What gifts did women receive on March 8 in the USSR?

All the girls, girls and women of the USSR had something that no one else on planet Earth had - their own holiday. And although the celebration of March 8 began only in the 20th century, for Soviet citizens it was at the same time women's, family and the most joyful day of the year.

Postcards

This was a mandatory attribute of the spring holiday. Unfortunately, today the tradition has practically not been preserved, but at that time attaching a greeting card to a gift (or simply signing it) was considered good manners.

Moreover, the cards in most cases contained different wishes. Nobody thought about gender equality then, and therefore the main thing they wanted was strong love, family happiness, health and longevity.

Already in a later period, in the post-perestroika, post-post-perestroika, a lot of things were given on Women's Day. But postcards are somehow a thing of the past. It’s a pity, because now gifts have become expensive and, for the most part, almost impersonal. Or maybe my youth is just gone...

Grocery sets

During the period of total shortage, everything that was found in stores was dear to the heart. Therefore, the best gift could be considered a set of certain products. Usually the assortment included everyone's favorite candy "Bird's Milk", coffee (Indian coffee was especially valued), red caviar, a bottle of sparkling wine, and a stick of "Moskovskaya". Of course, it was entirely acceptable to present just one thing—everything was welcome.

Tights

Nylon tights... how women chased after them and simply dreamed of having at least one pair - for especially important events. They treated foreign nylon with tender love. However, the ladies were happy with everything domestic.

—What is a rich Soviet woman?
- This is the one who wears whole tights under her trousers.

Cosmetics

At all times, women want to be beautiful. We were lucky to have you, but Soviet ladies had to put in a lot more effort to find something worthwhile. Receiving cosmetics on March 8th is the height of happiness, especially if it was imported. Of course, the USSR also had its own factories for the production of cosmetics (for example, Svoboda, Novaya Zarya, Nevskaya Cosmetics and Northern Lights), but the foreign one was better in quality, and it was considered more prestigious.

Perfume

The most popular Soviet perfume is “Red Moscow” or “The Empress’s Favorite Bouquet”, created in 1913 at the Brocard factory by perfumer August Michel in honor of the 300th anniversary of the House of Romanov and especially for Alexandra Feodorovna.

“March 8” or “Silver Lily of the Valley” also deserved attention. It was possible to get it, but it was difficult. The man had to bother and try. Often, saleswomen hid the most valuable items under the counter for “their own.”

Accessories

Also on March 8, Soviet women were given scarves, shawls, gloves, and handbags. Some were less lucky and received a plastic string bag. However, at that time the ladies were not spoiled and were happy with absolutely any present.

Flowers

Bouquets occupied an important place in the celebration of March 8th. The flower business existed during the Soviet Union, although it did not offer much variety.Entire caravans of private traders, resellers and forwarders from state enterprises hurried to the cities for the women's celebration.

Roses were especially popular - they were given to beloved women, tulips and mimosas - to daughters and mothers, mothers-in-law, colleagues. More democratic flowers - lilies of the valley, snowdrops - were also very relevant. It was they, and not the rooks, as is commonly believed, that were the first harbingers of spring. A bouquet is an important detail of the holiday. Showing up without him is the same as admitting your male impotence.