According to a recent opinion poll, St. Valentine's Day has become more popular among Russians, yet this holiday has more opponents than supporters.

      The Superjob research center statistics shows that only 39 percent of Russians, most of them youngsters under the age of 24, were going to celebrate St. Valentine's Day. Against them 44 percent of those who didn't plan to celebrate it. 

      The number of those who are going to celebrate the holiday has slightly increased from 37 percent last year."It's a beautiful holiday which reminds us that love should be fed not only with food but with attention, tenderness and small cute presents," said respondents.

      On the contrary, some Russians said “our culture does not benefit from foreign holidays” or "it is a commercial holiday: not for people but for merchants". 35% of respondents prefer celebrating the Day of Family, Love and Faithfulness, a Russian alternative to St. Valentine's Day, on July 8. That holiday, which is also known as the Day of St. Peter and St. Fevronia, was introduced in 2008 by Russian Government and the Orthodox church. It's more dedicated to traditional family values, children and goodness. 31% think that the best decision is to mark both the holidays. 

      Many Russians also think Women’s Day on March 8 and Men’s Day on February 23 are more suitable days for gifts and celebrations than St. Valentine's Day. Both these holidays are extremely popular in Russia, moreover, they are also state day-offs.

      17% of respondents were rather puzzled to answer if they were going celebrating St. Valentine's Day. "We prefer making romantic evenings when it's convenient for us", "Just love and nothing more", "If I'd only have someone to celebrate with!", some of them said.  

Sources: Superjob.ru RG.ru Novoteka Image: kuzpress