23 February – Kyrgyzstan celebrates Soviet Fatherland Defender Day

Somehow today is a the men’s day because it’s only men who are supposed to be convictedscripted. The celebration originates from Soviet times and the day commemorates the initiating of Soviet Army. Somehow it’s always been a holiday to value men for their protection and defense powers.  Men get ‘manly’ stuff for the holiday – socks and handkerchiefs, lighters and beer, and cards saying that they are ‘real men’ or ‘defenders’ with swords, naked women and axes. Would be really strange to see a card with ‘real woman’ sign for International Women’s Day.  Somehow we know what ‘real’ men have to do – be tough, strong, aggressive, protect and kill the enemy. Yet we still have to remind the men that they have to be ‘real’ and link celebration of their ‘masculine’ characteristics to war and protection.