Russian holidays

The holidays celebrated by Russians have their roots in the Soviet past, as well as in pre-revolutionary Christian traditions, and even partly in ancient paganism.

NEW YEAR'S DAY
This is beyond doubt the number one holiday in Russia. The traditions of its celebration are similar to Western Christmas, but have their own characteristics. It's celebrated on the night from 31 December to 1 January.

Families decorate their homes, including the New Year tree, and children write letters in advance to the North to the kind old wizard Ded Moroz, that is, Father Frost (the equivalent of Santa Claus in England or Père Noël in France), who places presents under the tree at night. The celebration begins on the evening of December 31, when the whole family gathers around a set table. Traditional dishes include Olivier salad, tangerines, sandwiches with red caviar, and champagne, although the New Year's table is not limited to them. Five minutes before the New Year, the president delivers his speech on television, and it ends with the chimes on the Kremlin tower at midnight sharp - this is the most solemn and magical moment of the holiday, which everyone is waiting for. Russians clink glasses and wish each other a happy new year.

This holiday is especially loved because it provides about 10 days off from work and school. Russians usually celebrate the New Year itself with their families, while on other days during the holidays they visit relatives and friends, and of course, give gifts.

DEFENDER OF THE FATHERLAND DAY
Observed on February 23, it was initially a holiday for men who fought in wars and defended the country, and now in fact praises all the men - young and old, connected with the army or not. It's also celebrated nationally.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
This holiday takes place on March 8, just like in other countries. Originally, it was closely associated with the women's rights movement, because on this day in the revolutionary year of 1917, factory workers took part in a demonstration in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg), and four days later Tsar Nicholas II granted women the right to vote. While nowadays it's a celebration of femininity and tenderness, and is also a day off in our country.

The above two holidays, having become like mirror images of each other, but for different genders, are quite important for Russians, so be sure to congratulate your familiar men and women on the corresponding day, and give some gift.

VICTORY DAY
May 9 is a solemn holiday that praises the Soviet victory in the Second World War and commemorates victims of the war. Some people participate in parades, including the famous «Immortal Regiment», flower laying ceremonies, fireworks and other commemorations. It is marked with a day off work too in Russia.

SPRING AND LABOUR DAY
International Workers' Day, exists in most of the countries all around the globe and occurs on May 1; no surprise in the former socialist country this is an official holiday.

Labor Day, often just called the "First of May", and Victory Day are celebrated jointly in early May, there are few working days in between, so the beginning of this month is informally called "May holidays." It’s a good opportunity for Russian to go out to the dacha (summer cottage) and barbecue with friends.

RUSSIA DAY
On this day, in 1991, namely, June 12, the Russian parliament formally declared Russian sovereignty from the Soviet Union. The holiday traditions of this day are yet to be set, although сoncerts are often held in city centers on June 12.

CHRISTMAS
Eastern Orthodox Christmas in our country is observed on January 7. This is due to the fact that until 1918, Russia used the Julian calendar, which at that time had a difference of 13 days with the Gregorian calendar. The dates have changed, but the tradition of celebrating Christmas on January 7 remains. However, neither Catholic / Protestants nor Orthodox Christmas are considered a national holiday - it’s celebrated by religious people only.

OLD NEW YEAR'S DAY
Oxymoron? No, as mentioned, the Gregorian calendar, accepted a century ago, moved the dates up by about two weeks, and the New Year, which had been celebrated earlier, moved to January 14. This is not an official holiday, but is jokingly perceived by Russians as an excuse to extend the New Year holidays and drink again.

EASTER
The traditions of celebrating Russian Easter are not similar to European or American ones - it is mostly a religious holiday. Its obligatory attributes are eggs and kulich (Easter bread).

MASLENITSA
Celebrated by all Eastern Slavs, Maslenitsa dates back to pre-Christian times and served to say goodbye to winter and to welcome spring. With the advent of Orthodoxy it was partially adapted to new realities. But the holiday has retained some pagan rituals - for example, even in our time on Sunday they burn an effigy of winter in a bonfire in the street, which symbolizes farewell to the cold season, and also eat bliny - thin pancakes - whose shape is associated with the sun. And, of course, no Maslenitsa is complete without merry festivities with outdoor games. The date of Maslenitsa week celebration varies, but usually falls in February or March.



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