The official date for this popular Russian holiday is March 8th. Originally started as a political event in United States as celebration for achievements of women, over the years International Women’s Day (IWD) merged into many cultures. Currently, 14 countries list IWD as their official national holiday, including Russia.
In Russia and many FSU republics, this holiday lost its political meaning and became a day when men show their appreciation and love to women around them. Russian Women’s Day is a mix between Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day and is very important to every female in Russia.
On March 8th, men in Russia are supposed to do all the housework and cooking and let women relax at least one day out of year. Flowers or small gifts are a must on this holiday. Mothers receive best wishes and flowers from their children and husbands and get awarded with a day to themselves; single ladies get love notes along with flowers and chocolates.
Russian women most likely will get congratulations at work, and might receive flowers from male co-workers as a sign of appreciation. Office parties are also a common practice for 8th of March celebration.
If you would like to congratulate a Russian woman on this day, you can say in Russian:
“S Vos’-meem Mah-rta”
and compliment her about her beauty, charm and etc.
P.S. If you think that giving flowers and doing housework is a little too much for you, then consider this: In India, there is a day when wives wait outside for their husbands to come back home from work to start beating them on the head with bamboo sticks. Men take this abuse because it’s a tradition to let women do this once a year.
Don’t forget to send your lady flowers on this special holiday, she will remember this the whole year. Use our convenient gift delivery system:
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If you would like to learn more about Russian Women’s Day or IWD here is a useful link:
Wikipedia on IWD
