Holidays in Russia and Ukraine

[lawman65]

Gentlemen,

I need the holidays the ladies observe. I do not want to miss them. You know what I mean, Lawman 

[Goombah]

Must Not Forget (Flowers appropriate):

#1 Holiday - International Womans Day - March 8th
Ladies Birthday

Bonus points for remembering (card, a few flowers, just a token):
Anniversaries - recognize monthly for the first few, then quarterly, working up to yearly.  This is the date you first exchange letters.

Some care, others don't (gifts vary):
US Valentines day is nice.
US Mothers day is nice if she is a mother.
Christmas and New Years (local dates, not US ones)
Easter (local dates, not US one)

Kevin

[Elen]

March 8,  New Year and her birthday - gifts are  obligated

Gifts at other holidays are optional and depends on her preferences

[lawman65]

Thanks for the information

[jb]

I could have sworn I'd posted this information once before:


Here's a little something I concocted that the newbie might find of value:

Holidays and Traditional Days for Gift Giving in Russia
• January 1st - New Year
• January 7th - Orthodox Christmas
• January 14th - Old New Year
• January 25th - St.Tatiana's Day
• February 14th - St.Valentine's Day
• March 8th - Women's Day
• May 1st - Labor Day
• Easter Sunday- Movable Feast
• May 9th - Victory Day
• September 1st - Knowledge Day
• December 25th - Catholic Christmas
• December 31st - New Year
New Year
January 1st. New Year is probably the most important holiday in Russia. People have a 3-day vacation; the celebration starts on December 31st and carries on through the 1st of January. New Years Day is as important in Russia as Christmas is in the West, actually it is celebrated in pretty much the same in the way people celebrate Christmas here, however there are some differences and here they are:
The traditional drink is champagne which people drink at midnight. Everyone prepares gifts for his or her friends and relatives, kids await Father Frost (almost the same character as Santa Claus but with a little bit of "Russian flavor"). Almost anything can be a gift.

Orthodox Christmas
January 7th. Orthodox Christmas is not celebrated as widely as the New Year, but it has gained popularity in recent years. Religious people stay in church all night before the Christmas, but most prefer to celebrate it at home with their families. Since most Russians who profess a religious belief are Orthodox, this will be the most important religious holiday to them. Drinking a lot on Christmas is not considered to be good manners, so bottle of wine or champagne would not be really appropriate, but anything useful in household or something to be used by entire family would be a great gift. Think in terms of candles, small Icons, or perhaps a religious medal to be worn on a small chain around her neck. If you opt for this type of gift be sure the chain is long enough so that the medal will be covered by her clothing, Russians do not flaunt their faith by wearing large or gaudy crosses which are visible to the casual glance.
Do not forget about the usual gifts such as flowers, cakes, and candies.

Old New Year
January 14th. This is a very unique tradition which was started in 1920s when Russia made a transition from an "old-style" Julian calendar to a new Gregorian calendar. But nothing could stop people from celebrating the New Year twice: first the regular schedule and the second, on the Julian. It is not an official holiday but almost everyone celebrates it and it is the tradition to keep New Year/Christmas trees decorated until this day. This day is not ordinarily associated with gift giving.

Saint Tatiana's Day
January 25th. This holiday has its origins dating back to 1755; Russia's oldest University was established in Moscow and dedicated to Saint Tatiana. She is the protector of students and those who study. All college students and teachers celebrate this day. So if your lady is a "Tatiana", she would be happy to receive a gift on this day. Also see details about other Patron Saints below.

Saint Valentine's Day
February 14th. This is a very new holiday to Russia which came from Western Europe and America. I'm not sure if you need any explanations on this one.

Women's Day
March 8th. This is a major holiday which you cannot miss whatever happens. It is one of the very first days of spring when everybody honors their wives, girlfriends, mothers, sisters, aunts, i.e.,,,,any woman who has importance in your life….. If your lady lives with her mother or has a small daughter, we bet she will be pleased if you get something for them as well on this day.

Easter Sunday
Movable Feast Day. Usually this holiday is celebrated one week after the western religious Easter. As the Orthodox religion grows in significance in modern Russia more and more families celebrate Easter in their homes. As with Christmas, drinking is not part of this celebration so giving wine or champagne is not appropriate, cakes, candy, fruit baskets, and flowers, especially lilies, are appreciated.


Labor Day and Victory Day
May 1st. This is a national holiday in Russia, however it is not affiliated with women, usually the only persons receiving gifts this day are veterans of "The Great Patriotic War" (World War II), should your lady have a grandfather or a favorite uncle who falls into this category she will be giving him something on this day, but it is not usual for lovers to exchange gifts on this day.

Knowledge Day
September 1st. This is the day when all school and college students start their regular studies. It is also the day when teachers' summer vacations are over. No matter which one she is: either student or a teacher, or even the mother of a small student, you will not regret if you buy something special for the student or teacher in your life.

Catholic Christmas
December 25th. This one is an example of Russia following the West's footsteps. If your girlfriend is Roman Catholic, or a convert to one of the western Protestant faiths, this is the day to send a Christmas gift. December 25th isn't an Orthodox religious holiday in Russia and very few people celebrate it in their homes.
If it is your intention to wed a Russian girl, she will eventually have to understand the importance of your culture as well as hers. Gift giving on this day will stress the cultural importance of December 25th in the western culture.

Individual Patron Saints Day
With the possible exception of very exotic names, most women in Russia are named for a favorite Saint. Within a family, a girl's Patron Saints day will be remembered. Usually with a small gift, this is a unique opportunity to surprise your girl with your knowledge of Russian customs.

I hope this helps someone avoid a blunder.

[Admin]

[user=235]lawman65[/user] wrote:

Gentlemen,

I need the holidays the ladies observe. I do not want to miss them. You know what I mean, Lawman

jb wrote an EXCELLENT and thorough reply to your question. If you want a reference to all the Name-Days and Holidays, you can also click on the 'Calendar' button in the upper right of the page.

- Dan

[RacerX]

However, it appears these are mostly Russian holidays, but if  your girl is from other parts of the FSU you would be gravely remiss by not looking up her country-specific holidays. For example:  independence day.

[Admin]

However, it appears these are mostly Russian holidays, but if your girl is from other parts of the FSU you would be gravely remiss by not looking up her country-specific holidays. For example: independence day.

Actually, I think most, or all, of them are celebrated throughout the FSU, but I will be happy to add others - just send me a PM with the date and a small description.

Just to be clear - there is a Calendar function now included as part of the board software. You will find it by looking in the upper right of the window. If you visit the Calendar, you will find that I have added many holidays celebrated throughout the FSU, as well as some specific holidays in Russia and Ukraine. I am willing to add other FSU country-specific holidays (in particular, Independence Days are of great interest) at the suggestion of board members - just send me a PM with the necessary information.

- Dan

[jb]

When I wrote that piece I was specifically worried about those holidays  which are associated with gift giving.  Yes, there are other  holidays throughout the FSU, even in Russia, but, for example, we don't  exchange gifts on "Revolution Day".

[RacerX]

Dan ~ I think that "calendar" feature is a great idea.  I'll PM you with some dates celebrated elsewhere.

Some of the other dates I was referring to include various "days of remembrance" where you bring a small gift to the grave of a deceased relative, "professional day" (nearly all the FSU countries have them) where she is presented with a small gift by her boss/co-workers, and various religious holidays indigent to that country where a small gift is exchanged. The "country specific" dates might be important if you try to contact her and wonder why she's not available... or maybe you just want to let her sleep in late that morning 

[START2]

Here's one I learned of recently. Dec. 19th is Nikoleav. He brings a small and places it under the childs pillow.  If you have a loved one that's a teacher, sept. 29 is teachers day. If your wife has a large extended family, and you plan on living there(FSU), expect to party 300 days of the year.

[Bruno]

[user=297]START2[/user] wrote:

Here's one I learned of recently. Dec. 19th is Nikoleav. He brings a small and places it under the childs pillow.

These St Nicolas is the 6 December in Europa and it is a important day for children...

http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=38

But it seem that the personage of Santa Claus is in reality the same that St Nicolas... Santa Claus was created in USA and "exported" back in Europe for Christmas...

http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=35

PS : The difference of date between Russia and Europe are due to the use of a other calender...

 

[jb]

Bruno,

Santa Claus was created in USA and "exported" back in Europe for Christmas...

I don't know what stories you were told as a child, but I was told  Santa Claus came to us from the legend of Sinter Klaas, brought by  Dutch settlers to New York in the 17th century. 

So my old Dutch granny told me anyway....

I'm pretty sure you'll come up with a few "Google" searches to prove your point, but I think you are wrong.

[Bruno]

Santa Claus was created in USA and "exported" back in Europe for Christmas...

I don't know what stories you were told as a child, but I was told Santa Claus came to us from the legend of Sinter Klaas, brought by Dutch settlers to New York in the 17th century. 

So my old Dutch granny told me anyway....

I'm pretty sure you'll come up with a few "Google" searches to prove your point, but I think you are wrong.
[/quote]
JB, why i need "google" for prove some point... my previous post and the two link confirm my and your point...

Yes, Sinter Klaas is the dutch name of St Nicolas... he was exported in USA by Dutch settlers... the original date of these holliday was the 6 december...

With time, the legend of Sinter Klaas have changed and give Santa Klaus, named Kerstman in Dutch... the date used have become the 25 december, Christmas...

Now, here in Europa, now, we have Sinter Klaas ( St Nicolas ) the 6 december and the Kersman ( Santa claus ) the 25 december... two different name and date but in reality the same persone...

Yes, JB you have right and me too... but it seem that you don't read the link i have post... specially the second one who explain the creation of Santa Claus who is a evolution of Sinter klaas...

 

[Ste]

Santa Claus was created in USA and "exported" back in Europe for Christmas...

I don't know what stories you were told as a child, but I was told Santa Claus came to us from the legend of Sinter Klaas, brought by Dutch settlers to New York in the 17th century.

So my old Dutch granny told me anyway....

I'm pretty sure you'll come up with a few "Google" searches to prove your point, but I think you are wrong.
[/quote]
JB, why i need "google" for prove some point... my previous post and the two link confirm my and your point...

Yes, Sinter Klaas is the dutch name of St Nicolas... he was exported in USA by Dutch settlers... the original date of these holliday was the 6 december...

With time, the legend of Sinter Klaas have changed and give Santa Klaus, named Kerstman in Dutch... the date used have become the 25 december, Christmas...

Now, here in Europa, now, we have Sinter Klaas ( St Nicolas ) the 6 december and the Kersman ( Santa claus ) the 25 december... two different name and date but in reality the same persone...

Yes, JB you have right and me too... but it seem that you don't read the link i have post... specially the second one who explain the creation of Santa Claus who is a evolution of Sinter klaas...


[/quote]

You'll all wrong. Santa Claus was my dad, I caught him one night when I was 7. The fat bastard still never got me a bike that year.......

He's 'Father Frost' in Russian - Ded Moros.

Ste