Hello again! International Women’s Day – March, 8th – is just around the corner, and it’s time to get ready for it! This is especially appropriate for the male population of the world. In fact, ladies all around the world celebrate International Women’s Day on this date. But this holiday is most popular among the ladies of Russia, Ukraine and the former Soviet countries as well. It is considered to be a public holiday in these countries, including Belarus, Moldova and Kazakhstan. Men abroad often wonder what a common sense has this date. Actually, International Women’s Day honors ladies – it is believed to be a special ladies’ day. It provides a close analogy of a mix between Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day in the West cultural tradition, so all Slavic ladies – mothers, grandmas, ladies, sisters, girlfriends and brides, kids and adults – are encouraged to wait for this holiday.
There are several gift traditions considering International Women’s Day here. First of all, flowers and warm wishes are an absolute must-do on March 8th. There are some traditional flowers to gift this day – pink or white tender tulips, or yellow acacia dealbata, that is widely known by florists as “mimosa”. The last is the flower exception for International Women’s Day: yellow flowers mean unfaithfulness in Slavic culture, so that is why the flowers of such color should not be given as well. Long stemmed deep red roses are also appropriate. Small cards with some warm wishes would be nice too. The next most popular gift is chocolate, sweets, candies and fruit baskets of delicious taste. Jewelry is an eternal expression of your deep feelings in this day as a sign of astonishment and high appreciation. Clothes, perfumes, household appliances (the last is especially true for grandmas) and many other souvenirs come next.
The 8th of March is commonly known as the only day in a year when men are supposed to do all the housework. They cook, clean the houses, wash dishes, make “coffee to bed” to their wives, and work as housekeepers. In other words, men let their ladies relax the most. This may sound horrible, but it’s about right. In fact, men consider this holiday to be a perfect time to please their ladies. This day is viewed as a high-spirited day of pleasant emotions only. So don’t forget to congratulate your gorgeous Russian bride this weekend!