Russian New Year's Day

One of our previous articles was dedicated to Russian holidays, but the most important one, New Year's Day, deserves a separate article.

Celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1 (the official date is January 1), New Year's Day is one of the most significant holidays in Russia, marked by vibrant festivities that merge old traditions with contemporary customs.

Historical Context

The history of New Year's celebrations in Russia dates back centuries. Tsar Peter the Great, influenced by his European counterparts, established January 1st as the official beginning of the year, and ordered to celebrate this day with pomp. The tradition didn't really catch on among the people, and after Peter's death, it began to die out, but was preserved at the imperial court. They began to decorate pine trees and organize masquerade balls. In 1825, the first public New Year tree was installed in St. Petersburg, and soon the fashion for trees (and for celebrating this day) became widespread.
In 1929, the Bolsheviks abandoned the celebration of New Year’s Day and Christmas with a Christmas tree, considering all this to be part of the «religious past», but in 1935 the tradition was resumed (naturally, without Christmas), and was supplemented by two fairy-tale characters:

Father Frost and Snegurochka

Father Frost (Ded Moroz), who can be literally translated as «Grandfather Frost» or «Old Man Frost» and his granddaughter, Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden) are emblematic characters of the holiday season in Russia.

Father Frost is often depicted as an old, tall, magical man dressed in a long, fur coat, resembling a blend between Santa Claus and a Slavic deity. He carries a staff and is known for his ability to bring winter’s chill and make the season magical. The origin of Father Frost can be traced back to pre-Christian Slavic folklore, where he was a winter spirit associated with snow and frost. Over time, his image has evolved, particularly influenced by Western traditions, yet he remains a unique character in Russian folklore.

Snegurochka, on the other hand, is his granddaughter, often portrayed as a young girl made of snow. Unlike Father Frost, whose roots lie in ancient folklore, Snegurochka was popularized in the XX century, particularly following a play by the famous poet Alexander Pushkin, and she has since become an important part of New Year celebrations.

Father Frost, sometimes with Snegurochka, visits families during the festive season, bringing gifts and joy, much like Santa Claus, and is believed by children to bring gifts under the tree over night on New Year's Eve.

Festive Traditions

In modern-day Russia, New Year's Eve, or "Novy God," features grandiose celebrations, family gatherings, and a bounty of food, much like Christmas in many Western cultures. Traditional dishes include Olivier salad, herring under a fur coat (shuba), and various meats and pastries. The holiday mood is often set with music, fireworks, and, most importantly, the countdown to midnight.

At the stroke of midnight, Russians typically enjoy a glass of champagne and exchange wishes for happiness in the coming year. A charming tradition is the ringing of the Kremlin's Spasskaya Tower bell, which echoes throughout Moscow and is heard by millions on TV.

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