The old New Year has arrived – 2026: the true story of the holiday

The eve of January 14, 2026, once again reminded millions of residents of Russia and other countries of the existence of a unique phenomenon — the old New Year, a holiday with a complicated history and an unofficial but solid status. Its origin goes back centuries, to the confrontation of two calendar systems and the complex process of their integration into public life. Why this holiday has been preserved more than a century after the calendar reform and what it means for modern people is in the material of Izvestia.

The history of the old New Year: where did the holiday come from in Russia

The history of the old New Year is inextricably linked with the transition of Russia from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. This change was implemented by decree of the Council of People's Commissars of the RSFSR dated January 26 (February 8, new style), 1918. The document prescribed counting February 14, 1918, as the day following January 31, which made it possible to reduce the gap between calendar systems that had accumulated over the centuries.

The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, was about 13 days behind astronomical time by the 20th century. The Gregorian system, approved by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, was more accurate and was gradually adopted by most European countries in the 16th and 18th centuries. Russia kept the Julian calendar until 1918, continuing to live according to the "old style".

Thus, the celebration of the New Year on the night of January 14th is a meeting of the New Year according to the old Julian calendar. This date is historically determined by the difference between the calendars and does not correspond to the current astronomical time. However, the tradition proved to be so tenacious that it outlived the very reason for its appearance.

Why the Old New Year is celebrated on January 14th: religious and folk traditions

The most important aspect that allowed this holiday to take root was its connection with the Orthodox calendar. The Russian Orthodox Church still uses the Julian calendar, so January 1 falls on January 14 in the old style.

When Russia switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1918, the secular New Year began to be celebrated on January 1 in a new style — that is, during the Christmas Fast, which was not entirely appropriate for believers. And January 14 (January 1, old style) already follows Christmas, so believers could celebrate the coming of the year without breaking the fast.

In folk tradition, the evening before January 14 is known as St. Basil's Evening, dedicated to the memory of St. Basil the Great (his memorial day is January 14). Many rituals and beliefs are associated with this day: sowing (sowing grain in houses with wishes of wealth), fortune—telling, cooking "generous porridge" and feasting with pork dishes - a symbol of prosperity and fertility.

Old New Year: a holiday that lives only in Russia — that's what it really means

The holiday combines the calendar history and folk traditions of the winter cycle

Old New Year in 2026: traditions and the modern meaning of the holiday

In modern Russia, the old New Year has lost its religious and agrarian significance, becoming an element of the cultural code. It is perceived as an additional, more peaceful and intimate celebration, devoid of the fuss and obligations typical of the night on January 1.

For many, this is an opportunity to end a series of winter celebrations in an informal setting, meet with loved ones without lavish preparations and finally say goodbye to the old year. The holiday performs the function of a "soft" return to the usual rhythm of life after the New Year holidays. His informality and volunteerism have become the basis of his enduring popularity.

The tradition of celebration persists not only in Russia, but also in a number of other countries where the Julian calendar remains in church use or where post-Soviet cultural ties persist: in Belarus, Serbia, Georgia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Moldova and others. This cultural heritage continues to unite people, emphasizing the commonality of the historical path and traditions.

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