New Year in Russia is celebrated on January 1, the first day of the
Gregorian Calendar. In earlier times, New Year was celebrated in the
month of September. Later, this day was forbidden by Czar Peter, the
Great. In 1699, a decree was read about counting of years from Birth of
Christ since January 1. Thus, this day was declared as a New Year's day
in Russia. Since then, New Year became a family holiday for the people
of Russia.
New Year Traditions
Amongst the most popular New Year symbols is a New Year's Tree called
Novogodnaya Yolka which is topped with a bright star and
decorated with various sweets. Another popularly celebrated New Year
tradition is the arrival of
Ded Moroz or
Father Frost
and his granddaughter
Snegurochka the snow girl. They bring in
New Year presents for the good children and keep them under the New
Year's Tree. Children sing a song to make Father Frost happy.
New Year verve can be seen by the family get-together, use of
fireworks, delicious meals etc. The most important part of the New Year
activities is the sumptuous dinner with light music and champagne. The
most important meals include meat, green peas, pickles, mayonnaise,
onion, carrots and potatoes.
Russians also follow the tradition of listening to the New Year Speech
from the President on New Year's Day. There are some more fascinating
traditions followed at the time of New Year and the famous one is the
tradition of fortune telling. Many people especially women and unmarried
girls are excited to know about their future indulge in this acitivity.
New Year Celebrations in Russia
New Year is more of a winter vacation in Russia. Schools remain closed
from January 1 till January 13. The main New Year celebrations begin
from night of December 31. People usually prefer to spend the day with
their friends and family members. Party clubs, hotels and discotheques
are all jammed up at the time of New Year. The main New Year
celebrations come to an end on January 13th, when the country celebrates
the Old - Style New Year. This day is not declared as a public holiday
but is celebrated to mark the beginning of the year according to the
Julian calendar.
