Education in Russia

Russian national holidays

New Year (New Year’s Eve from 31 December to 1 January). It is pleasurable to have a tree or branches indoors, to decorate. On old years eve at midnight you can listen to the congratulations of the president and the chime of the clock. It is lovely to serve olivye salad and champagne. Children receive gifts from Ded Moroz (as Santa Claus). Statistically, the favourite holiday of the people is New Year.

The birth of Christ (7th January by the new calendar and the 25th of December by the Julian calendar), it is an orthodox holiday. It is celebrated with a festive dinner. This tradition to celebrate the birth of Christ was reintroduced after the soviet time.

Old New Year (evening of the 13th of January till the 14th in the new calendar and from the 31st of December till the 1st of January in the old calendar). It is similar to New Year but without the address by the president and the chime of the clock. It is unofficial.

Epiphany (19th January in the new calendar), it is an orthodox holiday. The night of the holiday it is tradition to have your water blessed by a priest in church. It’s known that with this holiday very cold weather will be brought as well. It is tradition that one should take 3 dives into cold water through a hole cut in the ice, shaped like a cross.

Day of patriotic protector (23 February). Widely celebrated male holiday, that was introduced in the soviet time. After the soviet time it became a state holiday. Women congratulate men with presents. Congratulations can also be given to women soldiers, or those who took part in wars.

International women’s day (8 march). Officially it was accepted in the soviet time and celebrated by all people. Men congratulate women and give them flowers and gifts.

Shrovetide, the week before the great fasting. It hails from the ancient times. During this period everybody traditionally make and eat pancakes. There are specific traditions applying to each day of the week.

Willow Sunday, orthodox holiday (entry of the Lord into Jerusalem). Usually the indoors are decorated with the branches of the willow tree, symbolizing the palm branches of the welcomers of Jesus Christ.

Easter, orthodox holiday of the Light Sunday of our Lord Jesus Christ. Festive food is Easter cake (cottage cheese with candied fruit) and boiled, coloured eggs. Orthodox people greet each other with ‘Christ has arisen!’ and the ‘Truly arisen’ and kiss 3 times.

Day of victory against Nazi Germany (9 may), officially a holiday all over Russia. People usually attend the graves of the soldiers, who died in World War II and remember their names. The veterans of the war don their war medals and accept the congratulations. On this day there is a military parade in The Red Square. On this day everything is decorated in black and yellow ribbons.

Day of Knowledge (1st September). It is celebrated by students and teachers as the first day of the academic year. Students and parents congratulate the teachers and give them flowers. This holiday has all Russian character.