Christmas celebrations in Russia are different
from the rest of the world. A majority of Christians in Russia
belongs to the Eastern Orthodox Church who still uses the old Julian
calendar. Hence, their celebrations of Christmas are 13 days prior
to Christmas. The traditional Christmas celebrations in Russia
include special prayers and 39 days of fasting till 6 January, when
first star appears in the sky. The fast is concluded by a
twelve-course supper. Christmas dinner in Russia is meatless. A
special porridge made of wheat berries called kutya is served on the
auspicious day.
Christmas celebrations in Russia include procession around the
Church after Christmas Eve services in which people carry candles,
torches and homemade lanterns. The highest-ranking member of the
Russian Orthodox Church takes the lead of the procession which is
called as Krestny Khod. After completing a circle around the Church,
the congregation returns to the Church to sing hymns and Christmas
carols. People then move on to their homes for the meatless, but
festive Christmas Eve dinner.
A blend of traditions from Russia's Christian and pre-Christian
past is often associated with Christmas celebrations in Russia.
There was a custom of people masking as manger animals on Christmas
Eve. These masqueraded people traveled from house to house, singing
songs known as "kolyadki". Some of them were pastoral
carols to the baby Jesus while other songs praised the ancient solar
goddess Kolyada. These singers whole-heartedly accepted the food and
coins offered to them, before moving on to the next home.
The concept of Santa Claus in Russia is also different from the
rest of the world. In Russia, the gift giver is known as "Babushka".
She is a legendry grandmother. A fairy tale is related to the
Babushka. It is believed that she refused to accompany Wise Men to
see Lord Jesus Christ. Later when she felt guilty of her act, she
took a basket full of presents and set on her journey. However, she
never found Jesus Christ. Therefore, she leaves a present at the
door of every house in Russia.
