Women of the world...tomorrow is your day. This holiday was started as a Socialist political event. Today of course its different and is now a day for men to show affection to the women in their lives.
There is some interesting history behind this holiday though. The holiday was started in 1910 by the German Socialist, Clara Zetkin. Demonstrations marking the holiday in Russian proved to be the first stage of Bolshevik Revolution in 1917.
(You haven't forgotten about March 8th?)
After the Revolution, Lenin was persuaded to make the day an official holiday. However, it remained a working day until 1965.
It is a non-working holiday now in 27 countries. The former Soviet Union countries, the Balkans, China, and some African countries. Others celebrate it but it is not a public holiday.
(March 8th ended the work for our comrade women)
So what do we do here in Kazakhstan? Everyone has Monday and Tuesday off. Families usually get together and have a big meal. In my family's case...
...they are already preparing the sheep head. Everything is eaten- tongue, eyes, brains, etc. As tradition goes, certain parts of the head will be given to certain members of the family. For instance, the ears will be given to the young children, so they may listen to the advice of the adults. Other parts have other significants.
I've tried the brains and eyes once before. There doesn't appear to be much hope for a tasty meal tomorrow.
So, I know it isn't much, but my gift to you fine women reading this blog is an updated picture of my handlebar mustache!
Have a great International Women's Day!!
