National December holidays in Russia: what winter traditions have been preserved

December is not only the beginning of winter, but also the time when Russia celebrates the most important national holidays filled with ancient traditions and customs. The atmosphere of the winter national holidays, which were celebrated in Russia in December, and the meaning of each of them are described in the Izvestia article.

Varvara's Day — December 4th

In early December, Russia celebrated the transition to the winter cycle of rituals, which symbolized the renewal of nature and the entry into the coldest period of the year. The Slavs associated this month with the veneration of the spirits of the house and ancestors, as well as with preparations for the Christmas fast. The holidays were accompanied by fortune-telling, the first winter round dances and rituals for good luck in the household.

Of particular importance was Varvara's Day, which was considered the time of the first real frosts. On this day, the housewives served "varvara porridge" to protect the house from troubles, and the girls performed rituals for a speedy marriage. This was followed by St. Nicholas Day, when, according to tradition, St. Nicholas was asked to protect the family, a rich harvest and the preservation of livestock.

St. Nicholas Day — December 6th

St. Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 6 according to the Julian calendar (December 19 according to the Gregorian calendar), was one of the most beloved national holidays in Russia. On this day, folk festivals were held, songs were sung and fairs were held.

This day was especially important for the children — they believed that St. Nicholas, as a kind old man, brought gifts and treats. At night, the children put a handkerchief or a shoe under their pillow, and in the morning they found sweets or small gifts in them.

St. Andrew's Day — December 13th

The December cycle ended with St. Andrew's Day, associated with the ancient Slavic customs of fortune-telling and fortune-telling. Young people gathered for parties, set symbolic traps for the "grooms" and organized games that reflected the ideas of their ancestors about the transition from autumn to winter. These holidays have preserved a cultural trace and are still considered as part of the traditional national calendar.

Spiridon Day — December 25th

At the end of December, St. Spyridon's Day came, associated with rituals for the protection of homes and animals. The Slavs believed that Saint Spyridon "turns the sun to summer," so on this day they extinguished excess light, lit candles and read protective prayers. There were also folk practices: fumigating the home with herbs, walking around the yard with fire and wishing for well-being, which were supposed to ensure a successful transition to a new annual cycle.

New Year in the old style — December 31 — January 1

With the onset of December, the final preparations for the New Year began. In Russia, before the calendar was changed to the Gregorian calendar, the New Year was celebrated in the old style, which took place on the night of December 31 to January 1. This day was closely associated with the winter solstice, which gave it a special meaning.

On New Year's Eve, fun rituals were held in the old style, noisy celebrations, treats and dances were held. People believed that with the advent of the New Year, changes come, and this time was associated with the hope of happiness and good luck next year.

Christmas fast and preparation for Christmas — from November 28 to January 6

December is also the time of the Christmas Fast, which begins on November 28 and lasts until January 6. Although it is not a pure holiday, fasting served as a preparation for the celebration of the most important Christian holiday, Christmas. During this period, Orthodox believers abstained from meat and dairy products in preparation for spiritual purification.

Popularly, this time was also associated with various signs and customs related to the preparation for Christmas, including house cleaning, food preparation and charity events for those in need.

Candlemas of Winter — February 15th

Candlemas of Winter was also celebrated, an unspoken ceremonial day when it was believed that autumn was finally losing ground. The housewives observed the weather, brought the first snow into the house for "cleansing", and the men checked household supplies and repaired tools. It was a time of symbolic acceptance of winter and expectation of severe frosts.

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