One of the revered holidays in Russia is Christmas , which has its own traditions, which began in ancient times. The holiday is celebrated from 6 to 7 January and it is necessary to prepare for it in advance. Many people attend the church service on this day.
Festive feast
Russian Christmas is traditionally preceded by a post that ends on January 6. This day is called Christmas Eve. It is believed that you can not sit down at the festive table until the first star rises, which symbolizes the Bethlehem star. It was she who informed the Magi about the birth of Jesus.
It is customary to serve special dishes on this holiday:
- according to the tradition of Russian Christmas, the hostess should prepare the oatmeal - a dish of rice with honey and fruits, it is served first, sometimes other cereals are used;
- it is believed that on the festive table should be strictly 12 dishes;
- drink down the food you need to be a kvartar , that is, compote of dried fruits and berries;
- necessarily in the menu should be pork.
An even number of people should sit down at the table, or an extra set of instruments can be installed.
Fun and Entertainment
According to the tradition of the Russian people from Christmas to the Epiphany, Christmas Eve is celebrated. This is a time of celebration, festivities and general fun. People dress up, go to their homes, sing carols and congratulate each other. All this should be accompanied by games, roller-coaster rides, noise.
Singing Christmas carols is an important tradition of celebrating Christmas in Russia. It consists in the fact that a group of people bypasses the house and sings to the owners wishes for happiness and prosperity for the whole year that has begun. In return, they receive generous gifts.
Among the young girls, beginning from this day and up to Baptism, it is usual to guess, trying to learn about what awaits everyone during the year. Of course, first of all, they are guessing about the possibility of marriage. It is believed that on the holy week, all predictions will be most accurate.