Christmas in Russia is most widely celebrated on January 7, according to the Orthodox calendar. It is one of the most important holidays for Orthodox Christians. The official New Year and Christmas holidays in Russia last from December 31st to January 10th.
Christmas was not able to be publicly celebrated during much of the 20th century. But through the years the number of people celebrating Christmas as a religious holiday grew up. Christmas Day in Russia marks the birth of Jesus Christ in the Christian Orthodox tradition. Although banned during the Soviet times, Christmas is now regaining its popularity and religious meaning in Russia.
To celebrate Christmas, Russian people have family dinner and they go to liturgy. There is a tradition in Russia, on the 40 day lent proceeding where Christians do not eat meat, to honor Jesus Christ.
Many Christmas traditions, such as decorating a fir tree and giving presents, turned into New Year’s traditions. The common symbols of Orthodox Christmas are a decorated fir tree, a star and baby Jesus.
Traditional Christmas dishes are- variety of pork, stuffed pig’s head, roasted meat chunks, jelly and aspic. . Christmas dinner also included many other meats: goose with apples, sour cream hare, venison, lamb, whole fish, etc.
The abundance of lumpy fried and baked meats, whole baked chicken, and fish on the festive table was associated with features of the Russian furnace, which allowed successful preparation of large portions.
Father Frost’ (known in Russian as ‘Ded Moroz’ or Дед Мороз) brings presents to children. On New Year’s eve children hold hands, make a circle around the Christmas tree and call for Snegurochka.
Christmas lasts for three days. Devout believers try to spend hold in church. The second day after Christmas is called the Synaxis of the Blessed Virgin Mary when Christians in churches glorify the Mother of God.
Christmas is one of the most joyous traditions for the celebration of Eve comes from the Russian tradition.
