Russians debate meaning of holiday

Published 23 February, 2007, 07:00

February 23 is officially known as Motherland Defenders' Day. But many in Russia think, it has long turned into a men's counterpart of Women's Day on March 8.

Buying last minute gifts, thinking of the Man of your life.

“I am looking for a present for my boyfriend because February 23 is his holiday,” says a young girl in a perfumery boutique. “And it is important to show how much I love him.”

But for some women, there is more to Men's Day than presents.

“Men are defenders of our Homeland,” says another lady. “By all means, we should care about them.”

Men's Day in Russia is officially known as Defender of the Motherland Day, and traces back to the Soviet times.

“It was marked as a nationwide holiday because defending the Motherland has always been a national cause in Russia,” says Makhmut Garaev, President of Academy of Military Science. “Just like in Soviet days, the constitution of modern Russia proclaims the Army service and the defence of Homeland to be a sacred duty of every Russian citizen.”

But the younger people hardly remember the original meaning of the day; they usually see it as a celebration of men in general and a good excuse for a party.

“Actually, Men's Day doesn't mean much to me,” says a guy in a bar. “But my friends celebrate this day, so I come here to spend time with them.”

“I expect I'll get some presents from my female friends and relatives,” adds another. “I believe it's a holiday for all men, at least that's how it's seen now.”

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