March 8: An Unforgotten Holiday In East Europe digitalbloggers.com /home-and-family/march-8-an-unforgotten-holiday-in-east-europe Mar 08, 2017 Relationships, Self Improvement, Home and Family, Reference and Education 49 views Written by Sergei VanBellinghen Articles written: 115 Joined: 23 September 2016 Niche: Internet and Businesses Online Reference and Education Self Improvement
Obviously, all of us have heard about the “International Women's Day”. But did you know that still to this day most countries of East Europe celebrate this public holiday from the era of the Soviet Union. It is a very special day for women, which is celebrated in the spring’s first month on March 8th.
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International Women's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to nationality, ethnicity and culture. However, you may associate March 8th in East Europe with Mother's Day in the West, although this holiday celebrates all women which include wives, girlfriends, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, daughters and friends. Being from Ukraine, I know for a fact that on this day men give women gifts, usually flowers but often more. Men also are supposed to do all the housework, and that day women take a break and forget about all the dishes, cooking, children, and go out with her friends or relax on the couch...
How do we celebrate March 8th? March 8th occurred at first as a celebration to represent the women’s civil right fight from all over the world. They wanted full equality with men, democracy and peace. As time passed though, the true motives of the holiday slid away from the scene and it simply became a women's unforgotten holiday in Ukraine, other republics of the former USSR and some other countries of East Europe. Watch this one-minute video as I dedicate it to all women over the world. This day is also a national public holiday in Ukraine and most Eastern European countries. Beside, it is the most popular holiday after ‘New Year’ which is often celebrated with family accompanied and organized by a huge festive meal and champagne. We generally invite or are invited by friends. Men need to give flowers, romantic cards, chocolate, and other agreeable gifts to their wives, girlfriends, mothers, aunts, grandmothers, sisters, daughters and friends. And since ‘International Women's Day’ is an off-day in Ukraine, all the administrative feminine staff gets flowers and small memorable gifts from their male co-workers and generally from their boss on the day before. After office hours, it is also very common to have a small office party with some cake, and a few glasses of champagne or cognac. During the all day and evening, the most talented singers will perform on stage with songs about love and beautiful women. However, the traditional way to celebrate is by drinking and eating at home among friends and family where everyone is watching these concerts on TV.
What do we give on March 8th? All men and women definitely give presents to women they are close to. However, there are a couple things to consider such as how close you are in relation to the woman you are giving to (wife, daughter, grandmother, mother or girlfriend). Flowers such as orchids and roses are very popular and are generally the most popular gift choice on March 8th. But most of the time, men add chocolate, perfumes, cosmetics or candies along with the flowers. People rarely offer money. Other choices are gifts like a cell phone or jewelry, and sometime household or kitchen utensils. The rule of thumb is to give a gift which would please her.
How to consider March 8th? In present-day Ukraine, this holiday is first of all a day of kind, heartfelt feelings and pleasure. Most Eastern European people think of it as a tradition and a pleasant opportunity to surprise women around them. Ukrainian women often consider March 8th as a day of great wonder filled with grandiose emotions, enjoyment and a bright and colorful state of mind. Ukrainian men find this holiday to be a good reason to please the women in their
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lives. This article made you discover which values I am attached to, as well as some of my Ukrainian beliefs and traditions, and why. This way, you may come to know a little more about this wonderful holiday on the 8th of March each year and give the women in your entourage the attention they deserve. Thank you to ALL the women of this world for being who you are...and more!!!
Sergei VanBellinghen, Founder & CEO of First-Class Lifestyle and sergeivanbellinghen.com, Success & Self-Improvement Coach, Freedom entrepreneur & business partner of Stuart Ross, also counselor in East Europe-West relationships, a passionate Globetrotter and an avid audio booker
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