Christmas in Russia

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Marché de Noël de la place Rouge et magasin Goum (1)

Christmas in Russia (Russian: Рождество Христово, Rozhdestvo Khristovo), celebrated on the 7th of January, is a widely observed holiday, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. Unlike many Western countries, where Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, Russia follows the Julian calendar for religious celebrations, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used elsewhere.

History

The history of Christmas in Russia can be traced back to the introduction of Christianity in the 10th century. However, the celebration of Christmas underwent significant changes following the October Revolution of 1917. The Soviet Union promoted atheism and discouraged religious celebrations. During this period, many Christmas traditions were suppressed, and New Year's Day was promoted as a secular holiday instead. It was not until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 that Christmas was openly celebrated again in Russia.

Traditions

Russian Christmas traditions are a unique blend of Christian and pre-Christian customs. On Christmas Eve, families often partake in a 12-dish supper known as the Holy Supper (Russian: Сочельник, Sochelnik), symbolizing the 12 apostles. The meal begins when the first star appears in the sky, in remembrance of the Star of Bethlehem. Traditional dishes include kutya (a sweet grain pudding), borscht, and fish. Fasting ends after the first star appears, and the meal is typically meatless.

Vertep (a portable puppet theater), caroling, and attending the midnight Christmas service at church are also integral parts of the celebration. Carolers, dressed in costumes, go from house to house, singing and performing, a tradition known as "kolyadki."

Decorations

Christmas decorations in Russia include the use of fir trees, called "New Year Trees" (Russian: Новогодняя ёлка, Novogodnyaya yolka), lights, and ornaments. The use of Nativity scenes, known as "vertep," is also common, depicting the birth of Jesus Christ.

Modern Celebrations

Today, Christmas in Russia is a time of both religious observance and festive celebrations. While New Year's Eve remains a more significant holiday in terms of public festivities, Christmas is a time for family gatherings, church services, and cultural events. The revival of Christmas traditions has been part of a broader resurgence of Russian Orthodox faith in the country.

Differences from Western Celebrations

One of the most notable differences between Russian Christmas and its Western counterpart is the date of celebration. Additionally, the emphasis in Russia is more on religious observance and traditional customs rather than commercialism. The figure of Santa Claus is replaced by Ded Moroz (Father Frost), who, accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka (The Snow Maiden), delivers presents to children during New Year's celebrations rather than at Christmas.

Conclusion

Christmas in Russia is a holiday steeped in tradition and religious significance. It reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and the enduring importance of faith in Russian society. As Russia continues to navigate its post-Soviet identity, the celebration of Christmas stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people.