Christmas in Russia. National traditions

Christmas is a world holiday, well-known as a day of Jesus Christ's birthday. Although the holiday is celebrated in more than 100 countries around the world, the idea of celebration in Russia is pretty original. So, below I've written the description of Christmas in the eyes of a Russian.

Well, how does Christmas look like?

Early in the morning of the 7th of January 6:00am Russian churches begin to pray for the Son of God. Russians go there  for taking a part in a praying together. On the Chrisnmas Eve Russians used to buy some bisquits, sweets or prepare little money for children going caroling. At early time children (5-15 years) go around their neighbourhood for telling the adults Christmas rhymes. You can be a viewer of this old tradition. It's worth to say every Russian invites caroling children at home because everybody believes children at their home bring happiness. Especially, it's accepted that people looking forward to the children most of all in Christmas are sick people hoping for physical healing.

Also, on Christmas Russian girls used to guess with a mirror and candles to find out what man is going to be their lover. The most peculiar thing is that it's REALLY possible to see the future and find true love. 

The most serious part of Chrismas Eve in Russia is Religious Fasting lasting 40 days and ending on the 6th of January, the day of Russian "Sochelnic". On the Christmas table there're such food as "cutia" made of wheat and rice, Russian "compot"  (a beverage made of fruits´juice and of honey (without sugar)) pancakes, baked duck and meat dishes.

It's just a tiny part of Russian traditions on Christmas.On my lessons I prefer teaching Russian through acquaintance with culture and national traditions!

See on our tial lesson!