Way to Russia Talk Lounge

YellowMelon · Frequent Guest Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Posts: 64

So, with Christmas Eve only a few days ahead of us I'd like to know how people in Russia celebrate it. Are there different traditions depending on the whereabouts of this vast country? I mean, in a country with eleven timezones it's quite a reason to think that there is some kind of diversity.

Ender

camarks · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 7:25 pm Post subject:

Christmas is less important in Russia than in Europe and the US, but it is celebrated. Also note that it is not as close as you think; "In accordance with the old Julian calendar, the Russian Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on 7 January". See http://www.russia.com/blog/russian-orthodox-christmas-7-january for more details.

Varrah · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 7:38 pm Post subject:

as for the timezones - those, who are healthy enough and live on the western side of Russia, try to celebrate for the whole day, starting with Petropavlovsk-Kachatskiy new year.

If you are interested in Christamas particularly, it is celebrated on the 7-th of January, since Russia is orthodox.

Avis · Posted: Sat Dec 20, 2008 9:03 pm Post subject:

As said above, we don't Smile

honestly most of russians celebrate the orthodox christmas just for it's in a row of bank holidays taking place from the 1st of jan till the 10th.. jmo lol

kinda why not give it another drink as we are on holidays so far

jmo again the explanation's russia's been out of any religion except of soviet /communist one for too long to start celebrating any christmas at once

YellowMelon · Frequent Guest Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Posts: 64

Hmm, I think I made a food out of myself. Confused

Thanks everyone for the links, I didn't know that it got to the point that Christmas was banned in Russia for almost a century.

The traditions as pointed out on www.russia.com are certainly interesting. Not exactly the way we do it in Sweden.

Randy · Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 6:52 am Post subject: Christmas

I believe it is safe to say that nobody here has been in a non-orthodox Christian church here. But then, not many tourist, or travelers go to Russia to attend church. There are thousands in Russia who celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December as we do. As explained to me by some of those people, Jan 7 is mostly celebrated as new year, and some of those will celebrate the Orthodox Christmas as well, because of tradition. Some of the denominations in Russia are Lutheran, Baptist, Church of God, Salvation Army, Catholic, Wicka, and some modern day ocults. All churches that are not Orthodx usually are under some sort of pressure from the Orthodox leaders, and the government as they are always changing the laws, and rules for these denominations to operate. I do know that approximately two years ago a Salvation Army church had its doors chained shut because of changing rules. Maybe someone could do some research on this, but I believe that some time ago the Duma has voted the Russian Orthodox Church as the official state religion. This caused much problem for the other religions, or churches.

Ender · Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 11:01 am Post subject: Re: Christmas

bunker6 · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 11:36 am Post subject:

Generally it's all vice versa. New year comes first being a large holiday when you have the bang-bang party with loud music, drinks, gifts and fireworks. Christmas is just a day when you are with your relatives, have some dinner, go to church, long talks... More calm and home style.