Traditions of the Old New Year in Russia: What you need to know

Calendar paradoxes sometimes create amazing cultural phenomena. A rare holiday can boast of such an unusual name, combining seemingly opposite concepts – old and new. This unique holiday, celebrated on the night of January 13-14, has become an integral part of Russian culture.Every unusual holiday has its own story, and the Old New Year is no exception. Its appearance is associated with the transition of Russia from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in 1918, when the difference between the calendars was 13 days. This transition has created a special tradition – the opportunity to celebrate New Year's holidays twice.Lavish Evening: Feast traditions The Old New Year traditionally begins with a special dinner known as "lavish kutia" or "lavish evening". On this day, the tables are set especially richly, following an old belief: the more generous the food, the more prosperous the year will be. The housewives prepare traditional dishes, among which a special place is occupied by:- Baked piglet or pork dishes, symbolizing prosperity- Wheat cakes with poppy seeds and honey – a symbol of the unity of generations- Dumplings with surprises, predicting the future- Pancakes with various fillings as a symbol of the sun and warmth After a festive meal, it is customary to keep the remnants of the treat until the morning, which symbolizes continuity and prosperity in the house for the whole year.Rituals and signs of winter Yuletide The Old New Year falls in the middle of Yuletide week, which gives the holiday a special mystical character. In villages and small towns, the traditions of caroling are still preserved – the ritual circumambulation of houses with songs and good wishes. There are certain rules for this evening:- Before the celebration, it is customary to put the house in order - All the lamps should be lit in the house, symbolizing prosperity - The first guest in the house should be a man – this promises good luck - Quarrels and conflicts on this day are strictly prohibited, each element of the celebration has a deep meaning associated with folk beliefs and centuries-old traditions.Modern interpretation of traditions Nowadays, the Old New Year has acquired a new sound, becoming a kind of bridge between historical heritage and modernity. The holiday allows those who did not have time to meet their loved ones on New Year's Eve to gather at a festive table. City dwellers bring their own elements to the celebration:- Organization of themed parties with elements of ancient rituals - Creation of author's variations of traditional dishes - Holding family meetings with stories about ancestral traditions - Revival of the custom of fortune-telling among close friends - The atmosphere of the holiday encourages unhurried conversations and strengthening family ties.A special holiday in the Russian calendar, the Old New Year, is not just a tribute to tradition, but a unique cultural phenomenon that combines historical heritage with modern forms of celebration. This holiday provides an opportunity to touch upon centuries-old traditions, to rethink their meaning in a modern context.This holiday organically intertwines folk customs and new traditions, which makes it especially valuable for preserving cultural identity. The Old New Year remains one of the most soulful holidays, reminding of the importance of preserving the connection between generations and cultural heritage. Les offres promotionnelles font partie des éléments les plus recherchés par les nouveaux joueurs, car elles permettent d’accéder à des avantages supplémentaires dès l’ouverture du compte. Ces promotions sont généralement limitées dans le temps et nécessitent un code spécifique. En entrant un code promo 1xbet inscription lors de l’inscription, il est possible d’activer un package incluant 1950 € + 150 tours gratuits pour découvrir différents jeux.