On 12 January 1755 Julian (23 January 1755 Gregorian), Empress Elizabeth of Russia signed a decree for the establishment of the first Russian university, which was constructed in Moscow and put under the care of the first Russian Minister of Education Ivan Shuvalov (that day was his mother's name day).

In 1885, Chekhov wrote about Tatiana Day, "This year everything was drunk, except the water from the Moscow river, and only because it was frozen".

[2] The day begins with a traditional service conducted at the University's church[citation needed] followed by speeches and the awarding of prizes.

Later in the day, many students host or attend parties and public events.

[5] Although originating in Moscow, St. Tatiana's Day celebrations have spread to most university towns.