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CONGRATULATIONS ON FEBRUARY 23 AND MARCH 8 IN RUSSIAN

CONGRATULATIONS ON FEBRUARY 23 AND MARCH 8 IN RUSSIAN
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Published: 08.03.2019
Greetings and Wishes on February 23 and March 8 in Russian

Happy holidays, guys! My name is Anastasia, I’m a certified Russian teacher at the Enjoy Russian language school.

And if you’re confused what holidays I’m talking about, here’s a popular Russian joke for you that can help you:
Жена спрашивает мужа:
  • Кто из нас пойдет забирать сына из детского садика?
  • Конечно же ты! – удивлённо выгибает бровь жена
  • Почему это?
  • Я тебе на 8 марта шубу дарил? – отвечает ей муж
  • Дарил.
  • А сапоги дарил?
  • Дарил.
  • Ну так и иди.
  • Почему все же я?!
  • У тебя сапоги и шуба, а пойду в твоем подарке на 23 февраля? В пенке для бритья и носках?

Translation:
A wife asks her husband:
  • Who’s gonna pick up our son from the kindergarden?
  • You should do it.
  • Why should I? – asks wife surprised.
And her husband says:
  • Well, I gave you a fur coat for the 8th of March, right?
  • Right.
  • Did I give the winter high boots?
  • Yes, you did.
  • So, what are you waiting for? Go to the kindergarden.
  • I still don’t get it, why me?!
  • Cause you have a fur coat and boots, and what did you present me for 23rd of February? A pair of socks and a shaving foam, do you expect mу to put them on and go outside?

Are you still confused? Why does the wife get a fur coat and winter high boots, while her husband gets only socks and a shaving foam? What’s going on here?

Rest assured, there’s a perfectly logical explanation.

We’re going to talk about 2 Russian holidays: Defender’s Day (23rd of February) and Women’s Day (8th of March).

All of you have heard about the International Women’s Day that has a little bit different connotation in Russia. On the 8th of March, it’s a popular situation that people see this day more as a holiday of a forthcoming spring (in Russia we just need more reasons to celebrate that it’s getting warmer), beauty and women.

For sure, the Russians honor women’s independence and raise a lot of important questions this day (and always), but it just happened historically that men also want to remind women how they love them with kind words, presents, and flowers. So if you plan some shopping before the 8th of March, pay attention to:
  • Тюльпаны (tulips)
  • Розы (roses)
  • Шампанское (champagne)
  • Плюшевые мишки (Teddy bears)
  • Конфеты (chocolates)
  • Туфли (heels)
  • Бриллиантовое колье (Diamond necklace – why not?)

It’s very common in Russia to give women good presents this day and women who care about their men (and women who want to make sure that they’ll get a good present) give also quality presents to men. But there’s a funny stereotype, that women get usually fur coats and men get just socks.

Does the joke make more sense now? That’s what men usually get according to stereotypes:
  • Носки (socks)
  • Бритвы (razors)
  • Водка (no translation needed)
  • Дезодорант (deodorant)
  • Гель для душа (shower gel)

To congratulate someone, use these phrases:
С Международным Женским Днём! (Happy Women’s day!)
С 23 февраля! (Happy Defenders day!)

To make a wish, use: Желаю (I wish, singular) or Желаем (We wish, plural) + Genitive case:
  • Всегда сиять (always shine)
  • Быть самыми любимыми (be the loved ones)
  • Получать каждый день объятия и улыбки (get smiles and hugs every day)
  • Счастья (happiness)
  • Здоровья (health)
  • Чтобы окружали добрые и верные люди (may only the loyal and kind people surround you)
  • Подарков без причины (presents without reason)
  • Хорошего настроения (good mood)
  • Побольше позитива (a lot of positivity) Исполнения желаний (may all your wishes come true)

Be happy, guys! Будьте счастливы!
Join our friendly community, learn more about Russian culture and celebrations. Click here to find more
The teacher of Russian

Anastasia

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