Defender of the Fatherland Day began as an occasion to memorialize those who served in Russia’s armed forces. Celebrated on the 23^rd of February, it was originally called Red Army Day, but received a name change after the fall of the Soviet Union.  Recently, it has become known as the counter-part to International Women’s Day, and in colloquial usage is referred to as “Men’s Day.” Celebration of Defender of the Fatherland Day includes parades to honor the veterans and small gifts given from women to the men in their lives.

Celebrated on the 8^th of March every year, International Woman’s Day started as a political holiday celebrating women. Today, depending on the region, it is either celebrated as a combination of Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, where people opt to use the holiday as an occasion to express their love for women, or as a commemoration of the civil awareness of worldwide women’s struggle. On this day, it is customary for men to give small gifts and tokens to the women in their lives.

How would you or your family celebrate? Let us know in the comments.