8 March: International Women's day

In 1913 Russian women observed their first International Women's Day on the last Sunday in February (by Julian calendar then used in Russia). In 1917 demonstrations marking International Women's Day in Saint Petersburg on the last Sunday in February (which fell on 8 March on the Gregorian calendar) initiated the February Revolution.

Following the October Revolution, the Bolshevik Alexandra Kollontai persuaded Vladimir Lenin to make it an official holiday in the Soviet Union, and it was established, but was a working day until 1965. On May 8, 1965 by the decree of the USSR Presidium of the Supreme Soviet International Women's Day was declared a non-working day in the USSR “in commemoration of the outstanding merits of Soviet women in communistic construction, in the defense of their Fatherland during the Great Patriotic War, in their heroism and selflessness at the front and in the rear, and also marking the great contribution of women strengthening friendship between peoples, and the struggle for peace.”

March 8th is an official public holiday. This beautiful spring holiday is most often celebrated in the family circle with a festive meal and champagne. Another popular choice to celebrate March 8th is by visiting friends. Men and women give flowers, postcards with poetry, chocolate, and other pleasant gifts to their mothers, wives, grandmothers, sisters and daughters.

Since the International Women's Day is a non-working day in Russia, office workers celebrate it just the day before the holiday. In companies and organizations, all women receive flowers and small memorable gifts from their male co-workers and, sometimes, from employers themselves. During the lunch break, it is common to have a small office party with cake and a glass of champagne.

The website masterrussian.com gives some tips about what to give as a gift on March 8th.

Both men and women make presents to women they are close to. The gifts that Russians give on March 8th depend on many factors. A few things to consider are how closely you are related to a woman (whether she's your grandmother, mother, wife, or a girlfriend) and what kind of a gift you can afford financially.

Flowers are the most popular gift choice on March 8th. Yellow mimosas and roses are especially popular. Candy and chocolate are the next popular choice, followed by perfume and cosmetics. Some people like to give money or gift cards, so that women could pick the best present for themselves. The list goes on and other gift choices include jewelry, household appliances, kitchen utensils, cut glass and China, clothes, footwear, books, DVDs, and even cell phones and cameras. Tastes differ but the rule of thumb is to give something that will please the woman.

It’s not required to buy an expensive gift to show that you care about a person. Many women will be pleased to receive a postcard with a poem and a few words of congratulations. Even if you are away from your wife, mother, grandmother or sister, you can always send her a postcard or write an email. Here are some Russian poems that you can use on the occasion of March 8th. 

- 1 -
Желаю счастья и любви.
Они дороже всех подарков.
И пусть все сбудутся мечты
В прекрасный день - 8 Марта!

- 2 -
Я тебя поздравляю, с праздником светлой Весны!
Радости, счастья желаю, сладкие видеть сны!
Пусть все невзгоды, ненастья, обходят тебя стороной!
Ведь это ж большое счастье, что встретились мы с тобой!

- 3 -
Пусть в этот день весенними лучами
Вам улыбнутся люди и цветы,
И пусть всегда идут по жизни с Вами
Любовь, здоровье, счастье и мечты!

- 4 -
С душистой веточкой сирени
Весна приходит в каждый дом,
От всей души Вас поздравляем
С Международным Женским днём!

 Source: Masterinrussian.com