Women`s Day was
celebrated already in Rome. Matrons (free married women) got
presents or other nice treats from their husbands. Even female slaves
received gifts and were granted a couple of work-free hours. Wearing
festive gowns and flowers in their hair, women went to temples
of Vesta, the Roman Goddess of the hearth and home.
In 18th century women started to for their rights. On 8 March 1857 female garment workers marched through New York protesting against low wages and poor working conditions. At the International of Women held in 1910 in Copenhagen, the German feminist Clara Zetkin suggested to dedicate 8 March to women`s fight for equal rights. In today`s International Women`s Day has nothing to do the feminist for protection of women`s rights. On this day women enjoy being taken care of by their men and children. 8 March in Russia is kind of a combination of St. Valentine`s and Mother's Day. It is a wonderful day of womanhood, love, flowers and indulgence. The 8th of March is a national holiday. Schools, offices and banks are closed.
It is a happy and nice holiday. It is a good tradition in our country to give presents and flowers to women on this day. Each family celebrates this spring holiday. In the morning men go to the shops or markets to buy some flowers. They try to clean flats and help women to cook a holiday dinner.
Sons and daughters help their mothers too: they make a cake, lay the table and wash dishes after holiday dinner.
All the members of the families try to be well dressed on this day.
Some families celebrate the 8th of March going to the theatres and concerts. They buy tickets beforehand.
Others prefer to invite guests and stay at home.