Christmas dinner in Russia

There are 2.400 billion Christians in the world who celebrate Christmas differently, according to the traditions of each country and Christian denomination to which they belong. On this occasion, we will address how this holiday is celebrated in Russia and what is the typical Christmas dinner in this nation.

The customs that this country has regarding this endearing date are very different from what we are normally used to. Do you want to know more about Christmas in Russia? Keep reading!

When is Christmas celebrated in Russia?

The Christian denominations with the largest number of faithful in the world, the Catholic and the Protestant, celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25. However, the Orthodox Church does not. Despite sharing much of the faith, doctrine, and rites with the above groups, most Orthodox patriarchates celebrate Christmas on January 7. But what is the motive?

In fact, the Orthodox, including the Russians, also celebrate Christmas on December 25. Only they follow the Julian calendar, which is January 7 on the Gregorian calendar.

How is Christmas Eve in Russia?

In the same way that Catholics celebrate Christmas Eve on December 24, Russians do it on January 6. At 10 pm, from the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, the president conducts a traditional ceremony for the entire country.

The Advent Fast

It is well known that Advent takes place before Christmas, a time of preparation for the birth of Christ. In Russia where the Orthodox faith is predominant, Advent takes place from November 28 to January 6. In this stage, a fast is made that culminates on the last day of Advent with a fast throughout the day. It can only be broken and eaten again when believers see the first star.

Christmas dinner in Russia

Speaking of food, Do you know what are the typical dishes eaten at Christmas dinner in Russia? Families often prepare different recipes. These are some of the most common:

• Kutia: One of the main dishes of the party. The ingredients used have a symbolic meaning in the Orthodox religion. Thus the wheat alludes to the resurrection of Christ and the honey evokes eternity. The result is a ritual food to which you can also add nuts, raisins and poppy seeds.
• Roast goose: During Advent it was not allowed to eat meat so that when Christmas came, the Russians passionately prepared dishes with this ingredient to break the fast. Roast geese were one of the most popular dishes.
• Pig: Another dish that is eaten at Christmas dinner in Russia is suckling pig or as the Russians call it the "milky pig". It is served roast with porridge and vegetables. It is typical to take it at the end of Advent to end the fast.
• Coulibiac: This stuffed cake is a hit at any party and is also often served at Christmas dinner in Russia. It can be made from several kinds of different dough with fish, rice, meat, vegetables, mushrooms, eggs. It's like a complete meal in a single piece of cake!

• Vinaigrette: It is a traditional salad prepared with potatoes, carrots, beets, pickles in vinegar and oil. Even today it is still one of the favorite dishes for Christmas dinner in Russia because it is easy to prepare and inexpensive. However, families who want to take the experience of their palates to another level add exquisite fish such as sturgeon.
• Olivier salad: It is another very simple salad to make for the holidays. It has carrot, onion, boiled egg, potato, pickle, sausage and peas. Everything mixed with mayonnaise.
• Goats: This is one of the most popular sweets in Russia during Christmas. These are Christmas cookies made with crunchy gingerbread with syrup and decorated with icing sugar. The most typical forms in which these cookies are presented are angels, Christmas stars, animals and houses. They are also used as a festive decoration.
• vzvar: After the Christmas dinner in Russia this drink is served as dessert. It is prepared in the oven with compote made of fruits and berries that is seasoned with herbs, spices and lots of honey. It is a good alternative to hot wine or punch.

The table is covered with straw, in memory of the place where Jesus was born, and a white tablecloth is placed on top.

What Christmas carols are sung in Russia?

In Russia the typical Christmas carols are replaced by a Slavic song known as Koliadki. This melody is usually sung on Christmas Eve by a group of people on the street dressed in regional costumes.

And how do Russians celebrate Santa Nöel?

In Russia it is not Father Nöel who gives gifts to children by sneaking through the chimneys of their houses but Ded Moroz accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka. This character brings gifts to the little ones on New Year's Day, on the Russian calendar on January 12.

The New Year in Russia

Taking into account that Christmas is on January 7 and Christmas Eve is on January 6, the Russian calendar continues to run and the New Year is celebrated on the night of January 12 to 13. The party is known as "The Old New Year." Curious, right?

Since Soviet times it has been the most important popular festival of the year and on this date the New Year's fir tree is usually adorned, which is crowned with a red star. A communist symbol.

How do Russians have fun at Christmas?

Russians have fun in many ways at Christmas. One of the most typical traditions of Russians to spend the holidays is going to enjoy the ice skating rinks. They are practically everywhere!

For children, wink shows are organized, the main theme of which is the birth of the baby Jesus and which the little ones quite like.

Older people choose to go shopping to find Christmas gifts. Stores and shopping centers are decorated with all kinds of lights, garlands, fir trees, snowmen, etc. Children are usually given toys as in all parts of the world and adults are given books, music, technology, etc.