Defender Of The Fatherland Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 21, 2022
Fact-checked by Vikhaash Sundararaj
Defender Of The Fatherland Day talks about the Bolshevik Army.

Where is Defender Of The Fatherland Day celebrated?

The Defender Of The Fatherland Day is actually celebrated in countries like Russia, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

Who is Defender Of The Fatherland Day ​celebrated by?

The people of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Tajikistan are known to celebrate the day to pay respect to the military service.

When did Defender Of The Fatherland Day ​first start?

Russia is known to celebrate the first Defender Of The Fatherland Day in the year 1922.

Who started Defender Of The Fatherland Day?

The Soviet Government under Lenin started the celebration of this day!

History And Timelines

Russia celebrates Defender Of The Fatherland Day, whereas Motherland Day is celebrated in Uzbekistan. Defender Of The Fatherland Day started in 1922 to commemorate the day as a day of tribute given to the brave soldiers.

Traditions And Customs

One of the major traditions of the day is congratulating the male members of the community. Men receive appreciation, gifts, and cards.

Military parades are organized to appreciate the hard work of military service. In recent times, the parade also gives tribute to the female members of the military department.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate Defender Of The Fatherland Day

In Russian culture, the day is mostly observed as a Men's Day as primarily the men were part of the military historically. So women are seen giving small gifts and cards to the military people and the male relatives of a family.

The authorities may organize a military parade in the Russian cities to give tribute to the veterans of the military department.

Facts And Stats

The first Defender Of The Fatherland Day that happened in 1922 occurred on February 17 instead of 23.

The first Defender Of The Fatherland Day was celebrated on the fourth anniversary of the Red Army Day.

Unlike other countries, Kazakhstan celebrates the day on May 7 every year.

First Defender Of The Fatherland Day

In the year 1922, Russia was known to celebrate the day for the first time. The day was celebrated to honor the Russian Army and the military units. 

1922

First Renaming

Initially, it was known as the Red Army Day, and in 1923, the name was changed to Day of the Red Army and the Navy.

1923

Second Renaming

In 1949, the name of the day was changed to Soviet Army and Navy Day. 

1949 

Fall Of Soviet Union

After almost eighty years, in 1991, the Soviet rule came to an end. 

1991

Renaming The Day Again

Post the fall of the Soviet Union in 2002, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, gave the day its current name. Since 2002, the day has been celebrated as a public holiday in Russia.

2002

Why do people celebrate Defender Of The Fatherland Day?

People celebrate the day as a public holiday mostly to appreciate the service of the military but also to appreciate the male members in their lives. 

What do Russians say about Defender Of The Fatherland Day?

According to Russian Culture, the day is also celebrated as Men's Day. So people appreciate the military as well as the men around them. 

What are the conditions in celebrating Defender Of The Fatherland Day?

There are no specific conditions stated to celebrate the day. 

What is the history behind this day?

The day was first started in 1922, and it has been a century since the day was successfully celebrated as a holiday in Russia. 

What are some events related to this day?

Events like the Red Army Day, Soviet Army, and Navy Day are related to the Defender Of The Fatherland Day.

Why is it called this?

The day is named the Defender Of The Fatherland Day to pay tribute to the veterans of the military department who protect and defend the land from the German invaders.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Sunday, February 23, 2020
  • Tuesday, February 23, 2021
  • Wednesday, February 23, 2022
  • Thursday, February 23, 2023
  • Friday, February 23, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Vikhaash Sundararaj

Bachelor of Fine Arts specializing in International Business

Vikhaash Sundararaj picture

Vikhaash SundararajBachelor of Fine Arts specializing in International Business

With a background in International Business Management, having completed his degree at the University of Hull. Vikhaash has volunteered with 'Teach For India' to help students create a monthly newsletter. In his free time, he enjoys sports and was the assistant captain of his school's hockey team. He has also gained marketing experience through an internship at Decathlon Sports India.

Read full bio >