Despite the variety of holidays, not every one of them can earn the status of state. However, some of them are so significant in the history of peoples that they are noted in many countries, and on a large scale. One of such important holidays is February 23 - Defender of the Fatherland Day, and therefore it will be discussed about him in this article.
Date history
All the main events associated with this holiday flared up at the dawn of the formation of the young socialist state. After coming to power in 1917, the Bolsheviks had to fight not only with the internal opponents of the new state system, but also with external enemies. The Russian Empire since 1914 was dragged into the First World War. And all the military conflicts of the empire were also inherited by the newly formed workers 'and peasants' government. The war had a heavy effect on the fate of people, taking away thousands of lives and undermining the already fragile, just getting on its feet the organism of the state of a new formation. Enemies advanced aggressively, hoping to take advantage of the situation in the Russian Federation, which was just getting on its feet. So, the Austro-German troops, violating the truce concluded in December 1917, invaded the territory of Soviet Russia and began to occupy Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic states.
In January and February 1918, the Council of People's Commissars adopted decrees on the organization of a regular army and navy in order to protect the Soviet state. Everyone was accepted into the Red Army and Navy in good faith to carry out military service. But when the Kaiser troops occupied Minsk (February 21), the Russian government addressed the people with the slogan: "The Socialist Fatherland is in danger!" And just a day later the Day of the Red Army was held in Petrograd in the name of protecting the Motherland from German invaders. Then tens of thousands of volunteers joined the workers 'and peasants' Red Army, new units formed from them, which were immediately sent to the front. This happened on February 23 - Defender of the Fatherland Day originates in these events. And this date in the next four years acquired the significance of a great holiday, nationwide and comprehensive - the birthday of the Red Army. In 1922, on that day, a majestic parade of the Moscow garrison was held on Red Square, and on the same evening a ceremonial meeting of representatives of local military units and the Moscow Soviet was scheduled. The calendar date of February 23 - Defender of the Fatherland Day - was fixed in subsequent years. Although the name has been transformed several times, the essence has not changed at all.
World War II broke out, fierce battles were fought, thousands and millions of soldiers died in the name of the salvation of their homeland. And therefore, the proud title of Hero became the dream of many boys and the memory of deceased loved ones. And, despite the fact that almost 70 years have passed since then, the peoples still honor the memory of the people who fell for the freedom of the Motherland, the defenders of their Fatherland. After all, this is our story, and we must be grateful that everything turned out just like that, and nothing else: we won this terrible bloody war, we survived.
How to celebrate in the country
February 23 in many countries of the former Soviet Union held numerous events in honor of this great holiday. Concerts, festivities, awards, parades - all this is only a small part of the scale with which citizens celebrate this day. However, in addition to the state and regional levels, February 23 is celebrated within families. And not only the descendants and relatives of the veterans of that terrible war, but also the families of all military personnel. On this day, the courageous defenders of the Motherland feel special attention, respect, and glorification of their proud profession. Therefore, they accept congratulations on February 23, multiple gifts, concerts of visiting artists are organized inside military units . Moreover, all this happens from a pure heart, because in every speech they put their souls. Artists read poetry, perform dances and songs. Defender of the Fatherland Day is the day of those who are not afraid to fulfill such a difficult, but such an honorable duty, and therefore they should be welcomed on such a grand scale. And rightly so, you need to honor your heroes, you need to support them with the forces that they put into their hard work. And therefore do not forget that February 23 is the Day of Defender of the Fatherland, and you should congratulate and thank for the peaceful sky above the head of your men, because they honestly deserve it. In addition, festivities take place on the streets of the city, and in educational institutions. So, for example, in all schools they organize performances, military contests for readers, draw posters with the slogans "Happy Fatherland Defender's Day!" Pictures most often fit into the illustration of military events, and also demonstrate modern festivities on this day.
Other features of this holiday
Although this day, in theory, should be strictly military in nature, and all congratulations should belong exclusively to servicemen who are active or have already served, nevertheless, the following trend is noted: almost all men of the country receive gifts for February 23, even those who have not yet reached of military age. In other words, since there is no Father's Day in the countries of the former Soviet Union, the Defender of the Fatherland Day automatically turned into universal Men's Day. However, this does not matter. After all, just like the military, absolutely all men deserve their own holiday, similar to International Women's Day. Perhaps this was a purely male initiative, but not the point. If you, dear ladies, wanted to evade the congratulations of your man or colleague, using the simple excuse that he does not serve or did not serve in the army, you will not succeed. And therefore it is worth stocking up with patience, strength and finances, because there are clearly not one or two men who should be congratulated not only with a postcard. This is a beloved man, life partner, and male friends who always remember you on March 8 and will certainly give at least a cute Dutch rose, and family members, brothers and father, as well as father-in-law and sons. Of course, this is not an easy job, but you can try one day a year. Therefore, we further learn to choose a gift that matches each man.
Congratulations and gifts
No matter how magnificent the official celebrations took place, however, the main events always take place at home, because they are the warmest and most joyful. Nothing will warm your soul and calm your thoughts like the smiles of dear people. The most important congratulations on February 23 are heard by men in the family. Children read to them memorized poems on military subjects, wives set the festive table and prepare gifts, many families get together, organize joint events, because it’s a sin not to share such happiness. The holiday of February 23 is also very beneficial for shops, because a few days before this, a lot of people are shopping in search of a suitable gift, and therefore boutique owners hold a variety of promotions. The most popular are (as one would expect) classic "men's" gifts. However, they should be selected on the basis of only one position: who do you have the man to whom you want to give a surprise. After all, the holiday “Defender of the Fatherland Day” is celebrated even in educational and working institutions, that is, various school events are organized, corporate events are organized. And every year, a few days before it, shops are almost empty of shirts and ties, sets and accessories for shaving, mugs with the image of the military or just, say, the zodiac signs, postcards, wallets and belts. Thus, it is often possible to draw a sad but obvious conclusion that, in their gifts for the holiday of February 23, women became, alas, predictable. And therefore, if a person is dear to you, it is important to carefully consider your congratulations so that in the end he does not have 5 razors, 10 shirts and 15 ties that are completely unsuitable for them.
We are looking for an exclusive
That is why by the time you start to persuade your girlfriend to shop for a gift for Defender of the Fatherland Day, the script for your congratulations should be already drawn up and carefully thought out. First, think about how much the person you are about to congratulate means to you. If this is just a classmate or colleague, then, consequently, the gifts for February 23, as well as for all other public holidays, should be official and purely friendly. Your path with a girlfriend lies directly in the clerical department or in a leather haberdashery store. A purse, a diary, a beautiful pen in a case - this is what a man can count on in case of this state of affairs. If this is your friend or old acquaintance with whom you communicate a little more often than once every six months, then you can get by with a mug, a frame for a photo or an album. A tie or a maximum belt can also fit here, such gifts for February 23 from the section of closer relations. However, you can still afford to hand in a shaving kit or accessories for it. If it comes to your man, then a simple postcard “Defender of the Fatherland Day” is not enough for him. The gift should be strictly individual, emphasize the significance of this person for you, and also carry that huge sign of attention with which you will present it.
We come up with relevant ideas
If we talk about the individuality of the gift, it should be noted that important fact is that you can build on not only the status of the man you wish to congratulate, but also on his occupation. Therefore, try to find out more about his interests in advance. This may be hunting, fishing, or any kind of sport. Based on this, you will be able to present the appropriate gift, making your loved one very pleased. Agree, official gifts can also be very pleasing if done wisely. In addition, do not forget about the fact that such a gift does not have to be made individually, but you can connect a whole team to this issue. Remember how the situation was at school: at that time, all the boys were distributed among the girls by lot, and each gave his chosen one a gift, bought either independently, by prior arrangement with the others, or collegially. Also, do not forget that all gifts for members of your team, whether it be a department or even a workshop, must match each other for the price. Therefore, you should agree in advance on how much you are calculating or are willing to spend on a gift for your colleague or just a friend.
Close
So, now we choose the most important and significant congratulations to men from February 23. Naturally, gifts of this status should be selected strictly individually, that is, correspond to the nature and occupation of your man. Therefore, here you can afford more "close to the body" objects. It can be a shirt or other item of clothing, perfume, and if we are talking about family life, you can create an original dish. So, for example, a cake in the form of a tank or an entire tower with soldiers can become a very nice gift, which includes attention, diligence, and time and energy spent, and especially talented confectioners can portray almost whole battles on the surface of such a culinary masterpiece . Those mistresses who do not possess such unique talents can simply please their men with a festive dinner. You can even allow yourself to invite a family of friends or co-workers of your husband. It is important on this day to show the significance of the festival. To do this, try, dear hostesses, to prepare several new, completely unearthly dishes, moreover, from your husband’s favorite products and according to his preferences. Surprise him with new confectionery, meat masterpieces, classic recipes, which you could not find time before. Remember that first of all this holiday is important for your husband or father, and therefore pay more attention to them on this day. In addition, you can present more romantic surprises. So, you can order a table in the restaurant for you two or for your family without his knowledge, giving him the opportunity to try those dishes that you are unlikely to be able to master, plus change everything from home and work to a more comfortable and relaxing environment. A little trick, dear women, which you should never forget: the gift for you on March 8 will most directly depend on what your gift will be for your man on February 23!
From children
However, of course, the possibilities of adults regarding the delivery of gifts and congratulations are much wider than children's. Therefore, those gifts that were made by oneself, regardless of the age of the child, are especially appreciated from them. Even the smallest can, with the help of their mothers, congratulate fathers and grandfathers if they decorate their father’s favorite sweater with a print of their palms and heels, painted with bright paint, or create a peculiar picture. Children a little older can read poetry on February 23, and not only in a narrow family circle, but also in front of friends of parents. It is best to choose a small poem or an extract of it, which will definitely be affordable for a child. It may not be too voluminous, but the reader will be able to put his emotions into it, which will make a proper impression. Another gift that you can make yourself on February 23 is a postcard. It should also be designed either in military or in a purely masculine style. It can be a shirt in a jacket or without it, the form of a ship or a kite, a tank, a military helmet - anything. Here the matter already depends solely on children's imagination. Moms can help them with the idea of designing and purchasing the necessary materials, but the child must write the congratulations on his own, so that it is clear how much effort has been invested in him.
Other DIY ideas
Children even older can not only make a card or purchase a more or less suitable gift in the store, but also do something difficult on their own. For example, if a child has sewing skills, especially on a typewriter, he can make a home-made purse, decorate his beloved dad or grandfather's shirt with a beautiful thematic applique, decorate his old bag or notebook in the decoupage style. In addition, you can embroider a congratulation, or you can tie something as a gift. Since this holiday is celebrated in winter, you can make a sweater or scarf for your loved one. Of course, this will require a lot of preparation, because such creative work takes a lot of effort, especially if you want everything to work out neatly. Therefore, it is worth starting even in advance, say, with the period of the New Year celebration. Children who are especially talented in creativity can distinguish themselves by presenting a picture or a sculpture to their father, brother or grandfather, performing songs or dances. It all depends on the data of your child and on the attention that he wants to put in his gift. Therefore, when your children prepare congratulations for the eldest men in the family, try not to interfere in the process until they themselves ask you for help. Do not forget that children should be as independent as possible and even in such circumstances learn to make their own decisions. If your family has several children, you can invite them to organize a real concert or performance together with the children of your invited friends, because all this will be very touching. Children are the flowers of life, which means that such great attention from them on such an important day will be really valuable.
Conclusion
We hope that, after reading this article, you will not remain indifferent to this great holiday and realize its full significance. After all, it carries such a deep historical subtext. February 23 - Defender of the Fatherland Day is an extremely important holiday both for each military man and for the whole state. And therefore, you should pay special attention to your men on this day. In addition, do not forget to attend any event on February 23 that local authorities organize on this wonderful day: festivities, performances and concerts, and preferably with the whole family. Teach your children not to forget about those heroes who laid their heads in the name of protecting their homeland, and be proud of them as if it were only yesterday, because we all owe them our bright present. Be grateful to those many victims of the difficult war, and may they forever remain in our memory.