expressions like "ё-mine", "Christmas tree-sticks", "eprst" and others.
In addition to appealing obscene curses characteristic of the Russian language, sometimes when explaining the exclamation "Yoshkin cat", they communicate with the Cat-Bayun from a fairy tale. In this variant of the origin of the expression, it becomes unclear why a clearly evil character has become so popular.
Immortalized folk hero
Russian tsars and emperors, politicians, cultural figures - all of them were immortalized in marble or bronze. What is the hero of our article worse? Yes, he is just as popular, if not 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 a Yoshkin cat. And, best of all, with a positive attitude! So, near the Mari University in Yoshkar-Ola in 2011, a wonderful sculptural composition was installed. It is dedicated to the symbolic Yoshkin cat.
Bronze Yoshkin cat: monument to the hero
The cat sculpture from the Russian proverb is an entertaining composition. A bench in natural size is cast from bronze, simple but pretty. On it, prudently laying a newspaper (also bronze, of course), an imposing bronze cat sits. Foot by foot … that is, a paw by a paw, the front foot is folded in a relaxed position to the back of the bench. On his face … hmm, muzzle - a sly smile, and the ears of the beast in such a position, as if they speak for the owner: "Tell, tell, anyway I will outwit you." Well, a real sneak cat!
On a 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 reports that this composition is a gift to the city. Whose? Find out more!
The creators of the monument
Three sculptors made a 150-kilogram bronze monument in Kazan: 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 into creating the monument is a gift from Moscow businessmen to the inhabitants of the famous city.
A Yoshkin cat was installed near the main building of the university in Yoshkar-Ola. Accordingly, students most of all others see a funny monument. And as you know, students are an invented nation. Non-standard sculpture has become the central object of student omens.
The symbol of the city, bringing luck
Such a peculiar monument could not remain just a sculptural image. From it, students quickly made a talisman and object of pre-session rituals.
So, according to student beliefs, if you rub the nose of a cat sitting on the bench of Yoshkin, then the exam will certainly pass successfully. After graduation, you also need 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 residents of the city, is a new symbol of the capital. He protects her from unkind deeds and creates a cozy atmosphere. If the bronze cat is more difficult to cope with the first task, then with the creation of a warm mood everything is going very well. And stroking a funny beast, everyone can take a little luck for himself.
Having appeared relatively recently, the monument to the folklore Yoshkin cat has become a symbol, if not a talisman of the city. Character charm can only be admired. It quickly became one of the most interesting objects that curious tourists in the Mari El Republic want to see firsthand.
