23
February
Dyen zashchitnika Otechestva
DEFENDER OF THE FATHERLAND DAY
It is now popularly called Men's Day to go along with the Women's Day on March 8. This is also a counterpart of the Father's Day in other Westetn countries.
Historically, it was the date of the creation of the Red (Soviet) Army in 1918. It was historically celebrated by those who served in the army who therefore defended their homeland.
However, if the men in one's life have not been a part of any war, it still considered polite and important to recognize them in this day. In this way, it can be shown that men and women are both important to one another as Women's Day is widely celebrated. It is considered rude to forget about Women's Day celebration in Russia.
The funny side of this celebration is that it's one day a man is allowed (very often by wives or girlfriends) to do as they please. They are exempted from taking the trash out, driving the kids to school and so on. They are usually pampered on this day.
Since it is a non-working holiday, I had the chance to watch some of them celebrate the holiday. I saw many couples and families in the mall. It is them, men, who are shopping. Well, being shopped by women in their lives. It's either a wife, a girlfriend or a mother. It is funny to observe from aside. They are happy, though sometimes they look shy, they still can't hide in their faces the feeling that someone is taking care or pampering them. Some of them are walking alone, probably enjoying the "freedom" from kids and wife :). Others are with other male friends.
I think it is a nice holiday. I believe that men should be given a day of pampering just as women on March 8. The best thing about it is that one brings happiness to another.
I believe I like Men's Day and Women's Day better than Mother's Day and Father's Day. Of course I do think that mothers and fathers deserve a special day but there are a great many people who are not honored for what they contribute to their families and friends.
ReplyDeleteA day that brings happiness, whether it is for men or for women, sounds like a good idea to me! :)
ReplyDeletesounds like a great way to honor important folks in your life. such very cool. my hubby always jokes about all the card holidays we have in the US. there is Grandparents day, Sweetest Day, and so on. he feels it makes us run to the store to buy more cards & spend money on candies and other stuff. i miss my grandparents and a chance to send them cards. if only i could send things to heaven. wonder what the address is? ( ;
ReplyDeleteit does sound similar to father's day and mother's day in the US, except ours are held on Sundays which are typically weekend (non-holiday) days. i think it is nice to recognize important people in your life. :)
ReplyDeleteI think that's a great idea!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Emma! We have Mother's Day and Father's Day, but somehow the latter is never given much attention, while men wouldn't dare miss the former!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun holiday! I can just image what would happen if we celebrated a "man's day" here in the US!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. And with Emma,liking Men's and Women's days better than Mothers and Fathers (which doesn't really help those who are neither mum nor dad!)
ReplyDeleteSweet.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post, Mari. :)