Are you celebrating Christmas in Russia? We’ve gathered the complete guide for Russian Christmas traditions to help you out – including how they celebrate, gifting etiquette, and more.
To help you explore their Christmas traditions, this article is organized into:
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Unique Christmas Traditions in Russia
- Sviatki (Holy Days): Christmas in Russia is celebrated on January 7th according to the Julian calendar. The period from January 7th to January 19th (Epiphany) is called Sviatki or the “Holy Days.” During this time, families gather, attend church services, and participate in various festive activities.
- Velikiy Post (Great Fast): Russian Orthodox Christians observe a 40-day fast called the Velikiy Post leading up to Christmas. During this period, many avoid meat, dairy, and other rich foods as a spiritual preparation. The fast ends with a festive Christmas meal on the night of January 6th, known as the Holy Supper.
- Ded Moroz and Snegurochka: Unlike Santa Claus, Russia has Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost), who is accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka (the Snow Maiden). Ded Moroz and Snegurochka visit children on New Year’s Eve, bringing gifts. Ded Moroz is often dressed in a long blue or silver coat, distinguishing him from Santa Claus.
- Fortune-Telling: Christmas and the period following it are considered a mystical time, particularly for divination and fortune-telling. Young women often gather to predict their future, especially about marriage. Popular methods include reading tea leaves, looking into mirrors, or interpreting wax shapes in water.
How to Say “Merry Christmas” in Russian?
On Christmas Day, Russians greet each other with “Христос рождается!” (“Christ is born!”), and the response is “Славите Его!” (“Glorify Him!”). This traditional greeting reflects the deep spiritual significance of Christmas in Russian culture.
Do you need more variety of Christmas wishes? Here is our full article on Christmas Wishes in Russian.
Russian Christmas Gifting Etiquette
When participating in Russian Christmas celebrations, understanding the gifting etiquette is essential to show respect and appreciation for the culture. Here are some key do’s and don’ts:
Do’s in Gifting
- Bring a Gift: If invited to a Russian home for Christmas, it’s customary to bring a gift, such as chocolates, pastries, or a good bottle of wine. This gesture is appreciated and reflects good manners.
- Include Children: If children are present, it is polite to bring a small gift or treat for them. This shows thoughtfulness and consideration for the younger family members.
- Be Persistent with Offers: Russians may initially protest when offered a gift. It’s customary to insist that it’s just a small token and offer it again, which will generally lead to acceptance.
- Consider Practical Gifts: Gifts that are practical or cater to the recipient’s interests are well-received. This could include household items or gourmet food products.
Don’ts in Gifting
- Avoid Yellow Flowers: Giving yellow flowers is considered bad luck and may be interpreted as a sign of separation or betrayal.
- Skip Jewelry and Makeup: Avoid gifting jewelry or makeup unless you have a very close relationship with the recipient. These gifts can be seen as too personal or intimate.
- Refrain from Giving Even Numbers of Flowers: Even numbers are associated with funerals, so always opt for odd numbers when gifting flowers
Traditional Russian Christmas Food
- Twelve Dishes of Christmas: The Christmas Eve dinner typically includes twelve dishes, representing the Twelve Apostles.Common dishes include kutya (a sweet porridge made with wheat berries, honey, and poppy seeds), borscht (beet soup), and pierogi (dumplings). The meal is usually meatless, adhering to fasting customs.
- Kozuli Cookies: In some Russian regions, families make traditional kozuli—decorative Christmas cookies often shaped like animals, stars, or angels. These cookies are made with gingerbread-like dough and are sometimes painted with colorful icing. Kozuli can be eaten or used as Christmas tree decorations.
Yolka (Christmas Tree)
While the yolka (tree) is often associated with New Year’s Eve celebrations in Russia, some families also keep it up until Christmas on January 7th. Trees are decorated with ornaments, tinsel, and lights, and sometimes topped with a star symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem or Soviet heritage.
Kolyada
Caroling, or Kolyada, is a popular tradition during the Sviatki period. Groups of people, often children, dress in traditional clothing and visit homes, singing carols and reciting poetry. In return, they are given sweets, money, or small gifts. Kolyada has roots in pagan Slavic customs and symbolizes blessings for the household.
Orthodox Midnight Liturgy
Many Russians attend a solemn midnight liturgy at church on Christmas Eve. This service is one of the highlights of the Russian Orthodox Christmas celebration, marked by beautiful choral music, candlelight, and the rich traditions of the Orthodox liturgy.
Conclusion
Celebrating Christmas in Russia goes beyond food and gifts. It’s a time to honor love, cherish family, and embrace timeless traditions. Christmas is imbued with cultural richness and meaningful celebrations. Have a happy holiday!
Sophie is an etiquette coach who has the rare ability to make the intricacies of etiquette approachable and fun. She travels around the world coaching families, individuals, corporates and independent schools. Sophie has honed her craft without losing her easy-going charm.