People are gradually forgetting the story. On the day when really defenders, including military-liable women, were congratulated before, now they give gifts to just all the representatives of the stronger sex. But which days are female, which are male? What is the correct date for congratulations?
Gender Holidays
The tradition of congratulating each other simply on belonging to the opposite sex did not arise from scratch. The original meaning of these holidays was completely different. So, modern international women's day came from the date when feminists celebrated the day of solidarity in the struggle for rights and emancipation. It all started with a textile workers' strike in 1857, when workers protested against unbearable working conditions and demanded an increase in wages. And if this holiday, having undergone many changes and having lost its bellicose meaning, is now considered very common, then male counterparts are not so popular and not all have such serious historical premises.
International Holidays for Men
In full measure, the date of November 19 can be considered an analogue of March 8. For 15 years now, International Men’s Day has been celebrated on this day. This holiday was established by the UN, but so far it is not so popular.
Surprisingly, international men's day aims to attract public attention to the problem of gender discrimination of the stronger sex. This may sound strange, but feminists who are seeking equal rights for women have so succeeded in some countries that, it can be said, the oppression of men has begun. In addition, every year the most relevant topic is selected at the holiday. The day can be dedicated to men's health and psychological well-being or a positive role in the family and society. On the whole, gender holidays are necessary so that people remember that the fundamental rights of different sexes should be equal.
More and more it is said that a woman may well provide a family if she does it well, and a man can monitor the children and the household. In some countries, young dads may well get paid leave to care for a child. Of course, all this could be realized before, 
however, not so many years ago, the decision on such a separation of roles was surprising and even public censure. Now it can be perceived normally. At the same time, naturally, there is no talk of an artificial change in gender roles, each family has the right to freely make such decisions and seek their respect.
Even in the event of a divorce in some countries, men can obtain the right to have children with them if the court considers it better. Earlier in practice, such cases were rare - in Russia it is still almost impossible to challenge the custody of the mother, if there are no serious reasons.
Originating in Trinidad and Tobago, the tradition of celebrating this holiday has so far spread only to a small number of countries. But since it first appeared only in 1999, it is hoped that soon men's day will gain popularity along with women's day.
history of the holiday
The idea that the stronger sex also needed a day by analogy with a female one sounded back in the middle of the 20th century, but it didn’t go beyond conversations. Finally, in the 90s, on the initiative of Professor Thomas Oaster from the USA, who worked in
Institute for Male Studies, some activities were carried out, they fell in February. But tradition has not taken root.
International Men's Day, as it is known today, was established at the initiative of Jerome Tiluxinghe from the University of the West Indies. November 19 was taken because on that day his father was born, who, as he believed, was a great role model.
Different countries celebrate in different ways. In different sources, the numbers differ, but some minimal events dedicated to men are held on November 19 in about 60 countries in Europe, North and Latin America, Asia. In Russia, this holiday is also there, but there is also its own. Some other states also have special dates that, although established for a different purpose, have gradually transformed into "Men's Day."
National holidays
In many countries, holidays have existed and continue to be celebrated, 
dedicated to men and their role in society. For example, there is World Men's Day, established on the initiative of President of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev. It is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of November. But still not very popular.
In many countries, the main men's day is a holiday that initially did not apply to all members of the stronger sex. Over time, he acquired a modern role and popularity. This is Father's Day, which is popular in a large number of countries - from the USA and Canada to China and Thailand. Dates vary - in some places it is June and July, and in some places - March or May. Like Mother's Day, this is a very popular holiday. And on this holiday even those who have not yet become fathers because of their youth are congratulated. Just because they are still support and support for gentle women.
And in Iceland, for example, there is a spouse's day - it is celebrated on January 19 and next Friday next. In Mongolia, in mid-July falls Nadom - the day of the warrior. All men from the age of six take part in this holiday. Still, with such a warlike past, the country would have been strange if the history of the holiday belonged to some other area. There is a similar men's day in Russia. Initially, his role was completely different, but now he has transformed into the main feast of the stronger sex.
Defender of the Fatherland Day
This holiday was established in 1922 and originally had a completely different name. It was the "Day of the Red Army and Navy, " that is, it was dedicated to military personnel. Later it was renamed several times, and finally acquired its modern name, while at the same time somewhat losing its military connotation.
Perhaps the proximity of the holiday on March 8 influenced, but on February 23, for some reason, it became unofficially perceived as the main men's day in Russia and a number of countries of the former USSR. It was at this time that women give gifts to their spouses and friends, congratulate colleagues. In addition, since 2002, this day officially became non-working, as on March 8. And although this holiday is already gradually losing its original meaning, its renaming is not planned, and this is probably the right decision, because all members of the stronger sex are potential defenders of the motherland and women. And although February 23 is not an international men's day, it is much more popular in the CIS.
Professional holidays
If it seems that honoring men only for their gender is not enough, then it makes sense to note their knowledge and skills. Professional holidays are quite popular in Russia, and although official large-scale events are practically not organized, in a narrow circle you can always congratulate dear people and let them know how valuable and loved they are.
Traditions
Whatever the name of this holiday, various countries have developed various traditions for its celebration. For example, father’s day in English-speaking countries, especially in the USA, is very kindly - children prepare gifts, those who study at colleges or work away from their families try to escape to their hometown for at least a couple of days.
And in Germany, on a similar holiday, men gather with their company and do their favorite things - fishing, playing football or going out on a picnic into the countryside - there are a huge number of options. The only condition is
no wives and girls.
In Italy, men are given wine on this day. It’s impossible to celebrate seriously, because this date has ceased to be officially festive, but before it was a day off. Women on this holiday do not skimp on compliments and souvenirs to others.
In the esoteric
Among fortunetellers and those involved in conspiracies, love spells, and other similar things, there is a separation of some procedures. There is even such a thing as women's and men's days of the week. The reception of fortune-tellers of people and the reading of conspiracies should directly depend on the gender of those asking and the purpose of the action. So which days are men's? It is traditionally believed that these include Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and the second, respectively, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. This means that a woman who wants to attract luck should read the plot on her day, and if her goal is to find a groom, then in a man’s.
