Праздники России ( на английском)
Holidays of Russia.
Russian holidays it is the holidays of
Russian people connected with widespread national traditions of their carrying
out. For a long time already in Russia there was a set of remarkable holidays.
People drove round dances, sang songs, and lived not boringly. Every day, what
that - a holiday. But gradually traditions and holidays varied. In Russia there
are also state holidays. As state eight national holidays, first of all, are
called, are recognized non-working, holidays, namely: New Year of the first and
on second of January and a Christmas on seventh of January. The international
women's day on eighth of March, the Holiday of Spring and work of the first and
on second of May, a Victory Day on ninth of May, Independence Day of Russia on
twelfth of June, the Day of accord and reconciliation on seventh of November,
the Constitution day of the Russian Federation on twelfth of December. For the
state holidays, in Russia now, the combination of what remained from the
previous historical periods, and new, come to a life finding by the country of
the sovereignty and change of a political system is characteristic.
New Year
In Russia a great number of Russians, with
hunting celebrating Christmas, prefer New Year. Winter holidays are tightened
for some weeks: at first we mark the western Christmas, then New Year, then
orthodox Christmas, and then old New Year. But nevertheless a favorite holiday
in this long train of celebrations - New Year, mark in the night from December,
31st for January, 1st. It is the holiday most ancient and most favorite among
Russians.
The main attributes of celebrating of New Year
it: a live fur-tree (the truth, in modern Russia the artificial fur-tree -
because of availability and possibility of reusable use is preferred), various
Christmas-tree decorations, and also obligatory gifts for favorite and close
people. The main characters, it is possible to tell, heroes of a holiday are
Father Frost and the Snow Maiden - without them cannot manage not only mass
celebrating, but also a private congratulation that madly pleases children.
The basic dishes on a celebratory table
make salads, hot, fruit (tangerines) and a considerable quantity of spirits (in
particular champagne). Any New Year does not do without fireworks, Bengal
fires, crackers and salutes.
In comparison with other world, Russia
actively celebrates two New Year's holidays. One in the night from December,
thirty first for January, first, and the second, "Old New year" on
thirteenth of January that surprises foreigners got on New Year's holidays to
Russia as at the majority of the countries arrival of New year means much, only
change of a calendar cycle and widely it is not marked (celebrated), attaching
special significance to Christmas. Now it seems to us that so was always. But
the tradition of a meeting of New Year is much younger, than in the countries
of Europe. New Year in Ancient Russia, as well as at many other people, began
in March and merged with the pagan holiday of a pancake week marking a
seeing-off of winter and a meeting of spring. In the tenth century with
Christianity acceptance to Russia has come юлианский a
calendar on which year began on first of September. But only in the end of the
fifteenth century this date began to be marked (celebrated) officially as the
beginning of church and civil New Year. And only Peter I, carrying out calendar
reform, in 1700 has established (installed) the beginning of New Year since
January, 1st. The special decree Peter I demanded solemn and cheerful
celebrating of this event. Moscow, therefore all celebrating was capital then
passed (took place) on Red Square. However since 1704 of a celebration have
been transferred (carried) to northern capital. However, in those days not
feast and national гуляния was the main thing. By
January, 1st of the house of grandees and commoners were decorated by fur-tree
or pine branches which needed to be dressed up not toys, as now, and fruit,
vegetables, nuts and even eggs. And all products were not only an ornament, but
also symbols: apples were a symbol of fertility, egg a symbol of harmony and
full well-being. Since then the meeting of New Year with a green fur-tree,
needles, and then with Father Frost and the Snow Maiden became on first of
January traditional in our country. Old New Year is the holiday marked
(celebrated) according to New Year on юлианскому to a
calendar (now in the night from 13 for January, 14th) and being, as a matter of
fact, a historical echo of change of chronology. It (He) is known and popular
in Russia though it is marked (celebrated) also in Serbia, Switzerland and some
other countries. It (He) is marked (celebrated) in a greater degree by those
who could not meet New Year on thirty first of December. And also the Russian
orthodox Christians who observe from November, twenty till January, sixth the
Christmas post and which to meet New year on Julian sky style more conveniently
not to break instructions of the Christmas post.
Christmas
Since 1991 as the state
holiday the Christmas marked in Russia on seventh of January has been restored.
The announcement of an orthodox religious holiday a day off in such
multinational country as Russia has demanded the flexible mechanism of the
account of national and religious traditions of all people. Every time when we
step over a threshold of New Year, on a shower it becomes especially warm,
because in some days there will come the Christmas Holiday! A Christmas -
surprising time when heart is filled with miracle expectation... And this
miracle occurs! «The Christ is born, glorify! » - Rushes over the Universe, -
«the Christ from heavens, meet! » - All world sings of glory of the Creator.
Angelic forces and mankind - together glorify what love has no borders. And,
probably, therefore a Christmas name «Winter Easter». Each of us tries to spend
this day not how any another: to present good and love to the loved one, to
become better, and the most important thing - is closer to God. On January, 6th
at 12 o'clock in the morning solemn divine service in orthodox temples begins.
And on January, 7th it is accepted to congratulate friends and native on this
light holiday. Unlike Europeans who aspire to note Christmas in the bosom of
the family, and even doors close, in Russia it is accepted to hold doors opened
that all who wishes to celebrate Christmas came, to share celebratory pleasure.
Christmas eve has received the name "Christmas Eve", and a word it
occurs from the ritual food tasted this day – сочива, porridges from red wheat or barley, a rye, гречихи, mixed
with honey and with almond and маковым juice.
The food in Christmas Eve could not be accepted
to the first star, in memory of the Bethlehem star, announced to magicians
about Christmas of the Savior. And with approach of twilight when the first
star lighted up, sat down a table and shared облатками, wishing each other all kind and light.
Christmas - a holiday
when all family together gathers behind the big table. The table prepared the
plentiful. Pancakes, fish dishes, aspic, студень from pork and beef legs. A fragrant dairy pig
with a stuffing from porridge, a pork head with a horse-radish, pork sausage
house, roast, honey spice-cakes, сбитень and, of course, a fried goose.
Christmas-tide begins
with Christmas – continuous holidays which last before Kreshchensky Christmas
Eve and are accompanied by walks, visiting native and friends, masquerades. In
olden time it was accepted колядовать.
The sparrow flies, by a
tail twirls. And you, people, know tables dim.
Visitors accept,
Christmas meet!
On the Christmas-tide
in Russia it was from time immemorial accepted рядиться, to arrange cheerful games, to go on houses, to
awake sleeping, to congratulate all passers on sun turn for the summer, and
later, after Christianity acceptance, with Christmas, to joke, sing songs. Came
to an end колядки with a general fun, driving from hills, the general feast.
Svjatochnye guessing is
various and numerous. Girls, sometimes under the direction of the senior women
were engaged in them. Whether and interested them they, first of all, will
marry next year or remain in girls will be rich or poor, in general, will be
live or will die. Therefore very many guessing связанны with searches of the promised.
After Celebrating of
New year, the Christmas will come to Russia. Remains to very few times to meet
a holiday according to Russian traditions, cheerfully and hospitably.
Christening of Gospodne
(Sacred Epiphany)
On January, 19th
Russians celebrate Kreshchenie Gospodne. In memory that this day Jesus Christ
has accepted a christening in the river Jordan, in orthodox temples water which
parishioners store then the whole year is consecrated. From temples to
cross-shaped ice-holes pass religious processions. Believers plunge into
ice-holes, symbolizing it a christening ceremony. Besides, it is considered
that bathing for the Christening helps to recover from various illnesses. An
Epiphany - one of twelve basic (great) orthodox holidays.
On twenty fifth of
January Russians celebrate Day of the student or Tatiana day. The decree
empress Elizabeth Petrovnoj January, twelfth, 1755 on Tatiana day has signed
the decree «About establishment of the Moscow university». Since then on
twelfth of January students celebrate the holiday – Day of students and sacred
Tatyana became the patroness of all students. In the nineteenth century since
January, twelfth a student's vacation began. This day it was accepted to
arrange celebrations on which awards under solemn speeches were distributed.
Then it is day named not Tatiana day, and «Day of the basis of the Moscow
University». Celebrated Day of the student in the beginning only in Moscow. Гуляния passed
very magnificently and consisted of two parts. At first there was an official
part, and then the holiday passed to streets in which all inhabitants of
capital took participation. Nicolay’s decree of the first had been signed the
certificate about university establishment, instead of its opening. Thanks to its
students had a holiday – Day of the student. Day of the student – celebrate and
now. It put modern youth celebrates also it is noisy and it is cheerful, as
hundred years ago. The poor student never will miss the chance to shirk study,
but according to popular wisdom, from its infinite celebration distracts only
time.
Day sacred Valentine (Valentine day)
Love!
When both sad and funny.
Love! When do not like, anyway.
Love! Although not the favorite name.
Love! Love thy will understand.
Love! His heart command.
Love! His love of expensive.
Love! When the terms of good and evil.
Love! And should not it be otherwise!
On fourteenth of February - an especial holiday. It is
known as Valentine’s Day - a holiday of all enamored. It is one of few foreign
holidays whom it is successful at us has got accustomed and every year becomes
more and more mass. It is possible to consider it joint - both men, and female.
It can celebrate at any age, after all the love does not have borders. Loving
couples mark this romantic holiday all over the world. As it is known, the name
to this holiday was given by simple Christian priest Valentine who secretly
crowned enamored legionaries, for what has been executed.
As the Christian martyr
priest Valentine for the belief has been canonized by church. In 496 year on
fourteenth of February by the Pope has been declared in the Afternoon of sacred
Valentine. In Russia and the CIS countries Day of sacred Valentine is marked
from the beginning of the ninetieth years of the twentieth century.
On February, 23rd Day of the defender of fatherland
On twenty third of
February in Russia it is accepted to congratulate men on Day of the defender of
Fatherland (the holiday was marked for the first time at the time of Soviet
Union and it is marked now in Russia, in Ukraine, in Belarus and Dnestr
region). This day we pay a tribute of respect and thanks to those who
courageously protected the native earth from aggressors, and also that who in a
peace time draws hard and responsible duty. Informally the holiday is
considered day of men which accept congratulations since February, twenty third
not only from an opposite sex, but also from friends and colleagues. For the
first time the holiday was marked in 1922 and «Day of Red army» was called. With
1946 on 1993 it was called «Day of the Soviet Army and Navy fleet». For today
on twenty third of February according to the Federal law of the Russian
Federation «About days of military glory (victorious days) Russia» (1995) is
called as Day of the defender of Fatherland. In 2002 the State Duma of the
Russian Federation has made decision to make on twenty third of February the
day off.
Pancake week
Pancake week - one of
the most joyful and light holidays. The whole week the people see off the
bothered winter, bake pancakes and visit. A pancake week for us, as a carnival
for Italians. As in a translation from Italian "carnival" is meant
«by beef, farewell! ». And the pancake week previous the Lent, long since was
called as "Mjasopustom" as this week it was forbidden to eat meat.
Some historians consider that in the ancient time the Pancake week was связанна with
day of a spring solstice, but with acceptance of Christianity it began to
anticipate the Lent and to depend on its terms. On every day buttered week there
were certain ceremonies. On Monday – the Pancake week meeting, on Tuesday -
folk tunes. On the gourmand that is on Wednesday of buttered week the
mother-in-law invited to pancakes of sons-in-law with wives. Especially this
custom was observed concerning young, recently got married. For certain from
here expression «to the mother-in-law on pancakes» also has gone. On wide
Thursday there were the most crowded санные driving. On Friday - mother-in-law's вечерки -
sons-in-law called the mother-in-law on an entertainment. Saturday was taken
away золовкиным to a sit-round gathering. Sunday was called «прощеным in the
afternoon». This day all visited relatives, friends and acquaintances,
exchanged kisses, bows and were sorry each other if have offended words or
acts.
Women's day 8 Martha
On eighth of March -
"the International women's day", a holiday of spring and attention to
the woman. This day we do not work, and ours "fine halves" wait from
us for signs on attention, colours and gifts. We rejoice to a holiday. Passes
time, the sense of a holiday varies, and we sometimes wonder: what, actually,
and what for we celebrate? The beginning to the International women's day which
today mark donation of gifts, colours and poetic посвящениями to women, was
put not less by the celebrated personality - Clara Tsetkin. The beginning of
celebrating of the International women's day in day on March, 8th has begun
since 1911. For the first time the holiday to women, has been celebrated in
Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Sweden. Russia has joined this list since 1913.
As a result of activity of the International female organisation for protection
of the rights of women, in 1985 in 88 countries of the world recognised the
right of women and have stopped fair sex discrimination in the decision of
political and other questions. The international women's day has been
celebrated for the first time in Russia – in Petersburg in 1913 In May, 1965 on
March, 8th has been declared by a day off. In the USSR and new Russia the
holiday 8 Martha was and remains to one of the most favourite.
Day of laughter
Custom to have fun and
deceive each other on first of April exists in many countries. "Day of
laughter" or "Day дурашка" - so call this holiday and mark it in
spite of the fact that it is not brought in one official calendar of
significant events. In Russia, according to historians and ethnographers,
celebrating on first of April - an echo of pagan rite in honour of arrival of
spring. Being afraid of "old woman-winter", wishing it to banish more
likely, our ancestors changed clothes in skins of animals, put on masks that
she has not learnt offenders, with songs and dancings burnt its stuffed animal
and met the beauty-spring. Besides, in Russia considered that the malicious
demon on first of April wakes up, and consequently it is necessary to deceive
in every possible way each other to confuse him.
Easter Christ's Christ Voskresi! Truly Voskresi!
Light Christ's Revival
has come to Russia - the most important orthodox holiday. This day special and
familiar to us since the childhood. We learn it on brightly painted chicken
яичкам, on is tasty to the smelling Easter cakes covered with a multi-coloured
crumb on white glaze and on special joyful persons of people, coming back of a
temple. Orthodox such holiday consider as the most important thing and name a
holiday of holidays — Easter. Orthodox Easter in Russia is marked on the first
Sunday after a spring equinox and a March full moon. Easter still name a life
holiday, and even inveterate atheists are reserved by an onions peel for a
paint of eggs and with pleasure knead celebratory Easter cakes. Easter — a
holiday, drawing the beauty and improbable atmosphere of all: big and small,
believing and doubting. A church celebration of the most important holiday of
the orthodox people really grandiosely. And preparation for celebrating begins
beforehand. On Saturday believers bear Easter cakes in church, eggs and Easter
for consecration without which the Easter cake remains simply rich bread, and
egg — will lose the symbolical value. By the way, many people on ignorance name
the baked Easter cakes which are on sale on the eve of a holiday in many shops
— Easter. Not to get to awkward position it is necessary to know that Easter is
a dish from cottage cheese with every possible additives. It unlike Easter
cakes is not baked.
Divine service in a
temple begins with canon and religious procession reading. In churches time has
begun divine services can be various. In the main temple of Volgograd the Kazan
cathedral canon reading begins, approximately at 23.15 — 23.30. The people coming
in the night from Saturday to Sunday in a temple on Easter divine service,
become witnesses of the sacred action not similar on any others. Before its
beginning in temples all fixtures are lighted, believing stand with candles,
and there is no more brightly and more joyfully a service, than in night of
Revival of Jesus Christ.
In days of old solemn
Divine service was made in the presence of the tsar who upon termination of a
ceremony did not shun христосоваться with boyars and court. Христосоваться it
is accepted not only in day of Easter, but also the next days. Meeting people
should kiss and exchange by all means red яичками. Before it it is necessary to
say: «Christ Voskresi!». Or to answer: «Truly Voskresi!». After all Easter is a
holiday of Revival of the Christ. Such greetings people announce a victory of a
life eternal over death. Under the legend Maria Magdalina has presented the
first Easter egg to the Roman emperor Tiberiju. It has come to Rome with a
great joyful message about Revival of the Christ. Maria was poor and, without
having anything, except the belief, joyfully having exclaimed: «Christ
Voskresi!», has presented to the emperor a usual egg. Тиберий was sceptical
about words of the woman, having doubted that someone can revive from the dead.«
Also it is difficult to believe in it, as that this egg can become red! »- the
emperor has told and has not believed to the eyes: egg in his hands wonderfully
became scarlet. Since then traditional red Easter eggs symbolise blood of the
Christ and are the Revival symbol. For children Easter eggs a wonderful
entertainment and an occasion to play pranks. Games on разбивание eggs and
their driving carry away all children, looking on which adults rejoice.
The pleasure
distinguishes Easter from all other holidays. Not that pleasure that that
pleasure is received from fair quantity of strong drinks in a New Year's eve,
not that comes with reception of expensively gift at date of enamoured, and
pleasure of that a life is fine that it does not come to an end that it
proceeds eternally. Easter — a life holiday! A holiday when «the soul Russian
as though is dissolved and softened in warm beams of Christ's love», reviving
for good deeds and light thoughts.
Holiday of spring and work
On first of May it was
celebrated in the Russian empire for the first time in 1890 in Warsaw, and in
1891 already in capital - in St.-Petersburg.
Its first name - Day of
the international solidarity of workers. In Soviet Union a holiday often named
simply on number – on first of May.
In the Russian
Federation it is marked, as a holiday of Spring and Work.
As though it named –
Day of solidarity of workers or a holiday of spring and work, for many on first
of May traditionally symbolizes revival and arrival of spring.
The big emotional charge
which it bears in itself (himself) is connected not only with sensation of
spring awakening of the nature, but also with perception on first of May as the
general celebration rallying all Russians. "A mass holiday" on first
of May became in the USSR. And it really was the holiday for the workers who
have received in addition two days off. May гуляния passed on all country. This day people amicably
went on demonstration with headers and colours. The celebratory table was
obligatory attribute of the 1st of May.
On May, 9th - a Victory Day!
On May, 9th, 1945
Russian people have gained a great victory over the aggressor. The tests,
fallen to a lot of our people were rather fiery.
Here half a century a
Victory Day already there is more serves as a strong, indissoluble thread
between us, present generation, and generation of front-line soldiers, military
workers, winners. The Victory Day is a proof of that Russians - special,
surprisingly strong nation. And however many has passed years and how many the
words full thanks and love, has not sounded, the young generation always will
be in eternal to a debt to veterans.
In 2005 60 years of the
Victory in the Great Patriotic War were executed. The basic celebratory actions
devoted to this date, have taken place 8 - on May, 10th in Moscow. The capital
of Russia has accepted tens foreign delegations from all continents led by
heads of the states and the governments. In the Russian regions 9-og May marked
the Victory 60 anniversary in the Great Patriotic War. On celebrations on the
occasion of an anniversary informs ITAR-TASS.
Ten thousand
inhabitants of Kursk have come today to a memorial fallen in days of the Great
Patriotic War to pay a tribute of memory to heroes and to assign flowers to
their tombs. So populous celebrations in a Victory Day many years here were not
observed. On Red Square of Kursk military parade and solemn meeting has taken
place.
On a main square of
Samara - the areas of Kuibyshev - today for the first time for last 4 years
there has passed military parade. It was opened by 120 veterans of the Great
Patriotic War. Dressed in the field form and groundsheets they have solemnly
passed on the area on реставрированных trucks of wartime ГАЗ-67. After
them a smart march have passed one and a half thousand military men of the
Second Guards army deployed in territory of the Samara region.
Aerobatic manoeuvres in
the sky over a city were shown by pilots of country council РОСТО. All
interested persons by tradition treated with soldier's porridge.
Ten thousand калининградцев
have come today to a sacred place for all - to a memorial to 1200
heroes-guardsmen - to pay a memory tribute to the Soviet soldiers who were lost
in days of the Great Patriotic War.
It is the first
memorial, erected in Soviet Union in honour of the fallen heroes upon
termination of war. It has immortalised a feat of the Red Army men who were
lost at storm of a fortified city of Kenigsberg is equal a month before the
Great Victory. On the eve of a holiday reconstruction of a memorial to which in
September 60 years will be executed has been finished.
Celebratory
celebrations have passed in Tver - the first regional centre, released from
fascist aggressors.
Thousand townspeople,
despite a rain, have passed in colourful columns the central city streets. When
meeting has begun and greetings to veterans have begun to sound, the rain has
stopped, the sun has looked out.
"Words of a
congratulation to front-line soldiers, workers of back in an especial way sound
on our Tver earth. In frosty December of 41st Kalininsky offensive operation
has begun. It was a component of the plan of defeat of fascist armies near
Moscow", - the mayor of Tver Oleg Lebedev has told on meeting. It has
reminded that Kalinin (Tver) became the first regional centre released from
fascist aggressors.
The enemy has had here
the big losses - more than 10 thousand killed and wounded men.
With solemn поминальных
ceremonies on military burial places celebrating of the 60 anniversary of the
Great Victory in Arkhangelsk has begun today. Thousand people почтили memory
fallen also have assigned flowers to their tombs. In territory of the front
Arkhangelsk region 31 military hospitals on 16 thousand cots has been developed.
Hundreds fighters have died here of wounds and illnesses.
After all ceremonies
and возложений colours, people disperse. In the evening at ten o'clock
start to give salute in honour of a Victory Day. People leave on streets and
admire on beautiful fireworks.
Day of mother (Mum's day) in Russia
In Russia to mark «Day
of mother» became rather recently. Though it is impossible to argue that this
holiday - an eternity holiday: from generation to generation for each person
mum – the most important person in a life. Becoming mother, the woman opens in
itself better qualities: kindness, love and care. The new holiday – «Day of
Mother» - gradually gets accustomed in Russia. Based by the President of the
Russian Federation on January, 30th, 1998, it is celebrated last Sunday
November, doing justice to parent work and their disinterested victim for the
sake of the blessing of children. And it is correct: how many good, kind words
it has been told to mums, how many occasions for this purpose have thought up,
superfluous they will not be. Among the numerous holidays marked in our
country, «Day of Mother» takes a special place. It is a holiday to which nobody
can remain indifferent. This day it would be desirable to tell gratitude words
to all Mothers who give to children love, good, tenderness and caress. Thanks
you!. And let to each of you tell warm words your favourite children more! Let
on their persons the smile and joyful sparkles is shone sparkle in eyes, when
you together! The Russian mothers were distinguished always by generosity of
soul, fidelity, self-sacrifice, love and great patience. And today they
carefully store the family centre, learn children to good, mutual
understanding, morals. Day of mother answers the best traditions of the
relation of Russians to motherhood, unites all layers of the Russian society on
ideas of good and honouring of the woman-mother.
Day of mother — a
holiday youngish. It yet has no established traditions, in the family circle
very few people marks it. But, we hope that in due course value of this day
will increase, because on sense and the maintenance it is the most sacred
holiday.