Did you know that in Russia they celebrate the New Year twice? In addition, no, the second one is not according to the Chinese calendar. It is the Old New Year. Which begs the question: how is it old. Alternatively, is it a new year? We will now tell you more about an unusual Russian tradition.
In ancient times, the annual cycle depended on the planting and harvesting season, and in Russia met the New Year on March 22, the vernal equinox day. At the X century end in Russia adopted Christianity, and began to meet the New Year by the1 September Byzantine tradition. However, not all, until about the XV century in the country different parts New Year celebrated differently: somewhere in spring and somewhere in autumn.
At the end of the XVII century, Peter I issued a decree on New Year’s Day on 1 January, in accordance with the European tradition. In the XVIII century, almost all European countries switched to the Gregorian calendar, and as a result “lost” 13 days. And Russia, which in the XX century beginning still kept Julian calendar, lagged behind Europe by as many as 13 days.
In 1918, the Bolsheviks decided to correct this calendar discrepancy in order to “catch up” with the world rest. 1919 began on 1 January, but according to the new Gregorian calendar. Interestingly, for the same reason Russia celebrates Christmas on 7 January 25 December instead. Nevertheless, habit is a strong thing; so many people still celebrate New Year’s Eve according to the old style (13th/14th January). However, this holiday is considered unofficial. In addition, the Russian Orthodox Church has not switched to the Gregorian calendar, and continues to celebrate Christmas first, and the New Year at the Lent end.
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Old New Year is not celebrated as widely as a traditional holiday, but many people try to gather around the table as a family. One tradition is to make dumplings with a “surprise” on New Year’s Eve. The usual stuffing instead, the dumplings are filled with something else – a coin, a pepper or a bean. Anyone eating such a dumpling is likely to be lucky throughout the year.
In Russia, it is believed that the way you spend the New Year first hours will be the same for the whole year. This superstition is also true for the Old New Year. Therefore, a good table, a cheerful mood and beautiful clothes are important for those celebrating the New Year.
On this day, people also observe weather omens, which predict what the next year will be like. For instance, if the wind blows from the south, the year will be hot and enjoyable, and if the wind blows from the west, we’ll always have food plenty. A clear, starry sky portends a good berry harvest.
In addition, course 14 January is the all New Year celebrations end. On this day, many people take the toys off the tree, remove the decorations and throw away the tree.
Moreover, some useful vocabulary so you can speak fluently in Russian about the old New Year:
Overall, the old New Year in Russia is another reason to get together with the whole family, invite friends and relatives, have fun and relax.
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