This December, the Wednesday “take a breaks”
will be about celebrating the Russian holiday season.
Not only do customs and traditions vary throughout Russia, but significant
alterations where made during the Soviet era. Thanks to the influence of the
Tsar, Peter the Great and his travels to Europe, Christmas was celebrated in Russia on
December 25, complete with Christmas trees, gifts and even St. Nicholas. After
the 1917 Revolution, along with other religious holidays, Christmas was banned.
While the religious aspects of the holiday would not reappear again until 1992,
with the fall of communism, in the 1930s, Stalin thought it would create a more
stable society by having rituals and traditions.
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| Father Frost and Snow Maiden |
Reinstating many of the folk customs, the focus was on New Years and not
Christmas. Instead of Santa Claus or St. Nicholas, Ded Moroz, Father Frost, who
is often accompanied by his granddaughter and helper Snegurochka, Snow Maiden,
brings the presents on New Years Eve. The tree, complete with decorations,
lights and stars, is also reserved for New Years.
The Christmas season begins November 28 and goes until January 6. All dates
are given according to the Old Style calendar used by the Russian Orthodox
Church, which is 13 days later than the secular calendar. The official
Christmas and New Years holiday in Russia lasts from Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve)
to January 10 but some Russians are now observing Christmas on December
25. Learn more by watching the two part
series How to Celebrate Russian Christmas.
Try the following projects
Paper Tree: This is from Finland, which is very close to Russia. After you’ve printed your tree
pattern, cut in half, using the guide lines at the top and bottom lengthwise.
Fold two sheets of 81/2 X 11 paper lengthwise. On the folds, line up the
template and hold in place with paper clips. While the directions call for
sewing the two trees together, tape will also work.
• Snowflake Ballerinas : Sugar Plum fairies ala "The Nutcracker.
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