What makes Russian New Year so unique? Unlike in many countries, New Year’s Eve is the most important holiday in Russia, filled with ancient traditions, festive meals, and deep cultural significance.
If you’re curious about:
- Why Russians celebrate New Year twice
- Who Ded Moroz and Snegurochka are
- The role of the midnight chimes
Then you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll explore Russia’s most cherished New Year traditions and how they shape this grand celebration.
Get ready to uncover the magic behind Russia’s favorite holiday!
The Origins of Russian New Year Traditions
Russian new year traditions holds great significance, largely due to its history during the Soviet era. Christmas was removed from the official calendar, but its traditions remained too strong to suppress. As a result, many Christmas customs, like feasting, gift-giving, and visiting neighbors, were moved to New Year’s Eve.
The celebration, once held in March, was officially moved to January 1st in 1699 by Peter the Great, and this tradition continues today with a festive celebration on the night of December 31st and January 1st.
Over time, Russian New Year traditions have evolved, combining cultural influences and creating unique customs. Families decorate trees, light fires, and enjoy festive meals like Olivier salad and herring under a fur coat.
The midnight chime of the Kremlin’s bells is a focal point of the celebration, accompanied by champagne toasts and wishes for the new year.
Additionally, Russians now celebrate both the official New Year’s Day and the “Old New Year” on January 14th, due to the difference between the Gregorian and Julian calendars.
How Russian New Year Traditions Came to Be
Russian New Year traditions have developed over centuries, shaped by both cultural and political influences. Originally celebrated in March as a spring festival, New Year’s was moved to September with the adoption of Christianity in the 10th century.
However, it wasn’t until Peter the Great’s reforms in 1700 that New Year’s Day was shifted to January 1st.
The celebrations became more secular, with practices such as decorating a tree, exchanging well wishes, and enjoying family gatherings. Ded Moroz, a winter figure, became a central part of the holiday, akin to Santa Claus, bringing gifts to children.
One of the most unique aspects of Russian New Year traditions is the observance of the “Old New Year” on January 13th/14th. This stems from the shift from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in 1918, causing a two week discrepancy.
Many Russians continue to celebrate the New Year on this older date, especially those in the Orthodox community.
In addition, Russians welcome customs like visiting the banya (a traditional steam bath) for purification and renewal, which symbolizes starting the year with a fresh mind and body. These cherished traditions, from festive meals to family rituals, highlight the joy and cultural richness of Russian New Year celebrations.
See Also Russian Culture vs American Culture
1. Pervy Gost
The Russian New Year tradition of Pervy Gost (First Foot) is believed to determine a household’s fortune for the year ahead. According to this custom, the first person to step into a home after midnight influences the family’s luck.
Similar traditions exist in Scotland and other cultures, where the “first-footer” is welcomed with gifts such as coal or whisky to symbolize warmth and prosperity.
The origins of this practice are uncertain, but some believe it traces back to Viking times when an unexpected visitor could bring either good or bad fortune.
Many aspects of Pervy Gost resemble ancient customs, such as Samhain, a Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season. Just as people once recited verses in exchange for food during Samhain, first footing traditions often involve symbolic gestures to ensure a prosperous year.
Some historians suggest that such customs transferred naturally across winter celebrations, while others believe religious influences adapted pagan practices into modern traditions. Regardless of its origins, Pervy Gost remains a fascinating part of Russian New Year celebrations, blending superstition and festivity.
2. The Russian Santa and His Granddaughter
Ded Moroz, or Father Frost, is the Russian counterpart to Santa Claus, and he brings gifts to children on New Year’s Eve. Unlike Santa, he does not work alone; his granddaughter and helper, Snegurochka (The Snow Maiden), accompanies him.
Together, they travel across Russia’s snowy landscapes, placing gifts under New Year trees. Snegurochka, dressed in silver blue robes and a fur trimmed hat, is a beloved figure at children’s parties, where her arrival is eagerly anticipated.
The character of Snegurochka has deep roots in Russian folklore. Originally a fairy tale figure, she was later incorporated into New Year celebrations as Ded Moroz’s assistant. In old legends, she was the daughter of Spring and Winter, unable to experience love without melting.
Over time, her story developed, and she became an essential part of Russian holiday traditions. Whether seen in festive performances or beautifully painted on souvenirs, Snegurochka remains a cherished symbol of winter in Russian culture.
3. The Magic Stroke of Midnight
In Russia, the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve is a highly anticipated moment filled with tradition and celebration. As the Kremlin’s Spasskaya Tower chimes, families and friends raise a toast with champagne, exchange heartfelt gifts, and admire dazzling fireworks.
The New Year’s arrival is marked by warmth and joy, making it one of the most cherished holidays in the country. Fifteen minutes before midnight, all television channels broadcast the President’s speech, a tradition that many Russians follow before welcoming the new year.
Many Russians also follow unique customs to bring good luck in the coming year. Some write their wishes on small pieces of paper, burn them, and believe their dreams will come true. Others eat as many grapes as possible at midnight, making a wish with each bite.
These traditions, though unofficial, add a touch of magic to the celebration. As the clock strikes twelve, the excitement fills the air, making Russian New Year’s Eve a truly unforgettable experience.
4. The Banya Experience
The Russian banya is much more than a steam bath; it is a deeply established cultural ritual that blends relaxation, social bonding, and even health benefits.
This tradition, particularly popular during New Year celebrations, involves multiple rounds of steaming in the parilka, cooling off in snow or ice water, and undergoing the venik platza; a gentle beating with birch or oak twigs to stimulate circulation.
For centuries, Russians have cherished the banya as a place of rejuvenation, connection, and even spiritual purification. It remains an essential part of life, whether in public bathhouses or private dacha settings.
Beyond its physical benefits, the banya carries rich historical and folkloric significance. In the past, it played a role in major life events such as weddings, childbirth, and mourning rituals. Even today, the communal experience develops a sense of togetherness, making it a cherished social tradition.
The extreme temperature shifts are believed to strengthen the resistant system, a belief supported by historical medical studies. As Russians gather in the banya to welcome the New Year, they welcome both a time honored tradition and a powerful symbol of renewal.
5. “Old New Year” Celebration
The Old New Year is an unofficial yet beloved holiday in Russia, marking the end of the extended New Year celebrations. Although it is not a public holiday, many families still choose to celebrate in their own way. Some prepare a festive dinner, exchange small gifts, or enjoy fireworks and entertainment.
This holiday is unique because it blends modern New Year traditions with Orthodox Christmastide customs, making it a special occasion for many Russians.
The reason behind celebrating New Year twice in Russia dates back to 1918 when the country switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar.
While the official New Year is now celebrated on January 1st, some Russians still observe the “Old” New Year according to the old calendar, which falls on January 14th. For many, this day serves as a symbolic farewell to the holiday season, with some even considering it the right time to finally take down their Christmas tree!
Key Takings about Russian New Year Traditions
1. Pervy Gost: The first guest after midnight is believed to bring luck for the year ahead. A welcome visitor ensures prosperity, while an unlucky one may bring misfortune.
2. The Russian Santa and His Granddaughter: Ded Moroz (Father Frost) delivers gifts with his granddaughter, Snegurochka (The Snow Maiden). Unlike Santa, they travel together, adding a special charm to New Year’s celebrations.
3. The Magic Stroke of Midnight: At midnight, Russians toast with champagne, watch fireworks, and listen to the President’s speech. Some write wishes on paper, burn them, and drink the ashes for luck.
4. The Banya Experience: Many visit the banya (steam bath) before the New Year to cleanse the body and soul. The ritual involves heat, cold plunges, and birch twigs to boost circulation.
5. “Old New Year” Celebration: Due to the old Julian calendar, Russians celebrate New Year again on January 14th. It’s a relaxed farewell to the festive season with small gatherings and meals.
