Celebrating Family, Love and Fidelity Day in Russia: a Guide for International Students

The Russian holiday that brings hearts together.

Every year on July 8^th, Russia celebrates the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity – a holiday dedicated to the most beautiful human values such as love, respect in the family.

It is not as popular as the New Year or Easter, but every year it becomes more popular among Russians, especially for couples and families. This relatively young holiday is deeply rooted in Russian culture and it offers a unique insight into the values that shape a part of Russian society.

The history of the holiday

The holiday is linked to the Orthodox Christian tradition and to the story of Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom – the patrons of family and marriage. They were prince and princess of Murom, living at the end of the 12^th and the beginning of the 13^th century. The legend says that Peter fell seriously ill with leprosy that local doctors could not cure. In a dream, he was told that only a simple peasant girl named Fevronia, who had the gift of healing and knowledge of herbs, could be his salvation. Fevronia agreed to heal him on the one condition: he would marry her. As the prince made a promise, Fevronia restored him to health. However, Peter was afraid of an unequal marriage and did not keep his promise. Soon, the disease returned and attacked him with renewed vigor. Fortunately, Fevronia agreed to heal him once more, and then the prince married her.

Together they helped the poor, and lived in peace and harmony. Their marriage became a model of true love, respect and faithfulness. In old age, Peter and Fevronia took monastic vows under the names David and Euphrosyne, lived in the different monasteries, but prayed to die on the same day. They died on June 25, which corresponds to July 8 in new style. Miraculously, their bodies appeared together after their deaths, so they were buried in one coffin side by side.

Why is this holiday important today?

The modern celebration of this day began in the 1990s in Murom, where the saints’ relics are kept. It was officially recognized as a national holiday in 2008 and gained further support in 2022, when Russian president Vladimir Putin signed a degree granting if official status. How is this holiday different from Valentine’s Days? In February, many young people celebrate the day of lovers. It is well known in Russia, but the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity is more traditional and associated with family, not just romantic relationships. On this day, it is a customary to visit family and friends, express gratitude and affection to the loved ones. Many couples choose this day to get married, believing it to be auspicious under the protection of saints. In 2025, 170 couples in Moscow will register their marriages on this holiday.

Traditions and symbols

The main symbol of Family, Love and Fidelity Day is the chamomile flower, which presents purity, love and loyalty. On this day, it is customary to weave chamomiles wreaths, give bouquets of chamomiles and exchange greeting cards called “fevronki” decorated with chamomile motifs. Many cities hold concerts, family festivals and lectures about family values. Parks offer photo zones and organize special exhibitions. On this day, the government awards the ”For Love and Fidelity” medals to couples who have been married for 25, 40 or even 50 years.

Tips for international students

For international students who come to study in Russia, participating in the celebration of Family, Love and Fidelity Day is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with Russian culture from the inside. Here are few tips:

• Join city events

Moscow also celebrates the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity. On this occasion, themed events like excursions, master classes and performances are usually planned at VDNKh (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy). Follow your city’s official social media to stay updated on upcoming events.

• Congratulate your family members and friends

Even if you are far from home, you can still share the spirit of the holiday. Write a message or make a phone call to your family and friends back home, wish them happiness, love and harmony.

• Spend this day with your friends or the loved ones

The Day of Family, Love and Fidelity is all about togetherness. If you’re staying in Russia this day, you can invite your friends or classmates for a picnic. Share dishes from your home country and ask others to bring their favorites. If you are not a fan of the outdoor activities, choose a film about family or love and watch it together. Share your family traditions with your friends and make “fevronki” together.

• Tell your story to HSE

The last year was the year of the family in Russia, and HSE has launched a project about families of the university, where employees and students of HSE talk about their lives, work and family in connection to the university.

Family, Love and Fidelity Day is a warm and meaningful holiday. It is a day when Russians remember the eternal values that unite people of all ages and nationalities. For international students, this day is an open door to the Russian culture that helps to understand why family holds such an important place in every person’s life.

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Renata Gatiyatullina