2008
Christmas in Russia – tips for sending Christmas Flowers & Gifts to Russia
In the days of the Soviet Union, Christmas was not celebrated very much. The New Year’s time was much more important. With the fall of Communism, Christmas finally regained its lost glory and was declared a national holiday in the country. Since then, it is openly celebrated on January 7th. The date is different from the rest of the world because the Russian Orthodox church uses the old ‘Julian’ calendar for religious celebration days. The Orthodox Church also celebrates Advent. But it has fixed dates, starting on 28th November and going to the 6th January. Russians fast during these 6 weeks, they eat only vegetarian food, no meat is allowed.
The fast, typically, lasts until after the evening worship service or until the first star appears. The dinner that follows, called “The Holy Supper”, is very much a celebration, although, meat is not permitted. The meal begins with the Lord’s Prayer, led by the father of the family. A prayer of thanksgiving for all the blessings of the past year is said and then prayers for the good things in the coming year are offered. The head of the family greets those present with the traditional Christmas greeting: “Christ is Born!”. The family members respond: “Glorify Him!”. After the dinner the family usually goes to Church, coming home between 2 and 3 am.
The most traditional Christmas food is Kutya (kutia) – a type of porridge made of wheat, honey and poppy seed. All the ingredients symbolize hope, immortality, happiness, and peace. The family members eat this special dish from a single dish reflecting love and unity for their dear ones.
On the Feast of the Nativity, neighbors and family members visit each other, going from house to house, eating, drinking, singing Carols and giving Christmas presents.
One of the most popular Christmas traditions in Russia is that groups of people (mostly kids) dress themselves as animals and wander from house to house singing special songs called kolyadki. These songs have various topics like carols sung for baby Jesus. People in return give little gifts, fruit, sweets or pay coins as appreciation for songs.
The Russian Christmas greeting is ‘S Rozhdestvom!’.
For Christmas Gift Ideas to Russia visit our website.
Roses and Teddy Bear to Ukraine
Romantic presents are always in fashion.
Roses to Ukraine
A bunch of red roses will warm your nearest and dearest during the cold winter.
Gift Basket to Tomsk, Russia
“Hi,
The present cheered Robert up.
Everything was perfect and it made people’s eyes open at the Student Hostel in Tomsk!!
Thanks”
Teddy bear anf roses for your loved one
“The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.” Morrie Schwartz
New Year in Russia
New Year in Russia is celebrated on January 1, the first day of the Gregorian Calendar, and it’s often more important than Christmas.
The most popular symbol of this holiday is a New Year’s Tree called Novogodnaya Yolka which is topped with a bright red star and decorated with various sweets. The most popularly celebrated New Year tradition is the arrival of Ded Moroz (Father Frost, Santa Claus) and his granddaughter Snegurochka (the snowgirl). They bring New Year presents for the good children and hide them under the pine tree. To acquire gifts, children must sing a song or recite a poem.
New Year’s verve can be seen by the family get-together, use of fireworks, delicious meals, etc. The most important part of the New Year activities is the sumptuous dinner with light music and champagne. The major meals include Olive salad with meat, potatoes, pickles, green peas, onion, carrots, and mayonnaise.
Russians also follow the tradition of listening to the New Year Speech from the President at 12 a.m. on 1 January. After that everybody says ‘S novym Godom!’ (Happy New Year), clink glasses with champagne, make a wish within the first few moments of the New Year, and give each other presents.
There are some other fascinating traditions followed at the time of New Year and the famous one is the tradition of fortune-telling. Many people especially women and unmarried girls are excited to know about their future indulge in this activity.
Read about Christmas in Russia in the next issue.
For New Year Gift Ideas visit our website.
