ESOL Magazine March 2014 March, 2014 | Page 4

8 MARCH INTERNATIONAL WOMEN`S DAY Celebrated in ancient Rome, Matronalia can be considered a forerunner of the women`s day. It was a feast which took place in the first week of March, associated with the beginning of New Year, motherhood and fertility. I n my country, all women on this day walk on the street with flowers. We also have a very nice song: International Women`s Day is an official holiday in many countries of the world. In some countries the day is not a public holiday but is widely celebrated, although it is not usually celebrated in UK. ‘Women`s day, women`s day, Everybody should know that this is a girls’ day…’ The women in Portugal also celebrate this day. They go out in groups for dinner, listen to music and dance. The men give flowers and take care of children, while the women have fun. On this day men congratulate the women in their lives-mothers, wives, girlfriends, daughters, colleagues, etc.and give them flowers and small gifts. In some countries, it is also observed as an equivalent of Mother`s Day, where children also give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers. Also schoolchildren bring gifts for their teachers. Happy Women`s Day For All Women in The World. by Alicja Gorak