Tatiana Day - Russian Student Day

Here's another little known "holiday"...

"Tatiana Day" or "Russian Students Day" - January 25

Tatiana Day is essentially a religious holiday, but not an official holiday.

It is named after Saint Tatiana, from 2nd century Rome.

In 1755 on this day, Ivan (who's mother was also named Tatiana) Shuvalov's mistress Empress Elizabeth of Russia endorsed his petition to establish a university in Moscow.

The church of Saint Tatiana was later built in the university campus.

The Russian Orthodox Church declared Saint Tatiana the patron saint of students, and Tatiana Day has become celebrated as "Russian Students Day".


Russian girls often continue with several years of higher study, and even if they've now finished, you could impress a young lady with your knowledge of this day by sending her a greeting, or "congratulations".

Try it!

Happy Old New Year

Happy new year to everyone.

Think you missed it?

No, you didn't!

It may be 2008 already, but there is still "Old New Year" coming up on the 13th.

Like "Russian Christmas" is on January 7, New Year comes around (by the "Old" calendar) on January 13.

"Give congratulations" to all your Russian friends. They will be pleasantly surprised by your knowledge and thoughtfulness!

The Beauty of Women's Day

I've heard some great success stories of guys impressing their ladies on Women's Day just passed.

Unfortunately in this country, it is almost unknown, and is certainly not a public holiday.

Whilst going about business as usual on Thursday (March 8 - Women's Day), I asked different people, both male and female, if they knew anything about it, or were doing anything special.

Let's just say the response was disappointing to say the least.

The women were generally just ignorant of it.

But the reaction of men was much more of a shock.

The general response was something like: "What for? Why do we have to have a day for everything, and why isn't there a day for us?" (etc)

I honestly found that quite surprising, until I thought about it more.

On the surface, the women appear apathetic, and the men seem resentful of the idea (of a day for women). But there must, of course, be reasons for this.

I think one major reason is a perception in the West that International Women's Day is all about the feminist movement, and is therefore a day of male/female politics and conflict, rather than any reason for celebration.

Of course what is interesting is that in Russia (and many other countries) where Women's Day is a huge holiday and celebration, it is no such thing. Feminist movements and politics simply do not factor into it.

Women's day is such an overwhelming success there because it is a day of respect, thanks, appreciation, admiration, love, friendship, and a celebration of femininity - NOT feminism. It's about real women, and men's acknowledgment of these proud females in their life.

By contrast, we in the West place emphasis on other days, for example "Mother's Day" - a nice concept, but it has been totally hijacked by the retail industry who pressure us into buying ever more, "bigger and better" gifts, to "show we care". The beauty, and the whole point, is somewhat lost.

Now contrast that back to Russia (and many other countries), where, along with flowers and chocolate giving, gifts are more often personally made rather than simply bought. It is much more about thoughts and actions, rather than materialism.

If you missed the significance of this beautiful day (not hard when you live in the West), it's not too late to show someone in one of those (perhaps, "more enlightened") countries that you care. Let her know you have found out the significance of the day (which is not celebrated in your own country), and "give congratulations" to her. She will understand and appreciate this. Ask her how she celebrated the day.

And never miss it again...!

Your Russian Girlfriend and Women's Day

The most important day of the year is almost upon us!

March 8 - International Women's Day.

Many people around the world may be unaware of this day, but in Russian culture it is a huge event.

Bigger than Valentines Day or even Christmas Day.

Despite the political origins of Women's Day, for Russian women it holds no political significance, only beauty and celebration.

Not only it is a celebration of women and femininity, but it also celebrates the start of Spring.

And what connects the two?

Flowers, of course!

Women's day is a day where all men should give flowers and gifts to the women in their life. Not just wives or girlfriends, but also family members, even work colleagues.

Men should also not allow their women to do any work of any kind. For Russian women, this is a rare day! No going to work (it's a public holiday anyway), no housework, no cooking. It's all to be done by men.

This is not another Valentines Day, which is more a private celebration for couples. This is a day for ALL women. A day of thanks, appreciation, respect and admiration.

Women's Day is an official public holiday in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Bulgaria, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan (along with a few other countries).

It is also well-celebrated in Hungary, Poland and Romania (although it is not a public holiday).

Impress any Russian women in your life with a card, gift, or flowers.

If you are just starting to get-to-know a Russian lady by correspondence, at least send an electronic card. If you know her a little better, organize a flower delivery. It's easy to do. Include a box of chocolates for that little something extra.

For more information on flower-giving to Russian women (VERY important):
Russian Women - Flowers 101

To miss this opportunity is unforgivable!
So get to it!

A Day For Russian Men

23rd of February is the "Defender of Fatherland" day, which is an unofficial holiday for all Russian men (in Russia).

In Russia, all men must serve in the military, (it's compulsory). They are therefore part of the "National Defending Force" - present or future soldiers.

The day is only officially a holiday in Russia (formerly all U.S.S.R.), but it may still be of importance to Russian people in the now "FSU" countries, particularly if they are ethnic Russian. It is common for women to give small gifts to men they know, not just partners or family, but can also be the men at their place of work, or university.

As a point of "conversation", you can ask your Russian girlfriend about 23 February - "The Defender Day", and how/if she celebrated it - she will be impressed with your knowledge of the Russian calendar and such a historical date.

Happy Russian New Year

Today, January 13, is time to have "New Year" celebrations again!
Like most of us, Russians celebrate New Years Eve, on the 31st of December. In fact, they celebrate it even more so! But there is also "Old New Year" celebrations, which is what today is all about. Prior to 1917, what we are now terming "Old New Year" was really THE new year.

Confused yet? Don't be...

It all comes down to the use of calendars. This is also why "Russian Christmas" falls on January 7, again, 13 days after December 25th Christmas. These dates are due to the tradition of still following the "Julian" calendar for these dates, which was in full use in Russia prior to 1917. Russia switched to the international "Gregorian" calendar (which we all use), that year, however the Church decided not to follow suit, and still followed the "Julian" calendar, hence the strength of the tradition continuing on.

So if you haven't already done so - wish your Russian friends (or "special" friend) a "Happy Old New Year" by extending "congratulations" on the Old New Year.

Interestingly, in London, there is an "Old New Year" celebration organized as part of the third annual "Russian Winter Festival", a free event open to all, held in Trafalgar Square.

http://halldor2.blogspot.com/2006/12/russian-winter-festival-in-london.html