Christmas Around the World – Putin on the Ritz
We can give Vladimir Putin credit for running around showing off his bare chest, particularly when it comes to riding horseback and other manly activities. We can also give him credit for putting Christmas back into the thoughts of the Russians by attending Christmas liturgy every Christmas. Thankfully, the Russians appear to be following his leadership on the Christmas celebration and not the need to show off pecs and abs.
As of 1917, the Bolsheviks banned Christmas celebrations, and the Russian Christmas soon gave way to Festival of Winter and the New Year was the celebration. The tree decorations and the presents were now a symbol of the New Year. Since most of the Christians occupying Russia were Orthodox, they followed the Advent calendar, only their rendition was 40 days as opposed to the more traditional 24 days. Advent begins on the 28th of November and runs until the 7th of January, which is the date that Orthodox Russian Christmas celebrate Christmas. The small handful of Catholics in the country celebrate on the traditional 25th of December. The Orthodox use the old Julian Calendar as their guide to the dates for holidays.
Russian Christmas starts on the 31st of December and goes until the 10th of January. This is the time that the entire country celebrates the holidays with parties, food, gifting, fasting and celebrations. Those who fast can start as many as 39 days prior to Christmas Eve (January 6th), and they continue the fast until the first star appears in the sky on Christmas Eve. Then there are meals of hot porridge (sochivo) filled with fruits and berries. It can also include walnuts, grapes, poppy seeds and honey. The porridge is served in a common bowl. There can also be porridge tossing, which is a spoonful is thrown up to the ceiling and if it sticks, you will have good luck. If it doesn’t, someone is on the cleaning committee.
Rice and wheat porridges make up the end of the fasting.
The end of the fast is celebrated with the commencement of a 12 course meal. The courses in this meal are representative of the apostles, and the meal consists of fish, vegetables and dried fruits. It does not contain meat. They are really big on sauerkraut in Russia, and along with mushrooms, potatoes and beet root soup, the meal is a vegetarian delight. Dessert on the other hand consists of gingerbread, honeybread cookies and fruit pies. A cup of Vzvar is a welcome addition to the table. This drink is boiled fruit and honey that makes a sweet drink. The Vzvar means boil up, but the traditional meaning is the baby Jesus.
The traditional use of a white tablecloth and hay on the floor symbolizes the manager and Jesus’ birth.
As of 1917, the Bolsheviks banned Christmas celebrations, and the Russian Christmas soon gave way to Festival of Winter and the New Year was the celebration. The tree decorations and the presents were now a symbol of the New Year. Since most of the Christians occupying Russia were Orthodox, they followed the Advent calendar, only their rendition was 40 days as opposed to the more traditional 24 days. Advent begins on the 28th of November and runs until the 7th of January, which is the date that Orthodox Russian Christmas celebrate Christmas. The small handful of Catholics in the country celebrate on the traditional 25th of December. The Orthodox use the old Julian Calendar as their guide to the dates for holidays.
Russian Christmas starts on the 31st of December and goes until the 10th of January. This is the time that the entire country celebrates the holidays with parties, food, gifting, fasting and celebrations. Those who fast can start as many as 39 days prior to Christmas Eve (January 6th), and they continue the fast until the first star appears in the sky on Christmas Eve. Then there are meals of hot porridge (sochivo) filled with fruits and berries. It can also include walnuts, grapes, poppy seeds and honey. The porridge is served in a common bowl. There can also be porridge tossing, which is a spoonful is thrown up to the ceiling and if it sticks, you will have good luck. If it doesn’t, someone is on the cleaning committee.
Rice and wheat porridges make up the end of the fasting.
The end of the fast is celebrated with the commencement of a 12 course meal. The courses in this meal are representative of the apostles, and the meal consists of fish, vegetables and dried fruits. It does not contain meat. They are really big on sauerkraut in Russia, and along with mushrooms, potatoes and beet root soup, the meal is a vegetarian delight. Dessert on the other hand consists of gingerbread, honeybread cookies and fruit pies. A cup of Vzvar is a welcome addition to the table. This drink is boiled fruit and honey that makes a sweet drink. The Vzvar means boil up, but the traditional meaning is the baby Jesus.
The traditional use of a white tablecloth and hay on the floor symbolizes the manager and Jesus’ birth.
After the meal, everyone heads off to church services. Dishes do not get washed until they return from the services, even if it is 5 a.m.
Around this time, Father Frost shows up for all the kiddies. He is accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka. The children traditionally stand around the Christmas tree holding hands and calling for Father Frost and Snegurochka to appear. Magically, the tree lights up and there they are!
The most traditional gift delivering figure of the Russian traditions is the grandmotherly Babushka. It is said that she was visited by the Wise Men who were looking for directions that would take them to Jesus. She declined to accompany them on their journey, so now, out of regret, she wanders around bringing gifts to all the children because she neglected to take gifts to Jesus.
Babushka sends kisses to all the boys and girls
The Russians love their decorated trees, and the sight this tree filled with lights in Moscow’s Red Square is a beautiful sight.
Maybe you can find something here for those on your gift list.
Green and White Artisan Enamel Earrings, Handmade Lampwork Jewelry
Crocheted Irish Knit Sweater &Headband Deep Sage
Climbing Rose Bush and Palm Tree Solvang California
Copper Cactus Jade V Chain Adjustable Charm
Czech Teal Green Crystal Entwined Male and Female Heart Necklace
KatsAllThat
Christmas Fox Earrings, Faux Vintage Tin Snowflakes Handmade Jewelry
Shadow Dog Designs
Tree of Life Earrings - Peridot Bicone Crystals - Chose Silvertone or Gold
Bright Green Crystal And White Pearl Short Length Necklace With Sterling Silver, 17 Inches
Merry Christmas Holiday Gift Tags with Red and Green Ribbon
AdorebyNat
The Colonnade Restaurant 10 x 18 Fine Art Print Tampa
Green and Black Fractal Earrings for Women with Swarovski Crystals
Looking for something different?
Here are more links to additional beautiful, handmade gifts.
Kiss Babushka good-bye, dress warm and let’s head off to our next destination. The time is growing short, and we only have three more stops before this tour ends.
Enjoy
Julie and Little Harry
Enjoy
Julie and Little Harry
Another interesting read! Am so glad to hear that Father Christmas up with his granddaughter, Snegurochka, instead of evil looking beasties that like to thrash children. Love your choices of green items - perfect for under the Christmas tree or in a sticking. Many hanks for including my happy fox earrings. Treats to the Handsome Harry Florida Dog from the Moose Who Was Greatly Offended When The Water Meter Reader Guy Came Too Near The House. Thanks again, Julie and Harry!
ReplyDeleteAlthough a puckered up Babushka could be a little scary . . . LOL!
ReplyDeleteI heard that Christmas is really big in Russia. The lights decorate the city center and they have such a fabulous tradition. Not so keen on their food though. I saw a vlogger who married a Russian and she tried the food which I think I would agree with her, like watermelon pickles in a jar, everyone?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for including my Merry Christmas Tags, Julie. Will share.
Enjoyed reading about Christmas in Russia, Julie. Mike's family is Russian Orthodox and for many years there would be a Christmas party celebrated on New Year's day (since most everyone was off work). That meant celebrating the holidays for two weeks which was great for my boys when they were young having two Santa's. The selection of green gifts are gorgeous! Thank you for including my green crystal and pearl choker necklace. I have pinned all on Pinterest on various boards.
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie for including my historical landmark in Tampa, Florida.
ReplyDeleteWill promote all.
Very interesting article and I really got a chuckle out of this tradition.
There can also be porridge tossing, which is a spoonful is thrown up to the ceiling and if it sticks, you will have good luck. If it doesn’t, someone is on the cleaning committee.
Thank you Julie for another very interesting look at Christmas Around the World in Russia!
ReplyDeleteI love reading how so many different cultures, are not that different when celebrating Christmas.
Thank you for including my Sage Green Infant Sweater/Headband Set among your featured Christmas Gifts!
Thank you Julie for your weekly education on these great Christmas traditions around the world. All will be promoted and I thank you for including my heart necklace.
ReplyDeleteIt warms my heart that Russia is celebrating Christmas. Thanks for the info and for including my earrings.
ReplyDeletePinned all to 2021 Holiday Shopping.
Another fantastic piece on Christmas traditions around the world, and more beautiful handmade goodies to check out! The Russian traditions are interesting, but Ms. Babushka is just a little freaky. (Eeeee ...) Thanks for the post. Will be tweeting it. Treats to Prince Harry Pup and all the BMECountdown furpals from Sir Gonze! :)
ReplyDelete