Old New Year in 2026: what not to do on a holiday

On the night of January 14, 2026, millions of Russians will celebrate the old New Year, a holiday that has been preserved since the transition to the Gregorian calendar. Despite the lack of an official status, this date continues to be an important part of the cultural tradition, which is associated with many folk customs and prohibitions. About what can not be done on the old New Year — in the material of Izvestia.

The history of Old New Year's Bans in Russia

The Old New Year, celebrated on January 14, corresponds to January 1 according to the Julian calendar, which operated in Russia until 1918. This date in the Orthodox tradition is dedicated to St. Basil the Great, and in the national calendar it is known as St. Basil's Day. The eve of the holiday, January 13, is called Vasiliev Evening, or Shchedryts. Many of the prohibitions of this day have their roots in pre-Christian times and are associated with agrarian cults and magical practices. People believed that certain actions could affect crops, family well-being, and livestock health.

With the advent of Christianity, pagan customs intertwined with church institutions, creating a complex set of rules of conduct. The Church does not approve of superstition, but recognizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The clergy urge to treat folk traditions with consideration, without going to extremes, and to remember the spiritual component of the holiday.

Financial bans in the Old New Year – 2026

One of the most famous prohibitions is related to financial transactions. According to popular beliefs, it is forbidden to lend money in the old New Year, otherwise the whole year will be spent in debt and financial difficulties. It is especially undesirable to borrow large sums or give away the last funds. It is believed that along with money, financial luck and stability leave the house. If it is impossible to avoid a loan, it is recommended to take a nominal fee or an exchange for an item.

It is also not recommended to engage in large purchases and investments. Popular wisdom says that significant spending on this day can lead to an irrational use of funds in the future. However, small purchases, especially products for the festive table, are considered acceptable. These prohibitions also have a rational explanation — after the New Year holidays, many families face financial strain and limiting spontaneous spending helps to save the budget.

Family inhibitions and interpersonal relationships

Quarrels and conflicts with loved ones are an important prohibition. According to beliefs, anyone who swears in the old New Year will be in a state of hostility with the household for the next year. It is especially dangerous to swear and raise your voice at older family members. This prohibition reflects the folk wisdom about the importance of family harmony. In traditional culture, the New Year was perceived as a time of a new beginning, and quarrels on this day could negatively affect relationships throughout the coming period.

It is not recommended to refuse hospitality — a random guest on this day is considered a messenger of good luck. Idle talk and gossip should also be avoided. Special attention is paid to the prohibition of refusing assistance to those in need. Alms to the poor and donations to charity, on the contrary, are welcome and are considered a guarantee of financial well-being in the coming year.

Household prohibitions and housework

There are a number of prohibitions related to household chores. According to popular superstitions, in the old New year it is forbidden to take out the garbage from the house, especially after sunset. It is believed that along with the waste, one can accidentally take out family well-being and good luck. Cleaning of the house is recommended to be completed before the holiday. Many housewives note that they always clean up on January 12 to keep the holiday clean, and on January 13-14, you can only keep order, but you shouldn't do a general cleaning.

Washing and needlework are also prohibited. Beliefs say that doing laundry on this day leads to tears and troubles in your personal life. Sewing, knitting and embroidery can lead to the fact that the whole year will be filled with problems and difficulties. These prohibitions are related to the idea of the holiday as a sacred time when everyday activities should give way to spiritual practices and communication with loved ones.

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Food bans and feast traditions

The festive dinner on St. Basil's Evening has a special significance. According to tradition, there should be at least 12 dishes on the table, symbolizing the months of the year. However, there are a number of dietary restrictions. It is not recommended to serve fish and poultry dishes — according to legend, this can lead to the fact that happiness will leave the house. The main course was traditionally roast piglet or other meat treats.

At the festive table, one should not refuse treats — this is considered a sign of disrespect for the hosts and can lead to poverty. Particular attention is paid to the prohibition of alcohol in excessive quantities. Folk wisdom says that anyone who abuses alcohol this evening will spend the whole year in a difficult situation and will not be able to make the right decisions. This prohibition also has a medical justification — after the New Year holidays, the body is weakened and additional alcohol exposure can be dangerous to health.

Religious restrictions and spiritual practices

There are additional restrictions for believers. It is not recommended to engage in occult practices and fortune-telling, although this tradition persists in popular culture. The Church has a negative attitude towards such actions, considering them sinful. Instead of fortune-telling, it is recommended to attend evening worship and pray for well-being for the coming year. St. Basil's Day is considered a time of gratitude to God for the past and hope for the future.

A special ban applies to memories of failures and illnesses of the past year. It is believed that negative thoughts on this day can attract new problems. A positive attitude really affects the perception of reality, and starting the year with optimism is a useful practice with scientific justification.

Regional features of holiday bans

Different regions of Russia have their own unique prohibitions related to local traditions. In Kuban, for example, it is not recommended to wear new clothes on this day — it is believed that this may lead to unexpected expenses. In Siberia, there is a ban on telling about dreams seen on the night of the old New Year, as their interpretation may be deceptive. The study of regional differences in holiday prohibitions helps to understand the history of settlement of territories and cultural interactions between different peoples of Russia.

Modern attitudes towards traditional prohibitions

In the 21st century, many people are skeptical about popular prohibitions, but some of them find a rational explanation. Psychologists note that following certain rituals can help structure time and reduce anxiety. Even if a person does not believe in the magical power of prohibitions, observing them can be a way to connect with cultural tradition and family history.

Experts agree that the main thing is to find a balance between respect for traditions and common sense. Many modern Russians observe only those prohibitions that do not contradict their lifestyle. For example, not quarreling or cleaning is considered pleasant and useful on any holiday. According to a VTsIOM survey, about 30% of Russians take into account folk signs in the old New Year to one degree or another, and this percentage is gradually increasing among young people.

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