When Do Russians Celebrate Christmas? Date, History, Traditions, and Significance
Introduction
When people around the world think of Christmas, they usually imagine December 25, filled with sparkling trees, gift-giving, and family gatherings. However, not every country celebrates Christmas on the same date. In Russia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7, not December 25. This difference is rooted in religious tradition, calendar systems, and centuries of cultural evolution. In this article, we explore the date, history, traditions, religious significance, and modern practices of Russian Christmas.
Why Do Russians Celebrate Christmas on January 7?
The Calendar Difference: Julian vs. Gregorian
The primary reason for Russia celebrating Christmas on January 7 lies in the calendar used by the Russian Orthodox Church. While most of the Western Christian world follows the Gregorian calendar, the Russian Orthodox Church adheres to the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 B.C.
The Julian calendar is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar. As a result, December 25 on the Julian calendar falls on January 7 in the Gregorian calendar. This date is recognized as Orthodox Christmas Day in Russia and in other Orthodox Christian countries like Serbia, Georgia, Ukraine, Ethiopia, and parts of the Middle East.
A Brief History of Christmas in Russia
Pre-Revolutionary Russia
Before the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, Christmas in Russia was a widely celebrated religious and cultural event. People attended church services, decorated homes with icon corners, and prepared elaborate meals. It was both a spiritual and festive occasion.
Soviet Era: Suppression of Religion
After the Bolsheviks came to power, the Soviet government officially banned religious holidays. From the 1920s onward, Christmas celebrations were discouraged, and religious observances were suppressed. Churches were closed, and Christmas trees were renamed “New Year’s trees” (Novogodnaya Yolka) to align with the Soviet secular ideology.
Revival of Christmas Post-1991
With the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, religious freedom was restored. The Russian Orthodox Church regained its place in public life, and Christmas on January 7 once again became a public and religious holiday. Though New Year’s Eve (December 31) remains the most festive event of the season, Christmas has grown steadily in popularity.
Russian Orthodox Christmas Traditions
1. Christmas Eve (January 6)
On January 6, Orthodox Christians observe Sochelnik or Christmas Eve. It is a day of strict fasting, where believers often abstain from meat and dairy until the appearance of the first star in the sky, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.
- The Christmas Eve meal traditionally includes 12 meatless dishes, representing the 12 apostles.
- Popular foods: Kutya (sweet grain pudding), borscht, pickled vegetables, mushroom dishes, and honey-based desserts.
- Families gather for a symbolic dinner and often read scriptures or sing carols (Kolyadki).
2. Church Services
Christmas is a deeply religious event in Russia. On the night of January 6 to 7, a midnight liturgy is held in Orthodox churches across the country.
- The main service is led by the Patriarch of Moscow and broadcast nationally from the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow.
- Services include chants, incense, candlelight, and icons, creating a mystical and spiritual atmosphere.
3. January 7: Christmas Day
On the morning of January 7, families celebrate by:
- Attending morning church services.
- Enjoying a festive meal (no longer restricted by fasting).
- Visiting relatives and neighbors.
- Exchanging small gifts (though gift-giving is more common on New Year’s).
Common Russian Christmas Symbols
❖ The Nativity Icon
The Nativity icon holds central importance in Orthodox Christmas. Rather than Nativity scenes or crèches, Russians venerate icons depicting the birth of Christ.
❖ Yolka (Christmas Tree)
Though originally suppressed during the Soviet period, the decorated fir tree has made a comeback. Today, trees are often decorated for both New Year and Christmas.
❖ Svyatki (Holy Days)
From January 7 to January 19 (Epiphany), this festive period is known as Svyatki. It includes:
- Fortune-telling rituals
- Folk songs and dances
- Masked parades and plays
- Traditional foods and visiting
Difference Between New Year and Christmas in Russia
| Feature | New Year (Jan 1) | Christmas (Jan 7) |
|---|---|---|
| Date | January 1 | January 7 (Julian Calendar) |
| Focus | Secular celebration, parties | Religious and spiritual observance |
| Characters | Ded Moroz (Father Frost), Snegurochka | Jesus Christ, Nativity icons |
| Traditions | Fireworks, champagne, gifts | Church service, fasting, prayers |
| Importance | Most widely celebrated | Growing in popularity post-1991 |
Is Russian Christmas a Public Holiday?
Yes, January 7 is a national public holiday in Russia. Government offices, schools, and many businesses remain closed. The holiday season typically lasts from December 31 to January 8, covering both New Year and Christmas celebrations.
How Christmas Is Celebrated in Russian Regions
- Moscow & St. Petersburg: Lavish decorations, public Christmas markets, concerts, and nativity processions.
- Rural Areas: Traditional customs like caroling, bonfires, and community feasts.
- Orthodox Christian Communities Abroad: Russian diaspora in countries like the USA, Germany, and Canada celebrate January 7 with special church services.
Wishes and Greetings in Russian for Christmas
Here are some common Russian Christmas greetings:
- С Рождеством Христовым! (S Rozhdestvom Khristovym!) – Merry Christmas!
- Желаю вам мира, любви и радости! – Wishing you peace, love, and joy!
- Светлого и благословенного Рождества! – A bright and blessed Christmas!
Conclusion
Christmas in Russia, celebrated on January 7, is a powerful blend of faith, history, and cultural revival. While New Year’s Eve dominates as the biggest holiday, Christmas is regaining its spiritual significance, especially among younger generations seeking tradition and identity. Rooted in the Julian calendar and preserved by the Russian Orthodox Church, it offers a glimpse into the country’s rich religious heritage and unique festive customs.
As the church bells ring at midnight and the first star appears in the winter sky, Russian Christmas remains a serene, sacred, and deeply meaningful observance.
