February 23 is one of the most famous important dates in the Russian calendar. On this day, soldiers, veterans, active military personnel and everyone involved in serving the Fatherland are congratulated. However, the meaning has changed over the centuries: from a day associated with the Red Army to the modern Defender of the Fatherland Day and “men's holiday”. We've compiled the most common questions about February 23 – from its history to traditions, greetings and modern meanings.
Why is Defender of the Fatherland Day celebrated on February 23?
On February 23, 1919, the anniversary of the founding of the Workers and Peasants' Red Army (RKKA) was held for the first time. Since then, Defender of the Fatherland Day has been celebrated on this day. Although the date was chosen quite randomly.
What was Defender of the Fatherland Day called in the Soviet Union?
In the Soviet Union, since 1922, this holiday was called Red Army Day, from 1946 – Soviet Army Day, and from 1949 until the collapse of the Soviet Union – Soviet Army and Navy Day.
When did February 23 become an official public holiday and day off?
February 23 was first celebrated in 1919, then this holiday was forgotten for several years and the celebration resumed in 1922. But in Soviet times, the military holiday was an ordinary day for other citizens, and February 23 became an official holiday only in 2002.
What exactly happened on February 23, 1918, and why has this date become so iconic?
Official Soviet history books claim that on February 23, 1918, German troops won important victories near Pskov and Narva. In fact, everything is exactly the opposite: just in these days, the situation of the Red Army is extremely difficult. But the holiday was considered so important and necessary that in 1938 Joseph Stalin himself proposed this interpretation. The Pravda newspaper published an article by the leader, which was supposed to justify the importance of the chosen day.
What is the modern meaning of the holiday Defender of the Fatherland Day?
The modern meaning of the holiday is primarily patriotic. On February 23, there is a custom to commemorate martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect their homeland. Living veterans were also honored. It is especially important to instill traditional values, a sense of responsibility and a readiness to defend one's country against danger in young people and the younger generation. Therefore, Defender of the Fatherland Day is one of the most important holidays.
Has the tradition of celebrating February 23 developed in Russia?
In Russia, many events are traditionally held on February 23. On this day, it is customary to lay flowers at military monuments and memorials, for example, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Kremlin wall and the Eternal Flame – there are such monuments in many settlements in Russia. Parades are held in large cities, and in military units, soldiers gather for ceremonies. Educational institutions organize thematic lectures and patriotic events related to military themes. And in the evenings there are often fireworks displays and festive concerts, where you can listen to songs of the war years. In addition, on February 23, especially outstanding soldiers are often awarded by the state.
How is Defender of the Fatherland Day celebrated in the army and military units?
On February 23, military units often hold military parades and reward outstanding soldiers. In the evening, a carnival concert is often held. But many soldiers, even on vacation, still perform regular military service and carry out combat missions.
Are there parades and fireworks on February 23?
Yes, military parades and fireworks displays traditionally take place on February 23. In Moscow, fireworks are often launched from various locations, so colorful spectacles are clearly visible in different parts of the city. There is still no information on whether there will be fireworks this year.
How are men celebrated at work, school and home?
In Russia, February 23 is truly a national holiday: almost every family has or had its own military men, heroes. Most of the great-grandfathers of Russians fought in the Great Patriotic War, and many did not return from the battlefield. It is common to see entire military dynasties – families where, generation after generation, men choose military service.
In the workplace, it is customary to give military-related gifts to male colleagues. On the eve of the holiday, schools and universities often organize exhibitions, performances by military veterans and various patriotic events. And at home, the festive table is already set.
What is the custom of giving gifts on Defender of the Fatherland Day?
Everyone knows the memes and jokes that on February 23, men are often given socks and shaving foam. Typically, such memes aim to emphasize the supposed commercialism of women, who receive expensive, luxurious gifts on March 8 – jewelry, fur coats, bouquets of hundreds of roses. But in life, everything is much more banal, and many people try to balance the costs of buying gifts for gender holidays, and most men get quite ordinary, useful and practical things. Family members can give expensive gifts, but friends and colleagues often limit buying useful items with military symbols.
What gifts are considered appropriate and what are undesirable?
Choosing a gift for any holiday is always a sensitive issue. Many people try to please their loved ones by giving something they really need, or even better, something that a person has long dreamed of but hesitated to purchase. At the same time, you must try not to exceed your budget and choose the best option. Close friends and family members often know their man's interests, so it will be easier for them to choose a useful and necessary gift.
Colleagues and friends often limit themselves to inexpensive and neutral gifts that are appropriate and will be favorably received. Therefore, at work, colleagues are often given personalized and non-trivial designed mugs, diaries, useful stationery, military-themed souvenirs, etc., since more “personal” gifts such as cosmetics can be considered bad form.
How to explain to children the meaning of February 23?
First of all, you need to take into account the age of the child and explain the meaning of the holiday in words that the child understands. You can share stories about the exploits of ancient warriors, tell your family's stories related to military service.
Is Defender of the Fatherland Day celebrated in other countries?
In some countries of the post-Soviet space, Defender of the Fatherland Day is celebrated – for example, in Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. In these countries, ceremonial events, military parades, themed concerts and meetings with military personnel are also held on February 23.
Other countries also have similar holidays like Russia on February 23. For example, on April 25 in Australia, people celebrate Australian and New Zealand Legion Day; Today is a day off. There is also an official day off in honor of “army day” in Poland: Polish Army Day is celebrated every year on August 15. But in most countries that have “army day,” it is not a holiday.
How is Fatherland Defense Day different from Victory Day?
Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23 was originally a holiday for professional soldiers and all people connected with military service. And Victory Day, May 9, is a memorable day honoring the Soviet Union's victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Is there any connection between February 23 and the history of the Red Army?
February 23 was chosen as a holiday, essentially by accident. After all, the decree establishing the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army was issued on January 15 (new style – 28) January 1918, so it would be more logical to celebrate it on one of these days. Chairman of the High Military Inspection Service of the Red Army Nikolai Podvoisky proposed to organize a military holiday on January 28, but his proposal was rejected, moreover, it was late and was received late.
On February 23, 1918, the active formation of Red Army detachments actually began in Petrograd according to VI Lenin's decree “The Socialist Fatherland is in danger!” But the reason for choosing February 23 as a day of celebration has long been explained by the successful battles of the Red Army near Pskov and Narva with the Germans during World War I in 1918, which took place on this day. However, there is an opinion that no fateful incident occurred at the front on February 23, 1918.
In pre-revolutionary Russia, the main day of the Russian Imperial Army was St. George's Day of Victory on May 6: St. George was considered the patron saint of Russian soldiers. On this day, parades are held, soldiers are awarded, banners are blessed and recruits are sworn in. Therefore, the date of the modern holiday is not really counted with historical events important for the army and the country and has no continuity with the celebratory traditions in Tsarist Russia.
How did the meaning of the holiday change after the collapse of the Soviet Union?
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, it was necessary to rethink the meaning of February 23, because the Soviet Red Army no longer existed. But they decided to keep the holiday intact and fill it with the same meaning, and a more general name was chosen – Defender of the Fatherland Day.
Conclusion
February 23 is not only a historical day but also a symbol of respect for military service, courage and readiness to defend the Fatherland. Over time, the holiday has gone beyond the military and become a day of gratitude for all defenders – past and present. Defender of the Fatherland Day combines history, memories of the victories of past years and modern values. Therefore, this day remains one of the important memorable days in Russia, a beloved holiday and a reason to be proud of our Fatherland.
