Don’t forget to mark your calendars! International Women’s Day is coming up quick on March 8th (and for the curious, International Men’s Day is November 19th – jot that down). You might think it’s nothing more than a day to celebrate the fact that American women can wear pants and have fulfilling careers that align with their passions, but it goes much deeper than that. It has been celebrated in the US and Europe for more than 100 years, with the UN finally adopting it in 1977. It’s now a popular holiday all over the world. International Women’s Day is a time where we honor the contributions women have made to society, and in many countries, it’s a day where the fight for equality and safety continues. Today we’re toasting to all things woman. We’re celebrating what makes them amazing, remembering a handful of many who have changed the world, and exploring the fun and intriguing ways people commemorate International Women’s Day.
The Italian Tradition of Mimosas
People often compare women to flowers, noting their soft, delicate appearance. Despite looking fragile, some species, like the mimosa, are incredibly resilient and continue to thrive even in harsh conditions. In 1946, two Italian women took notice of the similarities between the bright yellow flower and those fighting for their rights and began handing out mimosas as a gesture of solidarity.
Mimosas symbolize sensitivity, strength, and expansion, and they are now the traditional flower of International Women’s Day in Italy. Both men and women give bouquets and branches to the special ladies in their lives as a sweet sign of support. In the past few years, Mimosas on IWD have also risen in popularity in Japan.