Christmas Blogging: Russia

Thirteen days after many countries in the world have celebrated Christmas, on January 7th, it comes the time for Russia to observe this great holiday. I am sure some of you wonder why Russian Christmas is in January. The reason is that Russian Orthodox Church still uses the old Julian calendar.
After the 1917 Revolution and during the reign of communism, Russian people were forced to stop celebrating Christmas. Only in 1992 the holiday was openly observed. Therefore a lot of traditions, which existed many years ago, were lost. Nowadays, on Christmas eve family member get together for a “Holy meatless supper” which include 12 different foods symbolic of the 12 Apostles: borsch (soup made of beets), Lenten bread, garlic, honey, cod, oranges, apricots, nuts, kidney beans, pears, parsley potatoes and red wine. The main course of the dinner is porridge called kutja. It is made of berries, wheat or other grains that symbolize hope and immortality, and honey and poppy seeds that ensure happiness, success, and untroubled rest.

After dinner people go to the church for the service, which lasts till 2 or 3 in the morning.
Since the celebration of Christmas was banned for many years, such traditions as presents’ giving, Ded Moroz (Russian Santa Claus) and decorating of the tree became the traditions of the New Year’s Eve. Therefore, even though Christmas is back and nowadays people freely celebrate it, New Year’s is the biggest winter event in Russia!
Happy New Year and Merry Christmas!!! May this year bring all of us joy, happiness and health!

Posted by Natalia Beinenson in Culture, General | Trackback |