What are some Russian Christmas traditions?

Answer 1

Christmas in Russia - is a public holiday associated with the memory of the birth of Jesus Christ. The Christmas is celebrated on January 7 according to the Gregorian calendar (which corresponds to December 25, Old Style) . In Russia people keep the door open so that visitors could come and celebrate Christmas and share the festive gladness.

Christmas Eve is called " Eve " , and the word is derived from the ritual of food which people eat on this day. It was a porridge from red wheat or barley , rye, buckwheat and mixed with honey.

People couldn`t take the food on the Eve until the first star in memory of the star of Bethlehem.

Christmas is a holiday, when the whole family is gathered together at the same table . Table is preparing very abundant: pancakes , fish courses , aspic of pork and beef legs, suckling pig stuffed with oatmeal , a pig's head with horseradish , homemade pork sausage , roast meat, honey cakes and of course the roast goose and many pies.

Since Christmas it`s started Yule-tide - it`s holidays that last until Epiphany Eve festivities and accompanied by visit of relatives and friends, masquerades . In the olden days it was customary to caroling .

That is to go from house to house carol singing.

At Yule-Tide in Russia for centuries was accepted to dress up , organize fun games, go home, wake up the sleepers and congratulate all people walking the street and also people tell some jokes , sing a song . At the end of carols was universal fun, tobogganing , a common feast.

Yule divination is varied and numerous . Girls were engaged with it, sometimes under the guidance of senior women. Girls were wondered, if they would be married next year or remain " an old maid ", would be rich or poor , in general, whether alive or dead. So many divination related to the search of a betrothed .

Following the New Year celebrations in Russia comes Christmas. In accordance with Russian tradition Christmas is celebrated very fun and hospitable .

Nowadays there is the festive service during the night in the churches. Unfortunately for the Russian people in our time New Year is more important, than Home Christmas , probably because by this time the holiday in the country has been going for a week.

Answer 2

they sing chrismas