Published: 4-12-2010, 12:17

Christmas in Russia

Christmas in Russia: Christmas Customs in Old Russia

Christmas in Russia: Feasting and Fasting in Old Russia

Christmas in Russia: Christmas under Communism

Christmas in Russia: New Year’s under Communism

Christmas in Russia: Christmas since 1991

Contemporary Russian Christmas celebrations mix traditional folk and religious customs with remnants of the secular celebrations instituted during the Communist era (1917-1991). The traditional Russian Christmas season, called Sviatki, lasted from Christmas to Epiphany, and was marked by feasting, fortune-telling, merrymaking, and religious observance. Since the fall of the Communist government the observance of religious holidays has been increasing. Most Russians who claim a religious affiliation are Orthodox Christians, a branch of the Christian faith known for its ancient and elaborate rituals. Since the Russian Orthodox Church still follows the Julian calendar, Russians celebrate Christmas on January 7 rather than on December 25 (see also Old Christmas Day). Exposure to and adoption of Western Christmas customs has also increased in recent years.

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