Valentine’s Day Celebration in Russia

Celebrations are part of the lives of the Russians. Many traditional Russian events as well as European & North American festivals are celebrated in a big way in Russia. North American and European festivals celebrated in this country include St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween and of course the Valentine’s Day.

Though the Valentine’s Day is not as popular in Russia as it is in the West, but gradually it is gaining in popularity in this country. Like in many parts of the world, Valentine’s Day in Russia is celebrated on February 14. On this day, the women in the country expect to receive gifts and flowers from their boyfriends and husbands. Shops in the country do brisk business. Many shops and gift stores come up with exclusive Valentine’s Day gift items. Russian couples celebrate the occasion in a big way. They greet the day with heart shaped balloons, chocolates, candies, cards, teddies, love letters, poems, romantic songs and gift baskets. If you want to visit this country, Valentine’Day can indeed be a good time, as you can explore the exciting and historical places of the country as well as enjoy the Valentine’s Day festivities.
 

Valentine’s Day Celebrations in Russia

Different views are there regarding the origin of Valentine’s Day. According to one view, in Ancient Rome St. Valentine was a priest during the rule of Claudius. Claudius jailed St. Valentine as he defied his decree, which prohibited marriage for men. Another view is that St. Valentine was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity on 14th February, 269 AD. Whatever be the origin, this event has grown in popularity throughout the world. In Russia also, this festival is getting increasing acceptance among the youths.

Though in many quarters of Russia, celebrations on this day is regarded as an import from the Western World, but young Russians are showing more interest and increasingly taking part in this celebration. One important thing that has become like a symbol of Valentine’s Day in Russia is flower. The Russian men usually send flowers to their wives and girl friends on this day. Flowers are indeed wonderful Valentine’s Day gifts as flowers are very powerful to express one’s delicate feelings and expressions which words can not do. The Russian women expect flowers from their beloved on this very day.

Valentine’s Day Activities in Russia

The media has also played an important role for the growing popularity of this festival. The youngsters in the country eagerly wait for this day and enjoy the holiday fabulously. In the schools and the universities, the day is celebrated in a fun-filled way. On this day, students put anonymous love letters in boxes. The teachers also actively take part in this sweet celebration.

Gift shops in the country wear a festive look on this occasion. Shops and stores are specially decorated and painted for this occasion. All these are done to attract more buyers. Teenagers engage in a buying frenzy. Popular items purchased by the kids and teenagers are webcams, ipods, mobile phones, e-cards, cameras, DVDs, musical CDs and many other online gift items. Pubs, cafes, clubs and restaurants become overcrowded. A large number of musical concerts and shows are also held in different cities of the country during this festive season.

Latest Updated on 28/12/2010