March 8th, Not Just Mimosas and Chocolates

Dive Into the Unbelievable Yet True Story of March 8th, Where Women Flipped the Script. Spoiler: Mimosas Have Nothing to Do With It. 

International Women's Day: More Than a Symbol, a Revolution 

Now, dear reader, let's dive into the absurd comedy that is the history of women fighting for their rights. After getting the green light from the States, 1911 saw Europe hopping onto the bandwagon of female emancipation. Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark embarked on the adventure. Picture a procession of women with signs, determined faces, and maybe a few confused men wondering, 'What the heck is going on here?'. The choice of date was no accident: March 19th was the day when, decades earlier, women had been... well, politely ignored by the King of Prussia on the voting issue. Ah, politics and its promises!​.

But wait, the story gets even juicier. On March 8th, 1917, in Saint Petersburg, women decided it was time to make some noise. And boy, did they! They flooded the streets, braving the Russian cold, to protest against the war, the Tsar, and the whole shebang. This was no small gathering. No, no, this was the start of something big. Kind of like when you order an appetizer and end up with a full-blown feast. That protest not only led to the Tsar's abdication but kicked off the February Revolution. And to think, it all started with a group of women tired of being ignored. Lenin, apparently struck by their determination (or maybe just to avoid further protests), decided to make March 8th an official holiday. 'Sorry for the mess, here's a holiday in exchange!' seems to be the historical sentiment.​​​​​.

And if you think all that was epic enough, well, you ain't seen nothing yet. Because, as in any good story, the twist comes when you least expect it. While women in the West continued to march and shout for their rights, something different was brewing in Eastern Europe. After the Bolshevik revolution, March 8th became an official holiday in the Soviet Union and China, showing how a small cry of protest could transform into a global roar. I mean, who would've thought that a bunch of women in heavy coats and scarves could change the course of history? And this, my friends, is just the beginning.

Because March 8th Is More Than an Excuse to Give Flowers

What does the story of March 8th teach us? That sometimes, to get what you deserve, you've got to make some noise. The women of the early 20th century didn't have apps to organize, nor social media to share their revolutionary hashtags. They had only their voice, their determination, and, of course, a healthy dose of courage.

These heroines in skirts changed the world, one protest at a time. They showed that when women unite, even the most stubborn Tsar has to step back. Thanks to them, today we can vote, work, and most importantly, have a voice in a society that once preferred us silent.

March 8th, therefore, is not just an excuse to give flowers and chocolates (though we won't complain if that happens). It's a reminder of how far we've come and how much more we have to fight for equality. It's a day to celebrate the women of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. So, the next time you see a bunch of mimosas, remember the brave women who made this celebration possible.

n summary, March 8th is a bit like a TV series with an all-female cast: full of surprises, moments of tension, and, of course, an ending that leaves you hopeful for the future. And speaking of the future, let's not forget that the fight for equality continues. Because, as a wise woman said, 'You never stop fighting for your rights. Especially if you're a woman.'

Why I Recommend It

I recommend delving into March 8th because it's more thrilling than an action movie: brave women, revolutions, and a sprinkle of historical sarcasm.

Why I Don't

I don't recommend delving into March 8th if you prefer the sugar-coated version of history, the one with just mimosas and chocolates.