International Women's Day

International Women's Day (IWD), originally called International Working Women's Day, is celebrated on March 8 every year. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political and social achievements.
Started as a Socialist political event, the holiday blended in the culture of many counties, primarily Eastern Europe, Russia, and former Soviet bloc. 
In many regions, the day lost its political flavour, and became simply an occasion for men to express their love for women in a way somewhat similar to a mixture of Mother's Day and St. Valentine's Day.
In the 1920-s International Women's Day was established in the Soviet Union, but it was a working day until 1965. Nowadays it is a day for men and boys to present their mothers, wives, girlfriends and colleagues with flowers and small gifts.
In the West International Women's Day was first observed as a popular event after 1977 when the United Nations General Assembly invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for Women's Rights and International Peace.

The mimosa is the symbol of the celebrations of Women's Day in Italy and Russia.

Resources: http//www.wikipedia.org; English, 1September, №3 2012