Russian Festivals

Russia is one of the most exciting places to be in the world. Russia’s rich cultural and ethnic diversity create celebrations that are like no other. While many of these are Christian in origin, Pagan and other influences change Russian holidays in unique ways.

New Year

All of Russia eagerly awaits the New Year Celebration. Originally created as a way to get around laws suppressing religious expression, New Year’s celebrations began with Christmas traditions. Old Pagan customs were also incorporated into this event. Children sing to “Grandfather Frost” and his granddaughter. They bring gifts to revelers who gather around decorated trees enjoying delicious sweets.  An elaborate feast for family and friends follows this.

On January 7^th, Orthodox Christmas is observed. This religious holiday celebrates the birth of Christ. Close family spends the day together and share kutiya, a sweet porridge traditionally made from wheat berries, poppy seeds, honey, nuts and sometimes raisins. Very religious Russians spend time in Church lighting candles and praying.

Maslenitsa (Pancake week)

Maslenitsa takes place the week before lent and gives Russians the chance to use up the last of their dairy products before they begin the rigid dietary restrictions of the Russian Orthodox Lent. Originally a Pagan holiday, Maslenitsa celebrates the arrival of Spring. The traditional food eaten is the blini, a yeasted buckwheat pancake that represents renewed life and the sun. These pancakes are eaten hot with butter or sour cream and caviar.

On the last day of Maslenitsa, everybody asks for forgiveness in order to prepare for Lent. The formal reply is to bow and say “God will forgive you.” At the end of the celebration, any remaining pancakes and a straw effigy are burned. The resulting ashes are buried in the snow in hopes that they will fertilize the soil in the coming year.

Easter

The next major celebration is Easter, a sacred holiday devoted to remembering the resurrection of Christ. Russians create elaborate cakes and breads and decorate hard-boiled eggs. After 40 days of Lent, Russians celebrate by feasting on meat, dairy, and other items that had been forbidden to them. During these parties, people greet each other by exchanging painted eggs, proclaiming “Christ Arise!” and kissing each other on the cheek.

Between Christian holidays, Pagan holidays and secular National holidays, there is no shortage of celebrations in Russia.