A Guide to Valentine’s Day Traditions in Russia
Valentine’s Day (День святого Валентина) is celebrated in Russia on February 14th, much like in Western countries. However, its observance is relatively recent, as it only gained popularity after the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. Today, it is widely celebrated among younger generations, particularly in urban areas, with a mix of Western-style traditions and some local adaptations.
This guide explores how Valentine’s Day is observed in Russia, including its history, customs, gift-giving traditions, and how it compares to other Russian holidays that celebrate love and relationships.
1. History of Valentine’s Day in Russia
Unlike many European countries, Russia did not traditionally celebrate Valentine’s Day. During the Soviet era (1917–1991), most religious and Western holidays were discouraged or outright banned. Romantic celebrations were instead focused on March 8th, International Women’s Day, which remains an important day for expressing love and appreciation.
After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Russia became more open to Western cultural influences, including Valentine’s Day. By the early 2000s, the holiday had become a mainstream celebration, especially among young people, couples, and businesses looking to capitalize on romantic gift-giving.
2. How Russians Celebrate Valentine’s Day
A. Gift-Giving and Romantic Gestures
Russian Valentine’s Day traditions closely mirror those in Western countries, but with some unique cultural twists:
Flowers: Red roses are the most popular Valentine’s gift, symbolizing love and passion. However, in Russia, it is essential to give an odd number of flowers (e.g., 3, 5, or 7) because even-numbered bouquets are reserved for funerals.
Chocolates and Sweets: Many Russians gift imported chocolates, as well as locally made sweets like "Alyonka" chocolate or handmade confections.
Personalized and Luxurious Gifts: Men often give their partners expensive perfumes, jewelry, or designer accessories. Women, in turn, may gift watches, colognes, or tech gadgets to their significant others.
Love Notes and Cards: Just like in the West, Russians exchange handwritten love letters, greeting cards (валентинки, valentinki), and heartfelt messages.
B. Romantic Celebrations
Romantic Dinners: Couples often celebrate by dining at restaurants, with many venues offering special Valentine’s menus and themed decorations.
Weekend Getaways: Some Russians use the occasion to take a short romantic trip, particularly to winter resorts, ski lodges, or European destinations.
Marriage Proposals: Valentine’s Day is considered an ideal time for proposals, and many Russian couples get engaged on this day.
C. School and Workplace Traditions
In schools and universities, students exchange valentines and organize small celebrations. Some schools hold "secret admirer" activities where anonymous notes and gifts are exchanged.
In offices, while not as widely celebrated as New Year's or Women's Day, some workplaces allow lighthearted Valentine’s Day greetings and small gift exchanges among colleagues.
3. Valentine’s Day vs. Other Love-Related Holidays in Russia
While Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated, it is not the only holiday dedicated to love and relationships in Russia. Other significant occasions include:
A. International Women’s Day (March 8th)
Historically more significant than Valentine’s Day, March 8th is a public holiday in Russia. It celebrates women in general, including mothers, wives, girlfriends, and female colleagues.
Unlike Valentine’s Day, which is more focused on romantic relationships, Women’s Day is an opportunity for all men—husbands, sons, brothers, and coworkers—to show appreciation for the women in their lives.
B. Peter and Fevronia Day (July 8th)
The Day of Family, Love, and Fidelity (День семьи, любви и верности) is a traditional Russian alternative to Valentine’s Day. It is based on the Orthodox Christian story of Prince Peter and his wife Fevronia, who became symbols of marital devotion.
Celebrated on July 8th, this holiday emphasizes long-term commitment, marriage, and family values, rather than the passionate romance of Valentine’s Day.
It was introduced in 2008 as a more "traditional" and Russian Orthodox-friendly alternative to Valentine’s Day.
4. Controversies and Criticism
A. Opposition from the Russian Orthodox Church
The Russian Orthodox Church does not officially recognize Valentine’s Day, as St. Valentine was a Catholic saint.
Instead, it promotes Peter and Fevronia Day (July 8th) as a more spiritually appropriate celebration of love.
Some Orthodox religious leaders and conservative politicians argue that Valentine’s Day promotes Western commercialism and uncommitted relationships, which they view as incompatible with Russian cultural and family values.
B. Bans in Certain Regions
In some conservative regions, such as Belgorod, local authorities have discouraged or even banned Valentine’s Day celebrations in schools and public institutions, citing concerns over its "immoral" influence on youth.
Despite this, Valentine’s Day remains popular among the general Russian population, especially in big cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg.
5. Conclusion: The Future of Valentine’s Day in Russia
Valentine’s Day has firmly established itself in Russian urban culture, especially among younger generations. While it faces some opposition from conservative and religious groups, it continues to be a widely recognized occasion for celebrating love and romance.
However, its significance in Russia is somewhat overshadowed by March 8th (Women’s Day) and July 8th (Peter and Fevronia Day), which hold deeper cultural and historical importance. As Russian society continues to evolve, Valentine’s Day will likely remain a popular but somewhat Western-influenced celebration, adapting to the country’s unique traditions and values.