Рождество Христово in Russia
Orthodox Christmas Day is a holiday in Russia. Orthodox Christmas Day is called Рождество Христово in Russia
When is Orthodox Christmas Day in Russia
Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated on 07, January, 2023 in Russia.
About Рождество Христово in Russia
The Рождество Христово holiday, also known as Christmas, is celebrated in Russia on January 7th. This is because the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used in the Western world.
The holiday is one of the most important religious celebrations in Russia and is marked by a variety of traditions and customs. Many people attend church services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with the most important service taking place on the night of January 6th.
Traditional Christmas foods in Russia include kutya, a sweet porridge made from wheat berries, honey, and poppy seeds, as well as meat dishes like roast pork or beef. Some families also decorate a Christmas tree and exchange gifts on Christmas Day.
In addition to religious observances, there are also secular traditions associated with the holiday. For example, many cities and towns have outdoor markets selling holiday treats and gifts, and there are often performances of traditional Russian folk music and dance.
Overall, the Рождество Христово holiday is a time for families and communities to come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to enjoy the festive spirit of the season.
History of Рождество Христово in Russia
Рождество Христово (Rozhdestvo Khristovo) or Christmas in Russia has a long and complex history. The holiday was originally celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox Church and was introduced to Russia in the 10th century. However, it was not until the 18th century that Christmas became an official holiday in Russia.
During the Soviet era, Christmas was banned, and the celebration of the holiday was replaced with the celebration of New Year’s Eve. It was not until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 that Christmas was once again celebrated in Russia.
Today, Christmas in Russia is celebrated on January 7th, following the Julian calendar, which is used by the Eastern Orthodox Church. The holiday is preceded by a 40-day period of fasting and prayer called Advent. On Christmas Eve, families gather for a special meal, which includes traditional dishes such as kutya (a porridge made from wheat berries, honey, and poppy seeds) and borscht (a beet soup).
After the meal, families attend a midnight mass at their local church, where they sing carols and light candles. The next day, Christmas Day, is a time for family gatherings and exchanging gifts.
In addition to the religious celebrations, Christmas in Russia is also marked by secular traditions such as the decoration of Christmas trees and the arrival of Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost), a figure similar to Santa Claus, who brings gifts to children.
How is Orthodox Christmas Day celebrated in Russia
Рождество Христово (Christmas) is celebrated in Russia on January 7th, according to the Julian calendar. Here are some of the ways it is celebrated:
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Fasting: Many Russians fast for 40 days leading up to Christmas, abstaining from meat, dairy, and alcohol.
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Church Services: On Christmas Eve, many people attend a special church service, called the All-Night Vigil. The service can last up to 6 hours and includes singing, prayers, and the reading of the Nativity story.
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Traditional Meals: On Christmas Day, families gather to enjoy a festive meal, which typically includes meat dishes, such as roasted pork or beef, as well as a variety of side dishes and desserts.
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Gift Giving: Like in many other countries, Christmas is a time for gift-giving in Russia. Children may receive gifts from Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and his granddaughter Snegurochka (Snow Maiden).
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Decorations: Many homes and public spaces are decorated with Christmas lights, ornaments, and other festive decorations.
Overall, Рождество Христово is a time for families to come together, reflect on the birth of Jesus, and enjoy the company of loved ones.
Dates
Orthodox Christmas Day will be celebrated in Russia on 2023-01-07 2024-01-07 2025-01-07 2026-01-07 2027-01-07 in the comming years.