Every year on July 8, Russia celebrates its traditional “Family Day.” This day is dedicated to celebrating family, love, and loyalty across the nation — a nationwide occasion known as the Day of Family, Love, and Fidelity.
Establishment of Family Day
In 2008, a proposition from the Russian State Duma initiated the celebration of “Family Day” on July 8 annually. Over the years, it has gained increasing popularity. Many city authorities and public institutions in Russia launch various events to mark this special day, such as concerts and large family commemorative activities. In 2022, Russian President Putin officially signed a decree, proclaiming July 8 as Russia’s “Family Day,” thus, cementing it as a national holiday.
Recognizing enduring love
Since the establishment of Family Day in 2008, Russia introduced the “Enduring Love” special medal. This medal is awarded annually to couples who have spent more than 25 years in matrimony and have had a positive impact in raising their children.
A celebration rooted in tradition
In the Eastern Orthodox calendar, July 8 also marks the celebration of Saint Peter and Saint Fevronia from Murom, embodying the traditional values of Christian marriage.
In 1203, Prince Peter ascended the throne of the Murom Principality. One day, he contracted leprosy, a disease that even the physicians serving the nobility couldn’t cure. In a dream, he learned that the only person who could heal him was Fevronia, a beekeeper’s daughter and peasant from a village in Lezna.
Fevronia was beautiful and intelligent, devout, and kind. Her words could captivate even wild beasts. She had knowledge of medicinal herbs and flowers and could cure diseases. Peter promised the girl he would marry her if he recovered. After inheriting the throne, the nobility strongly opposed their marriage, claiming he had to either abandon Fevronia — a woman of humble origin — or leave Murom himself. Undeterred, the prince chose to leave the principality with Fevronia and live among the common people.
A love story resonating through time
Meanwhile, in Murom, conflicts and killings began among those vying for the throne. The Russian nobility, realizing their mistake, rushed to call back Prince Peter. When he returned, both he and Princess Fevronia won over the people with their kind-heartedness and actions.
In their twilight years, the couple took vows at different temples. They prayed to God in the names of David and Euphrosyne to let them die on the same day. They wished to be buried in a single tomb made of stone, separated by a thin partition. True to their undying love, the faithful couple passed away on the same day, June 25, 1228, according to the Julian calendar (July 8, Gregorian calendar), and were buried in the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Murom.
An emblem of love and loyalty
Today, this holiday is symbolized in Russia with daisies and medals given to the best families as a reward for their unwavering loyalty to love. This enduring celebration of Russia’s Family Day is a testament to the nation’s dedication to the core values of family, love, and fidelity.
Translated by Elaine
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