Russian holidays cover a range of different occasions. Celebrations at home are a priority for many – with one exception: New Year is usually celebrated until January 10. This period includes a celebration of Orthodox Christmas, January 7. Then it gives way to Georgian New Yearon January 14. This date corresponds to January 1 in the Julian calendar, used in Russia before 1918. Russians usually exchange wishes for these three holidays collectively. Religious, official and unofficial holidays follow one by one in January.

The period between January 7 and 19 is called Svyatky (Christmas tidings) and ends with the Epiphany. As the Bible says, Jesus was baptized in the river Jordan. The special feature of this period is the richness of magical ceremonies, divinations (which changed into a rite or just into a game), signs, customs and prohibitions that regulate human behavior. The first reason is that holidays fall on the winter solstice and are recognized as a border between old and new fiscal years. Besides there is a superstition that spirits come to the earth on a first day of Svyatky. Their invisible presence among living people is believed to provide good prospects for the future.

Tatyana’s Day (Student’s Day) on January 25 is probably the only case in history when both clergy and students lay claim to the same day. Each party interprets the holiday in its own way. Rumor conveys Saint Tatyana’s protection to students, though no documentation on this can be found.

February 23, Defenders of the Motherland Day is a day of military glory of Russia.

Maslenitsa (Pancake Week) is an ancient Slavic holiday inherited from pagan culture. It is the most amusing, folky and nourishing holiday, lasting a whole week. Every day has its own name which tells people what they should do on this day. Pancakes is an immutable attribute of Maslenitsa. The culmination of the holiday is the burning in effigy of the Winter doll, the symbol of the end of winter and beginning of spring.

Russian official holidays