Christmas in Russia
Prince Vladimir ordered the baptism of Rus' in the late 10th century, establishing Christmas as an official celebration. This event marked the beginning of a long history for the holiday within the region. The Julian calendar dictates that Christmas falls on December 25th according to church tradition. That date corresponds to January 7th on the Gregorian calendar used by most Western societies today. Early Christian communities likely celebrated the birth of Jesus before this official decree arrived. The holiday remains one of twelve Great Feasts recognized by the Russian Orthodox Church. It stands among only four major holidays preceded by a period of fasting.
The Bolsheviks denounced the Christmas tree as a bourgeois German import during the early Soviet period. In 1929, a Stalinist regime decree abolished all religious holidays including Christmas entirely. State policy promoted atheism and discouraged any form of religious celebration across the nation. A surprising political shift occurred in 1935 when many traditions were revived under a secular banner. The Christmas tree became known as the New Year's fir tree for children throughout the Union. Ded Moroz lost his religious significance and appeared instead as a gift-giver for the New Year. Families exchanged candy, books, toys, and clothing without mentioning the holy birth of Christ. Central Asian republics adopted these new customs despite having no historical connection to Christmas.
Christmas returned as an official holiday following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. An atheist named MV Agbunov requested that the Constitutional Court test the constitutionality of January 7th recognition in 1999. The court denied this request based on arguments regarding public holiday laws and constitutional rights. Articles 14, 19, 28, and 29 of the Constitution of Russia did not contain violations according to the judges. A neo-pagan group filed a similar complaint in 2008 claiming state establishment of religion. They argued that recognizing Orthodox Christmas violated the clause stating no religion can be established as state. The court rejected their case because decisions about public holidays fall within Parliament competence. These legal battles confirmed that the holiday status was a matter for legislators rather than constitutional interpretation.
Long church services begin on Christmas Eve which falls on January 6th by the Gregorian calendar. The Royal Hours combine with Vespers and the Divine Liturgy to mark the end of the Nativity Fast. Families return home after these services for the traditional Holy Supper dinner. Devout believers then attend the All Night Vigil followed by Midnight Divine Liturgy at their local churches. Television broadcasts from the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour allow those unable to travel to watch the Patriarch preside over the service. Morning Divine Liturgy takes place again on Christmas Day itself. Since 1992, the ten-day holiday period includes this religious observance alongside secular celebrations. The fasting day requires participants to abstain from meat during the entire evening meal.
Principal dishes on old Russian tables included roasted pig stuffed with herbs or whole fish prepared in large portions. Fried meats and baked chicken were common features due to the capabilities of the traditional Russian oven. Finely sliced pork cooked in pots often accompanied semi-traditional porridge served as a side dish. Pies remained indispensable items including closed pirogi and open vatrushkas filled with various ingredients. Sweet treats like angel wings, honey cakes, and fruit-filled biscuits completed the festive spread. Beverages ranged from drinking broths known as sbiten to Chinese tea introduced in the early 18th century. The twelve-dish menu honored each of the Twelve Apostles without containing any meat products. Goose with apples and sour cream hare provided variety among the many available protein sources.
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Common questions
When does Christmas fall on the Julian calendar in Russia?
Christmas falls on December 25th according to church tradition using the Julian calendar. This date corresponds to January 7th on the Gregorian calendar used by most Western societies today.
Why did the Bolsheviks abolish religious holidays including Christmas in 1929?
The Stalinist regime decree abolished all religious holidays including Christmas entirely in 1929. State policy promoted atheism and discouraged any form of religious celebration across the nation.
Who requested that the Constitutional Court test the constitutionality of January 7th recognition in 1999?
An atheist named MV Agbunov requested that the Constitutional Court test the constitutionality of January 7th recognition in 1999. The court denied this request based on arguments regarding public holiday laws and constitutional rights.
What dishes appear on old Russian tables during the Holy Supper dinner?
Principal dishes on old Russian tables included roasted pig stuffed with herbs or whole fish prepared in large portions. Finely sliced pork cooked in pots often accompanied semi-traditional porridge served as a side dish.
How many Great Feasts does the Russian Orthodox Church recognize for Christmas?
Christmas remains one of twelve Great Feasts recognized by the Russian Orthodox Church. It stands among only four major holidays preceded by a period of fasting.