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Christmas in Russia
Christmas is one of the main religious holidays in Russia, national holiday celebrated on the 7th of January after New Year holiday and marks the birthday of Jesus Christ. In Russia the main Religion is called Orthodox. It is one of the most popular Russian holidays.
Christmas is an integral part of big New Year Holidays (10 days) when most of Russians don’t work. Russians celebrate Christmas since the Baptism of Rus. 10th century.
Christmas in Russia has many traditions and special events.
On Christmas Eve (6 January), Russians go to churches and cook at homes traditional Christmas Eve "Holy Supper", some families make 12 dishes in the honor of the Twelve Apostles. Some Russians who keep Christmas fast don’t eat until the first star appears in the sky. Christmas or Advent fast is a second important fast after the Great Lent. After dinner instead of washing dishes Russians give presents to each other and then some families go to Church for divine service which lasts up to 3-4 a.m.
During Christmas Russians visit their relatives and friends say «S Rojdestvom» (Marry Christmas) and give presents to each other.
In Russian Christmas Eve and night before Christmas have special customs and rituals. For example at the same time starts «Svyatky» - old Slavic session of 12 holidays until the 19th of January. In ancient times young women made special magic rituals to tell fortune and invoke images of their future husbands.
Interesting facts about Christmas in Russia
Fir tree is also a symbol of Christmas as well as a symbol of New Year in Russia. Some families invite for their children at Christmas Russian Santa Claus who is called «Ded Moroz» (Literally - Grandfather Frost). During Christmas night people like to walk and light fireworks and sing Christmas carols – songs. If you hear somebody singing songs especially children you may give them fruits, chocolates and candies.
Many famous Russian novelists and writers wrote stories about Christmas and its traditions. We recommend to read The fairy novel of Russian outstanding and world famous author Vassily Gogol’ «Notch pered Rojdestvom» (Night before Christmas”.
It is always a good idea to celebrate Christmas out of big cities with friends in some recreation areas or at country houses to enjoy fresh air and nature.