ID: Age:            

For women in Eastern Europe, International Women's Day is like Valentine's, New Years and Christmas all rolled into one. The only day in a year when any Russian (Ukrainian) lady feels really fortunate, just because she is a woman!

We would like to give you some facts on origin of the holiday, what it means around the world and in particular for our women.

Some people call March 8th a "Russian Valentine's Day" but in our opinion it's quite different. On this day ALL women in Russia and Ukraine are given presents, flowers and cards, not just a woman with whom you are having a relationship. Mothers, mothers-in-low, sisters, daughters, co-workers, friends, boss (if she is a woman) receive equal attention. And this holiday is for women only, unlike Valentine's Day.

The 8th of March is a national holiday and an official day off in Russia and Ukraine. Several nations celebrate this, but only a few acknowledge it as an official, non-working holiday. In the West, where Mother's Day falls in May, The 8th of March is typically celebrated by feminist and women's rights groups. Meanwhile, as life in Ukraine is different from that in the USA in many ways, the 8th of March is one of most favorite holiday for most Russian women and along with New Year and Christmas and St.Valentine's Day it is also one of most romantic holidays.

Did you know, that:International Women's Day (8 March) is an occasion marked by women's groups around the world. This date is also commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many countries as a national holiday. When women on all continents, often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, come together to celebrate their Day, they can look back to a tradition that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.

International Women's Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men. In ancient Greece, Lysistrata initiated a sexual strike against men in order to end war; during the French Revolution, Parisian women calling for "liberty, equality, fraternity" marched on Versailles to demand women's suffrage.

The idea of an International Women's Day first arose at the turn of the century, which in the industrialized world was a period of expansion and turbulence, booming population growth and radical ideologies.

In the Soviet times the 8th of March was a very popular holiday, an official day off, and even today, women here will be showered with flowers, chocolates, and "aren't you lovely" from their menfolk to celebrate what became a tradition in Soviet times - International Women's Day. Women have jokes and funny toasts to each other - "I wish your every day will be like the 8th of March all year round". And it is sad true - mostly only on this day Ukrainian men would help their wives around the house, or even cook a festive meal. Other days the women have both to work equally with men, and carry out all household activities as well.

Read how a 12 year Ukrainian girl describes the 8th of March holiday:

We have a Day devoted to Women. It is on March 8. It is for all women. Men and boys give women presents, give them flowers. There are prepared presents for women or delivered concerts everywhere. As a rule women can go home early this day. Presents are all around this day. Maybe it is free ticket for cinema or theatre, maybe it is a concert, and sometimes it is a lottery. I can tell you about one of Women's Day in our school. We have had music lesson when two of school colleagues came in to our class. They had a basket in their hands. Then they congratulated our teacher and asked her to take a rolled paper from little box and she did this. She took a paper and read: "Shampoo". Then school workers gave her a shampoo from the basket. They went from one cabinet to another and repeated this procedure with all of teachers - women. Members of school musical and other sections made a concert in the school's main hall in the evening. Well, maybe I don't remember some things but in general this is how we celebrate Women's Day. Of course there are parties in every home and in every office etc. Everybody likes the day.

Olya.

On The 8th of March, men in Russia and Ukraine bestow gifts, flowers, and other expressions of praise and gratitude on the ladies in their lives. While this holiday does have its roots in the women's rights movement, it is important to remember that it, also, reflects the respect that Russian people have for the role of women in their culture. All women are honored, not just mothers!

"I have been teaching for almost 15 years, and each year students give me flowers. I am a teacher first , but when they give me flowers, I feel like I am a woman,"

said Elena, 30, a school teacher.

It's in long tradition that man does something special for his lady that shows her the praise, respect and love she deserves. Your lady will be more than happy just to hear your voice or read your warm words; and if you would like to show her your admiration and consideration then flowers and small gifts are the best and engaging sign of your feelings. Remember the common truth: the gift itself is not that important, attention is what matters.

Have a look at our Special Offer 8th of March Present