Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
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Defender of the Fatherland Day, celebrated on February 23, is a holiday with over a century of history. But few know that its original name was Red Gift Day. Elena Kryazheva-Kartseva, Head of the Russian History Department at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at RUDN University, spoke about the history and modern significance of this important date.
Veneration of warriors in Rus'
Long before the emergence of the Soviet holiday, Russian culture had a special reverence for military heroism. Its symbol became Saint George the Victorious, whose feast day is celebrated on May 6.
"The cult of St. George came to Rus' with Christianity. Prince Yaroslav the Wise (baptized George) promoted his widespread veneration in the 11th century. Thus, St. George the Victorious became the main patron saint of the Russian army," says Elena Kryazheva-Kartseva.
According to legend, George was born in the third century in Beirut to a Christian family. Having entered the Roman army, he gained fame for his bravery and was noticed by Emperor Diocletian. But when the persecution of Christians began, the soldier distributed his possessions to the poor and declared himself a follower of Christ. Neither persuasion nor torture could break his faith, and on May 6, 303, he was executed.
"The image of St. George the Victorious slaying a dragon with a spear is the central element of the Russian coat of arms, symbolizing the defense of the Russian land from enemies. During the imperial period, Catherine II established the Order of St. George—the highest military award of the Russian Empire—in 1769, and the St. George Cross became a symbol of the incredible valor of soldiers and officers," says Elena Kryazheva-Kartseva.
In Rus', Saint George quickly became a folk saint, receiving the names Yegor and Yuri. He was venerated not only by princes but also by commoners. The founder of Moscow, Yuri Dolgoruky, bore the name of Saint George the Victorious.
"Although the holiday on February 23rd is not directly related to St. George's Day on May 6th, they are both dedicated to the defenders of the Fatherland. In this sense, the veneration of warriors in Rus' and their patron saint became the spiritual premise of the modern holiday," says Elena Kryazheva-Kartseva.
A series of names
The history of Defender of the Fatherland Day began in 1918, when on January 28 (new style) the decree establishing the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army (RKKA) was signed. But why do we celebrate it on February 23?
"The fact is that the Red Army's birthday was originally planned for January 28th. However, it wasn't until January 24th, 1919, that the Presidium of the Moscow City Council was able to consider the issue of 'Organizing a Holiday to Commemorate the Anniversary of the Creation of the Red Army.' Due to the tight deadline, it was decided to combine it with Red Gift Day—a charity event to raise funds and gifts for soldiers, which was planned for February 17th. But February 17th fell on a Monday—a workday—so the anniversary was postponed until the following Sunday, February 23rd," says Elena Kryazheva-Kartseva.
Initially, it was a temporary postponement, but the date stuck. It was later justified by the fact that during those difficult February days, Red Army troops were fighting against the invaders. The holiday only acquired official status in 1922. On January 27 of that year, the All-Russian Central Executive Committee issued a decree establishing the annual celebration of Red Army Day on February 23. On February 23, a parade of troops from the Moscow Garrison took place on Red Square. National newspapers published articles about the history of the army and navy's creation, military history, life, and combat training, as well as reports on the widespread patronage of enterprises and institutions over military units, ships, and military educational institutions.
In 1923, the fifth anniversary of the Red Army was celebrated, and the February 23rd holiday gained widespread significance. But it became especially relevant during the Great Patriotic War. Thematic exhibitions dedicated to the heroic deeds of soldiers who fought against the Nazis were opened to commemorate the occasion.
"After the war, in 1946, the holiday was renamed Soviet Army Day (and from 1949 to 1992, it became Soviet Army and Navy Day). The date began to be celebrated with even greater solemnity. Every year, meetings were held with the country's leadership, as well as numerous events at the district and city levels," says Elena Kryazheva-Kartseva.
In 1995, the State Duma of the Russian Federation passed the law "On Days of Military Glory of Russia," and February 23 was renamed Defender of the Fatherland Day. In 2002, the holiday became a non-working day.
Men's Day
Interestingly, the tradition of giving gifts on February 23rd originated in 1919 and is associated with the holiday's first name, Red Gift Day, when residents of the country collected humanitarian aid for the Red Army.
"However, the perception of February 23rd as 'men's day' and the practice of giving gifts to all men (not just military men) began much later—around the 1960s. The holiday gradually lost its political overtones and became akin to March 8th. This was also facilitated by the closeness of the dates on the calendar," says Elena Kryazheva-Kartseva.
Since the collapse of the USSR, Defender of the Fatherland Day continues to be celebrated not only in Russia but also in several other countries, including Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic.
Modern meaning
"Despite all the historical collisions and the transformation of meanings, for most Russians, February 23rd remains a holiday associated with the Armed Forces and the defense of the Motherland. Today, the holiday's significance has expanded: defenders of the Fatherland are considered not only military personnel but also anyone who contributes to strengthening the country and protects their families and loved ones. It is a holiday of patriotism," says Elena Kryazheva-Kartseva.
On this day, wreath-laying ceremonies are held across the country at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, monuments, and memorials. Schools and kindergartens congratulate future defenders and offer courage lessons. And in the evening, the skies of many cities are illuminated by festive fireworks.
Thus, February 23rd combines the deep historical roots of honoring military feats, the Soviet tradition of honoring the army, and the modern understanding of defending the Fatherland as the duty of every citizen.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.