Tatiana Day

Tatiana Day, also known as Tatyana's Day or Students' Day, is a special occasion named after Saint Tatiana, a Christian martyr from 3rd-century Rome during Emperor Alexander Severus's reign. This day also serves as a name day for those named Tatiana. The Russian Orthodox Church commemorates St. Tatiana's feast on January 12th in the Julian calendar, which corresponds to January 25th in the Gregorian calendar in the 20th and 21st centuries. In Russia, this day is celebrated as Students' Day, marking the anniversary of Moscow State University's founding.

The origins of the celebration date back to January 12, 1755 (Julian), or January 23, 1755 (Gregorian), when Empress Elizabeth of Russia signed a decree to establish the first Russian university in Moscow. This university was entrusted to Ivan Shuvalov, the first Russian Minister of Education, and the decree was signed on his mother's name day. In 1791, the Church of Saint Tatiana was constructed on the university campus, and the Russian Orthodox Church subsequently proclaimed Saint Tatiana the patron saint of students.

Over time, Tatiana Day has evolved into a celebration of Students' Day in many countries of the former Russian Empire. The festivities typically begin with a traditional service at the university's church, followed by speeches and prize-giving ceremonies. As the day unfolds, students often host or attend parties and public events. Although the celebrations originated in Moscow, they have since spread to most university towns.

Notably, Tatiana Day also signifies the end of the first term of the traditional academic year for Russian and Ukrainian students, making it a time of jubilation for completing final exams. The day is imbued with various cultural and social events, making it a significant date in the academic calendar for many students in the region.