There are 2 russian holidays widely celebrated in Russia (sometimes we call it gender holidays what reflects their nature). It's February 23rd (men's day) and March 8th (women's day). As long as men's day is passed I will tell you about Women's day.The history of Women's day has begun at 1857 in New-York at the women's demonstration. They wanted 10-hour working day, good working conditions and salary equal to men's salary. At that times women worked for 16 hours a day.
Starting 1857 this day become widely spread all over the world. The first time the Women's day was celebrated in Russia March 2nd, 1913, in Peterburg. In a while the Women's day was stated as official holiday by Soviet Government, since 1963 it's a non-working day.
Despite now this day is not widely celebrated all over the world, it is called International Womens Day. This is why many people jokingly call it International Women's Day in Russia.
How big is the holiday? It is the second one after the New Year. There's nothing to excuse you if you haven't gave your mom - or your girlfriend a flowers. Starting February 24th men are in all-embraciing hunt for a gifts to their beloved ones. It is also common for a girls to give cards to each other.
Comments