The origin of Women's Day, which is one of Russia's biggest holidays, dates back to 1910, when, in response to the suggestion made by the German communist Clara Tsetkin, the delegates of the 2nd International Women's Socialist Conference adopted the decision to celebrate the Day of International Women's Solidarity in the Struggle for the Complete Equality of Rights.

It was first celebrated in some European countries in 1911 and in Russia on the last Sunday of February 1913. After Russia moved from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian in February 1918 and the date was converted, March 8th became International Women's Day. Following the October Revolution, the Soviet government made it an official holiday intended to glorify the heroic labour of women workers.

Eventually, the political content of the holiday dwindled, and March 8th became, mainly, just a special day, when the men are demonstrating their gallantry towards women in every possible way. After New Year's, Women's Day is the most popular holiday in Russia. It is the day, when wishing a woman you meet - even a woman you don't know - a happy holiday is normal, when love is in the air and flowers are sold by the million.

It all may look a little naïve, but, after all, is not it what we miss and need so much?