I am often asked whether people celebrate Valentine’s Day in Russia. Nowadays, they do. Fifteen or twenty years ago nobody did. Some people heard of this “Western” holiday and knew that it was the “day for people in love,” but Russians did not celebrate it. Women would receive signs of love and appreciation on the 8th of March, known as the International Women’s Day. On that day, flowers, chocolate, cake, or at least a card or a phone call were in order for every woman in the man’s life: wife, girlfriend, sister, mother, grandmother, daughter, co-worker. The closer the relationship, the more attention had to be shown.

Men would get their share of cards and gifts on February 23, formerly known as the Soviet Army Day and later renamed into the Day of the Defender of the Country. Since all men were forced to serve in the army in the Soviet days for at least two years, the Soviet Army Day applied to every man. Thus, a woman was to congratulate every man in her life: husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, co-worker. Even young boys were included, since they were expected to grow up and be in the army some day.

Today, it is safe to say that Valentine’s Day is added to the list of Russian holidays. It is still frowned upon by some for being an “imported,” foreign holiday. However, most young people have fully adopted it, which is confirmed by the greetings card industry that has been making Russian Valentine’s Day cards for several years.