Question... (Russian Traditions for Valentine's Day) - Russian Ukrainian Belarus Travel Music Woman Dating News

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Question... (Russian Traditions for Valentine's Day)
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Posted by: robgir

I have a quick question that I was wondering if I could get some help on. I have a girlfriend that is going to Russia for a semester of college, she will be attending the University of Moscow. She loves everything Russian and can't wait to spend time there. She is going to be over there for Valentine's Day, and I was looking for something about Russian traditions for Valentine's day. I'm not sure if they do anything different than how it is celebrated in the US. I want to surprise her with something while she is there. I was just wondering if anyone could give me any info on how it is celebrated over there. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Robert

I know that I am asking about V-Day really early, but I like to be prepared for when the time comes. =)

Posted by: ConnerVT

Valentines Day in Russia is pretty much the same as it is in the West. Mainly because V-Day is a Western creation. Another Hallmark moment.

What you will want to mark on your calendar is March 8, which is International Woman's Day. Think Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and every other holiday rolled into one! That's the big day there. (It's also the anniversary of meeting my fiancee. I better not forget!

)

I would plan on sending something special (roses?, and always an odd number) to her then. All of the other girls will be worked up for the holiday, and your g/f will be impressed you did something on a holiday you shouldn't have known about. It will impress the other girls at the college with her and you, too.

But don't spill the beans about it. A surprise is much better!

Posted by: searcher

Conner,

Its good you mentioned Womens day.

I will be in Russia on that day (and my lady has mentioned that I will be there for Womens day) so I have to see what I can do. I don't really have any ideas.

This is considered to be a very important holiday with the ladies so as Conner said, don't forget it.

I remember reading somewhere on the internet,

"Don't forget womens day, tattoo it on the back of your eye lids".

Posted by: ConnerVT

Quote:

Originally posted by searcher
I will be in Russia on that day (and my lady has mentioned that I will be there for Womens day) so I have to see what I can do. I don't really have any ideas.

That's great that you will be there on Woman's Day. In a thread I wrote about my first trip to Russia, I told about sitting in an agency's office on IWD, watching all of the woman come in and pick up their flowers and gifts they had received. As I had not met Natalya yet, it was a great place to sit and girl watch!

IWD is really not much different than Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, the same gift giving ideas apply. Flowers, candy, perfume, going out for dinner, all are things that people typically give. In Russia, you will find the same phenomenon that happens in the US -- flowers and gifts will suddenly become more expensive until after the holiday is over.

(The seeds of capitalism are taking root...

)

Someone whom opinions I respect has said it is better to give 3 roses 5 times, than to give 15 roses once. For if you set the bar high, prepare to hear "...you gave me 15 roses before, do you not like me as much anymore?..."

You also do not want to give to large or expensive a gift to someone you do not know very well. They may think you too extravagant, or that you are trying to buy her affection. It may sound corny, but it really is the thought that counts!