8 March - International Women's Day |
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8 March is a very special date in Russia, Ukraine and other Eastern European countries. On 8 March, men give flowers to the women in their lives - whether it’s a girlfriend, a wife or a colleague, a young girl or an old lady. They also suppose to do all the household chores and allow the women to relax and enjoy themselves. Women's Day is an official public holiday in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Bulgaria, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Hungary, Poland and Romania also obey the tradition of giving flowers to women on this day, although it is no longer an official holiday. In Russia, 8 March is bigger than St. Valentine or Russian Christmas, and for a Russian woman, it’s her ultimate revenge to the ‘men kind’ – this is probably the only day in Russia when all housework and chores are on the males. |
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The official name is "The International Women’s Day" and the holiday originated from the women's liberation movement in the United States in the beginning of 20th century. Today in Russia it does not hold any political significance, rather it's a celebration of the feminity and respect for a Woman. It is also the first spring holiday in Russia, and it's sometimes called, 'The holiday of Spring'. 8 March is the most wonderful holiday for a Russian woman. This is the day when any woman feels loved and desired. It's a beautiful spring holiday and a wonderful tradition. Russian women and Russian girls living abroad miss this special attention on 8 March. It's not the same as Mother’s Day or St. Valentine! If you are in a relationship with a Russian woman or dating someone from Eastern Europe, you simply cannot afford to forget about this important date! Send her flowers, real or virtual - you can add a cute present or chocolates but flowers are mandatory! (Check Roses.ru for options) If you still have not found your favorite, send greetings to all the women you are talking to - or if you have not had any contacts as yet, this is a great time to start! Introduce yourself to the beautiful ladies that caught your attention and you may be the first one to send her greetings with this very special holiday! In Russia, it's perfectly acceptable to send greetings with a forthcoming holiday; they say "S nastupayuschim prazdnikom!" (means, "[My greetings] with the forthcoming holiday") and you can start doing it any day 2 weeks in advance. |
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