March 8 is the International Women’s Day. The founder of the holiday is Clara Zetkin, who in 1910 the International Women’s Conference made a proposal to establish a Day of Solidarity of Working Women of the World. On this day, women will hold rallies and processions to fight for their rights. There is a legend that this holiday was born in the middle of the XIX century in America, but it is not confirmed by factual material.
In some countries, this day was at the end of February, in others at the beginning of March. Only in 1914 International Women’s Day was held on March 8 in six countries, because it was Sunday.
In Russia, with the International Women’s Day, the beginning of the February revolution is connected. February 23 (March 8) 1917 rallies against the war, the high cost and labor of the working women turned into strikes and revolutionary demonstrations that led to the overthrow of the monarchy. In 1921, they decided to celebrate the International Women’s Day on March 8 in memory of the events of February 1917.
In the USSR until the 60s of the 20th century, the International Women’s Day had a pronounced political connotation. Enterprises and institutions organized rallies in support of the oppressed women of the capitalist countries, awarded women with letters of recognition for success in socialist labor. Sometimes women on this day were released early from work, handed coupons purchase on shoes or perfume.
Since 1966, March 8 is a state holiday holiday. Gradually the Day of Solidarity of Working Women turns into a day honoring women: mothers, grandmothers, wives and sisters. In these years, a good tradition has appeared to give ladies flowers, sweets, cards and gifts.
In 1977, the UN adopted a resolution, according to which March 8 is the International Day of Struggle for Women’s Rights. Now this day is celebrated in 30 countries of the world, in some it is considered a non-working day.
Today, March 8 is the holiday of women and spring, on this day men worship women, take on work around the house, give flowers and gifts and are especially gallant and courageous.

Clara Zetkin and Rosa Luxemburg, 1910.

German poster dedicated to the International Women’s Day, March 8, 1914.

Postage stamp of the USSR in 1949.

Postcard, dedicated to the International Women’s Day. 1955 year. Artists I. Znamensky and V. Arbekov.

Postcard, dedicated to the International Women’s Day. 1965 year. Artist A. Igonin.