Christmas and winter holidays in Russia.

St. Nicholas is especially popular in Russia. The feast of St. Nicholas (December 6) was observed for many centuries, but after the communist revolution, the celebration of the feast was suppressed, only to return after the fall of Communism. Christmas trees were also banned by the Communist regime and were replaced by "New Year's" trees.

Most Christian Russians belong to the Eastern Orthodox Church, and it is customary to fast until after the first church service on January 6, Christmas Eve. The church in Russia still uses the old Julian calendar, therefore their Christmas celebration is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar that we use.

Christmas Eve dinner is meatless but festive. The most important ingredient is a special porridge called kutya. It is made of wheat berries or other grains which symbolize hope and immortality, and honey and poppy seeds which ensure happiness, success, and untroubled rest. A ceremony involving the blessing of the home is frequently observed. The kutya is eaten from a common dish to symbolize unity. Some families used to throw a spoonful of kutya up to the ceiling. According to tradition, if the kutya stuck, there would be a plentiful honey harvest.

For many Russians, a return to religion represents a return to their old roots and their old culture. Throughout Russia, after Christmas Eve services, people carrying candles, torches, and homemade lanterns parade around the church, just as their grandparents and great-grandparents did long ago. The Krestny Khod procession is led by the highest-ranking member of the Russian Orthodox Church. After the procession completes its circle around the church, the congregation re-enters and they sing several carols and hymns before going home for a late Christmas Eve dinner.

Merry Christmas and Happy new Year!

In Russia, Ded Moroz (Father Frost) closely related to Santa Claus.. He is usually illustrated with his granddaughter, the snow maiden, Snegurochka riding with an evergreen tree and presents in a traditional Russian troika. A troika is a sleigh drawn by 3 horses yoked abreast. Snow Maiden (pronounced "Snegurachka" in Russian) has no prototypes in Western tradition. She is careful assistant to the Father Frost.

Swiatki (Christmastide)
Two-week feast between Orthodox Christmas (January,7) and Epiphany (January,19) was named Swiatki. This festival disapproved by Church but was popular among people. Fortune-telling, ethnic songs and dancing, carnivals and games took place at this time. Maidens told her fortune about future marriage. There are many rituals of such fortune-telling.

December,24: Western Christmas
January,1: New Year
January,7: Orthodox Christmas
January,14: Old-syle New Year
January,19: Epiphany
Swiatki festival begin at January,7 (New Style), end on January,19.