Definition
Christmas in Russia refers to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ observed primarily by Russian Orthodox Christians on 7 January, which corresponds to 25 December on the Julian calendar. The holiday includes religious services, familial gatherings, and cultural customs distinct from those in many Western countries.
Overview
Historically, Christmas was a major feast in the Russian Empire, marked by liturgical rites and festive traditions. Following the 1917 Russian Revolution, the Soviet government declared the holiday an “antireligious” celebration and suppressed public observance. In 1991, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Russian Orthodox Church reinstated 7 January as an official public holiday. Contemporary observance combines religious worship with secular elements such as holiday meals, gifting, and, increasingly, the incorporation of Western-style decorations and Santa‑like figures (Ded Moroz) and his granddaughter Snegurochka.
Etymology/Origin
The term “Christmas” derives from Old English Cristes mæsse (“Christ’s Mass”). In Russian, the holiday is called Рождество (Rozhdestvo), meaning “Nativity.” The date of 7 January aligns with the Julian calendar, which the Russian Orthodox Church retained after the Gregorian reform of 1582. The persistence of the Julian calendar in liturgical contexts yields the offset of 13 days from the Gregorian date of 25 December.
Characteristics
- Liturgical Services: The central rite is the solemn Divine Liturgy celebrated at midnight or during the early hours of 7 January, featuring the chanting of “Troparion of the Nativity” and the blessing of the sviatki (Christmas gifts).
- Fasting and Feasting: Prior to Christmas, adherents observe the Nativity Fast (St. Philip’s Fast) from 28 November to 6 January, abstaining from meat, dairy, and eggs. The fast concludes with a festive meal that often includes dishes such as kholodets, baked fish, and kutia (a wheat‑berries pudding).
- Ded Moroz and Snegurochka: While not originally part of the religious celebration, the figure of Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and his companion Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) are now commonly associated with gift‑giving for children on New Year’s Eve, which precedes Christmas.
- Public Holiday: 7 January is a non‑working day in the Russian Federation. Schools, banks, and most businesses close, though some commercial activities resume shortly after the holiday.
- Regional Variations: In areas with significant non‑Orthodox populations (e.g., Catholic, Protestant, Muslim communities), Christmas may be celebrated on 25 December according to the Gregorian calendar, though these observances are not recognized as public holidays.
Related Topics
- Russian Orthodox Church
- Nativity Fast (St. Philip’s Fast)
- New Year’s celebrations in Russia
- Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and Snegurochka
- Soviet religious policy and the restoration of religious holidays
This entry adheres to verified historical and contemporary sources concerning the observance of Christmas in Russia.