International Women's Day In Soviet-Era Cards
Published 7 March 2013
Although it arose from the women's movement in several countries over 100 years ago, International Women's Day took on a life of its own in the Soviet Union. March 8 evolved from a day of action for equal rights into an occasion when men were expected (and often obligated) to show their appreciation with flowers and gifts. In this gallery of Soviet-era posters and cards, the focus varies widely, from women's achievements to colorful celebrations of spring, motherhood, and international friendship. (Public domain images primarily from retropost.ru.)
1 A 1932 poster shows the political origins of International Women's Day. The text reads: "March 8: A day of rebellion by working women against kitchen slavery. Say no to the oppression and vacuity of household work!"
2 By the 1960s, however, March 8 had taken on a less confrontational tone.
3 In the years in between, interpretations of International Women's Day ran the gamut. This card celebrates women in their roles as mothers, nurses, factory workers, and farmers.
4 Some cards pay tribute to the archetypal mother...
5 ...and others to the achievements of specific women, like Valentina Tereshkova, who in 1963 became the first woman in space.
6 A proud construction worker receives flowers for her hard work.
7 The international nature of the day is a common theme.
8 "Greetings to our mothers!"
9 The flags of the Soviet republics, with the slogan, "Glory to the women of our motherland."
10 Many Soviet-era cards combine spring imagery with traditional dress.
13 "All kinds of moms are needed; all kinds of moms are important."